Münster: Wonderful Christmas Time

The X-MS Christmas Market is Münster’s newest and most modern festive market. Under the motto “From Münster for Münster”, it focuses on regional and sustainable products. Its contemporary stalls showcase locally made gifts, innovative crafts, and delicious modern cuisine — all sourced from Münster and the surrounding Münsterland region.

Located right in the heart of Münster, Münster Arkaden has been a favorite shopping destination since its opening in 2005. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Kleihues + Kleihues, the modern glass-and-stone structure blends harmoniously with the historic façades of the Prinzipalmarkt on one side and the Picasso Museum on the other.

During the Christmas season, the gallery transforms into a winter wonderland — beautifully decorated with sparkling light displays, elegant garlands, and a majestic Christmas tree. Don’t miss the Danish lifestyle store Søstrene Grene in the basement, where you’ll find plenty of creative holiday ideas and gifts. The large Thalia bookstore offers a wide selection of wall calendars, along with an excellent range of English-language books and international magazines. In the center of the gallery, you’ll find a stylish bistro serving delicious specialties from the famous Holstein Delikatessen. For a sweet treat, stop by Eiscafé Milano, a popular ice cream shop that completes the culinary experience.

From the upper floors, you can enjoy lovely views of the festive decorations below or relax with a cup of coffee while sampling some traditional Westphalian delicacies. The gallery is open daily and also serves as a convenient passage connecting Prinzipalmarkt and Lüdgeristraße.

The spacious, three-story indoor courtyard offers direct access to numerous shops, the Pablo Picasso Art Museum, and the Pablo Restaurant. Opened in 2000, the Pablo Picasso Museum in Münster is Germany’s first and only Picasso museum. Housed behind historic, protected façades in the heart of the old town, it features rotating exhibitions on Pablo Picasso and his fellow artists of the Classical Modern era, including Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall. The museum’s core collection is a unique set of around 800 Picasso lithographs — one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The museum is open every day, except Monday, from 10a.m. till 6p.m.

Rothenburg Street connects the Prinzipalmarkt with the Aegidii Christmas Market and is lined with charming shops and bakeries.

Particularly interesting is house number 13, where the World Time Clock with Carillon (Weltzeituhr mit Glockenspiel) is located. Built in 1958 during the city’s post-war reconstruction, this striking column is crowned with a globe surrounded by smaller celestial spheres symbolizing the universe. Beneath it, 43 bells form a carillon that plays daily at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. As the music rings out, moving figures appear, depicting two key moments in Münster’s history: the signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 and the traditional merchants’ guild dance. The four symbolic figures below — an astronomer, a monk, a painter, and a merchant — represent science, faith, art, and trade. The clock is not only a technical masterpiece but also a symbol of Münster’s resilience and cultural richness — a city that beautifully unites history, art, and innovation. Don’t miss the performance when the bells bring history to life in the heart of the city.

At the end of Rothenburg Street, on the right-hand side, you’ll find a beautiful example of modern architecture, tastefully integrated into the city’s historic surroundings – The LWL Museum of Art and Culture. This amazing museum was opened in 2014. The building represents modern architecture with clear, long lines and sandstone walls. The museum spans 1,000 years of art, from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Its modern sandstone and glass façades blend beautifully into the old town, creating a bright and open space to explore. Visitors can enjoy both the museum’s remarkable permanent collections — including the Cremer Collection, works by the tom Ring family, and modern masterpieces — and ever-changing exhibitions that offer fresh perspectives on art and culture.

A visit to the LWL Museum für Kunst und Kultur is a great option in case of bad weather.

The Aegidii Christmas Market, located on Aegidiimarkt Square, is marked by its six-meter-high wooden pyramid — its unmistakable landmark. Though smaller than others, this market charms visitors with its cozy ambiance, Christmas decorations, and surrounding shops and restaurants. Alongside traditional gifts and treats, each year brings a new themed Christmas photo spot, perfect for holiday pictures.

The oldest and largest Christmas market in Münster, this festive gem is nestled in the inner courtyard of the City Hall, partly sheltered beneath a romantic canopy of lights. Here you’ll find everything that makes Christmas come alive — from stalls selling mulled wine, punch, sausages, mushrooms, pancakes, and waffles to charming stands with handcrafted gifts and beautiful decorations. Children will adore the nostalgic carousel, while adults can enjoy a warm drink and soak in the special glow.

Every winter, the Allwetterzoo Münster transforms into a magical wonderland of lights. The walking route leads you through the zoo, past glittering displays and illuminated sculptures that create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Among the highlights are spectacular light installations, shimmering fields of color, and this year’s special feature — a giant XXL Moon sculpture in one of the tropical houses. The design of XMAS Lights changes every year, so each visit offers a new and memorable experience — a perfect winter tradition for the whole family.

The path is easy and suitable for all ages, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot some animals outside. Indoor animal exhibits remain closed during the event, If you are hungry or just looking for splendid stay, you’ll find plenty of food and drink stalls offering warm beverages and winter treats — including vegetarian options — throughout the zoo.

In short, XMAS Lights Münster is the ultimate magical Christmas experience — a sparkling highlight of the season!