The Bolte couple say goodbye to the Soest Christmas market after 44 years!

The Bolte couple say goodbye to the Soest Christmas market after 44 years!

There is a festive atmosphere in Soest, as the Christmas market attracts numerous visitors. At the northern Petrikirchhof, directly opposite Café Twin, those who are looking for something special can experience the last appearance of Birgit and Helmut Bolte. This dealer couple from Geseke has been represented at the Christmas market for an impressive 44 years and will be exhibiting for the last time this year. “We decided to stop when it was good,” explain the Boltes. Your stand will close on December 22, 2025.

The Boltes have had an impressive journey. In 1982 they started with a modest 3 meter stand at the All Saints Fair, where they initially sold decorations and interior items. Helmut Bolte was studying economics in Paderborn at the time and registered the business as a part-time job. Over the years the business grew and the range was specifically expanded to include the popular Erzgebirge decoration. Their participation in Christmas markets soon extended to cities such as Bremen, Paderborn and Düsseldorf, and between 1984 and 2024 they were even active in up to eight markets at the same time.

Traditions and memories

Customer loyalty is particularly important to the Boltes. Many of their regular customers come back across generations, creating a close bond that they particularly value. “What we will miss most is the conversations with customers,” they admit. The preparations for the year are also marked by tradition: part of the camp is at home, where the couple works on their decorations all year round. Her four children are also available to help during Advent.

After 44 years, the Boltes are now retiring and looking forward to more time with their children and grandchildren. But the saddest aspect is saying goodbye to the active time they were able to spend with their customers.

The Christmas market in comparison

While Soest impresses with its festive lights and traditional offerings, a look at the neighboring city of Düsseldorf also creates an interesting picture. Düsseldorf offers seven themed Christmas markets that open their doors from November 20th to December 30th, 2025. Although these are less well-known than the Cologne markets, the variety of stalls and the large selection of Japanese cuisine justify a visit to the state capital. Visitors are recommended to take a day trip to Düsseldorf and other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia such as Dortmund or Essen.

A large number of Christmas markets in Germany attract millions of visitors every year. From small, traditional markets in picturesque villages to large city events, there is something to suit every taste. The markets stretch along the entire length from the Alps to the North Sea and offer a colorful program. For example, you can find the popular Dresden Striezelmarkt or the Christmas market at Königstein Fortress. There is hardly anything more beautiful than strolling through the festively decorated stalls and enjoying the special delicacies of the respective region.

There are countless options for everyone who would like to actively visit the markets in the run-up to Christmas. The final days of the Christmas market in Soest could be the perfect end to a festive day, while Düsseldorf, with its markets and special charm, is also a worthwhile detour, as christmasmarketsineurope.com reports. Either way, the magic of Christmas can be felt everywhere!