Christmas market underground: An experience full of surprises in Recklinghausen!

Christmas market underground: An experience full of surprises in Recklinghausen!

Christmas is just around the corner and with it the festive season begins in North Rhine-Westphalia. A special highlight is the Christmas market Recklinghausen training mine, which will bring great joy in December. The market takes place on two days, December 13th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and December 14th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and offers a real Christmas treat with up to 50 stalls.

The entry price of 5 euros is quite fair, especially when you consider that children up to 14 years old can take part for free. In the authentic replica of a mine, which is 17 meters underground, visitors can discover handmade crafts as well as regional specialties and Christmas treats. There are numerous children's activities, especially for younger guests, to round off the family experience.

An excursion into mining history

The training mine has been operated by the Trainingsbergwerk e.V. association since 2018. V. and the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR). It is committed to preserving and bringing to life the cultural heritage of mining. Guided tours with helmets and lamps into the fascinating world of coal mining are offered and take visitors back in time.

The maximum number of visitors in the underground area is limited to 500 people, so it is advisable to stop by early. Although the location is not barrier-free, it offers a very special ambience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in another world. Another plus point: the temperatures in the mine roughly correspond to the outside temperatures. The address for anyone interested is Wanner Straße 30, 45661 Recklinghausen.

Medieval Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia

But Recklinghausen is not the only place where Christmas markets are thriving. The first markets around Cologne will open less than five weeks before Christmas. The city itself boasts around 20 different Christmas markets, ranging from traditional to alternative. Particularly popular are markets that immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere, such as the listed markets in North Rhine-Westphalia, which are appreciated by visitors:

• Burgweihnacht auf Burg Satzvey: Historisches Flair und ein Krippenspiel, Eintritt: ab 8 Euro.
• Weihnachtsmarkt auf Schloss Merode: Romantisches Ambiente mit Live-Musik, Eintritt: 4 Euro für Kinder.
• Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt in Siegburg: Handwerk und Tradition pur, Eintrittspreise variieren.
• Schloss-Weihnacht auf Schloss Broich: Authentische Stände mit Eintritt von 10 Euro.
• Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt auf der Dorenburg: Bei Grefrath mit Kunsthandwerk und besonderen Shows, Eintritt: 9 Euro.

These markets not only enchant with their offerings, but also take visitors back to times long past. Whether in a mine or in a castle, the run-up to Christmas in North Rhine-Westphalia will certainly be an experience for all the senses.

For more information about the various Christmas markets in the region, it's worth taking a look at the website 24rhine, where you can find useful details about the individual markets.