Christmas Market and Schlachte Magic
September 2012. Christmas is in the air on the banks of the River Weser. Boats glisten as they catch the festive blue lights from the harbour. The wintry air is filled with the warming aroma of smoked fish and freshly baked bread. From 29 November until 23 December 2012, the promenade along the river is transformed into Schlachte "magic", a festive treat offering historical, seasonal and maritime attractions. Walking past the fortifications of towers and imposing wooden palisades, visitors will feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. Crafts-men, market sellers, jugglers and street entertainers all add to the atmosphere, recreating a bygone era when the cog ships would return from afar to the Hanseatic port of Bremen laden with valuable cargo.
In the run-up to Christmas, the city centre around the town hall and the Roland statue, a UNESCO world heritage site, is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas market with more than 170 festively decorated stalls. It is regarded as one of Germany's finest Christmas markets. The historical setting, the lovingly adorned stalls and the romantic Christmas lights create a special ambience that enchants more and more visitors every year.
The Christmas Market package from Bremer Touristik-Zentrale (BTZ) starts at €104.00 per person sharing a double room and includes two nights' accommodation, a city tour, mulled wine with a souvenir Christmas mug and a Bremen discovery card.