Throughout the Oder-Spree lake district, the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread, mulled wine, and roasted almonds, and Christmas spirit is slowly taking hold in Brandenburg's largest tourist region. The many participants in the seven themed areas have once again demonstrated their exceptional dedication this year, creating wonderful Christmas markets and Advent events with meticulous attention to detail. The Frankfurt cityWEIHNACHT was the first to open its doors, inviting visitors to stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the twin city's fountain and market square daily until December 22nd.
A whole lot of cinnamon and magic awaits visitors in various towns and cities of the Franconian Lake District on the first weekend of Advent. In Beeskow, festive activity will take place in and around St. Mary's Church from Friday to Sunday. "Glimmering Lights in Advent" is the motto of the Christmas market in Müllrose . The town has planned something fun for Saturday afternoon and invites all clubs and interested parties to a Santa Claus parade. The Christmas atmosphere will be in full swing in the market square in Müncheberg starting on Friday, and in Neuenhagen near Berlin, an arts and crafts market will be held in the courtyard of the Arche cultural center on Saturday and Sunday.
A true highlight, and no longer a hidden gem, is the Neuzelle Fairy Tale Advent Market , which takes place on the second weekend of Advent around the picturesque backdrop of Neuzelle Monastery. To the delight of visitors of all ages, many familiar, as well as enigmatic, fairy tale characters will be making appearances at the market. Another highly recommended Christmas market awaits visitors in the Märkische Schweiz region on the second weekend of Advent. The Mühlenplatz and Königstraße in the Kneipp spa town of Buckow will be aglow with Christmas lights and offer a comprehensive program for all ages. The Buckow-Waldsieversdorf Brass Band and the Kneipp Sisters, among others, will provide musical entertainment. The Buckow Miniature Railway will offer special rides in festively decorated trains. Around Lake Scharmützelsee, the entire second weekend of Advent (Friday to Sunday) in Bad Saarow and Storkow will be filled with Christmas cheer. While a fire show will heat things up for spectators in the spa town of Bad Saarow, visitors around Storkow Castle can look forward to meeting the town mascot Storki with Santa Claus in tow, and children can decorate gingerbread houses and small gifts. Also starting right on time for St. Nicholas Day, the pre-Christmas festivities kick off in Fürstenwalde/Spree . For the first time this year, the Christmas market around the cathedral and market square will run for ten days until December 15th, making a stroll with mulled wine and conversation possible even during the week. Singing Christmas carols around a bonfire is on offer in Altlandsberg . Here, the Christmas market takes place on the church square and the grounds of the castle estate on December 7th and 8th. Another castle provides the backdrop for Christmas activities on the same weekend. In Neuhardenberg, visitors can expect arts and crafts, live presentations, and treats around a fire pit. Things will get spectacular on Saturday afternoon at the local airfield when Santa Claus arrives by plane. Visitors to "Advent in St. Mary's" in Frankfurt (Oder) will experience a special atmosphere. This traditional Advent market will once again take place on the second and third weekends of Advent in Frankfurt's impressive church. An extraordinary setting, radiating enchanting charm in its Christmas splendor, can be found in the Berlin area. The festively decorated Rüdersdorf Museum Park will open its gates throughout the second weekend of Advent. During this traditional Christmas market, the area's mining heritage will also be showcased. In Lebus , a vibrant market and a cultural program will take place in the local church on the afternoon of December 7th. Crafts, culinary delights, and culture can be enjoyed on December 8th against the beautiful backdrop of Trebnitz Castle.
The oldest spa town in Brandenburg invites visitors to its Advent magic in the Bad Freienwalde castle park from December 13th to 15th . A cultural program awaits, featuring not only Santa Claus but also Max and Moritz. Meanwhile, in the Bad Freienwalde district of Neuenhagen, an art Christmas market will take place at the local castle on December 15th. The Fürstenberg (Oder) district of Eisenhüttenstadt will also be celebrating Christmas this weekend. The Saturday of the third Advent weekend will be dedicated to festive celebrations in Wendisch Rietz , Brieskow-Finkenheerd , and Grünheide . The town centers of Strausberg and Seelow will also host contemplative celebrations during the third Advent weekend. On the third Sunday of Advent, the Friedersdorf Art Depot will once again be illuminated by candlelight for the Christmas Sound and Light event , accompanied by music from the local church's brass band.
When all preparations for the most wonderful time of the year have been made and there is only one more sleep to go, you should gather in the courtyard of Storkow Castle to get into the right mood for the communal and now traditional Christmas carol singing on December 23rd from 18 pm.
In the towns of Strausberg, Beeskow, and Frankfurt (Oder), you can open a door of the Advent calendar every day, not only at home but also in the town itself. This initiative is called the " Living Advent Calendar ." Various institutions, shops, restaurants, and clubs open their doors and offer different activities or events each day.
The tourism association is currently organizing a similar campaign, but spread across the entire travel region. With the help of the Advent calendar, you have the opportunity to rediscover the region and its people. Behind every door there are unique experiences and inspirations. And the best thing is: you can already look behind all the doors and plan your eventful Advent season.
These and many more tips and inspirations for the most beautiful time of the year in the Oder-Spree lake district can be found at www.seenland-oderspree.de/winter-im-seenland