With steam to Christmas joy: Soest market enchants visitors!

With steam to Christmas joy: Soest market enchants visitors!

The festive season is just around the corner and while the first lights are already shining in the cities, there is a very special reason to make your way to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The historic steam locomotive from the Bochum Railway Museum will take visitors to Soest on November 29, 2025. This city has earned a reputation for being one of the best in Europe with its Christmas market, recognized by the European Excellent Christmas Market Association.

The special trip leads through the northern Ruhr area and offers a nostalgic view of the magnificent landscapes while sitting in the cozy atmosphere of the well-decorated passenger cars from the 1920s and 1950s. The steam locomotive itself, a Prussian P8 from 1918, is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a living piece of history that inspires many railway lovers. The outward journey starts at 12:46 p.m. in Bochum Dahlhausen and takes you via Essen, Oberhausen to Soest, where an extended stay allows you to visit the festive market.

Special features of the Soest Christmas market

The Soest Christmas market impresses with its lovingly furnished stalls in the middle of a picturesque half-timbered house backdrop. Visitors can look forward to a truly unique experience, comparable to established markets such as the Dresden Striezelmarkt and the Vienna Christkindlmarkt. The focus here is on tradition, sustainability and quality of experience, which is underlined by the awards we have received.

Prices for the steam locomotive ride are 88 euros for adults and 74 euros for children between 6 and 14 years old. Children up to 5 years old even travel free of charge as long as they do not take up their own seat. There are currently still places available in 2nd class, while 1st class is already fully booked. To guarantee a relaxed journey, it is possible to reach the departure stations using VRR transport.

Arrival and booking

For anyone who doesn't want to miss out on this nostalgic excursion, booking is very easy. Tickets can be reserved by email or telephone, while online booking is not possible. This could prove to be an ideal excursion for families or lovers of historic steam train rides.

The Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia are very important overall. They attract millions of visitors every year and offer a wide range from small, charming village festivals to large city events. Other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as Essen and Dortmund, also have their impressive markets, which are characterized by seas of lights and a festive atmosphere.

However, the Soest Christmas market, combined with a unique steam locomotive ride, is an experience that will probably not be forgotten in a hurry. Whether old or young, everyone gets their money's worth here and can feel the anticipation of the upcoming Christmas.

An exciting day trip awaits – don’t miss it!

Further information can be found on the website Bochum Railway Museum or Bochum Journal. The ADAC editorial team has also put together an interesting selection of Christmas markets in Germany that invite you to explore here.