Christmas market near Düsseldorf in an old mine workshop: a trip is worth it

Excursion tip for the second weekend in Advent

Christmas magic in a disused mine workshop

On the second weekend of Advent, the Christmas market takes place in the Lohberg mine workshop in Dinslaken. The mix of handicrafts, gastronomy and industrial flair quickly makes it unique.

In 2005, the mine site in the Lohberg district of Dinslaken was closed. A lot has happened since then: Not only was a new development area and the mountain park built on the site, but Freilicht AG also rented the former mine workshop at the beginning of 2016. The hall will then be used for a variety of events. A highlight is always the upcoming Christmas market. It takes place from Friday, December 6th to Sunday, December 8th. Entry is free.

The industrial charm and the unique atmosphere always give the events in the Zechenwerkstatt a very special ambience. There are more than 50 exhibitors and restaurateurs at the Christmas market on the second weekend of Advent. The high quality of the craft stands is very important to the organizers.

The offer therefore covers many areas: woodwork, jewelry, felt art, textiles, paper art, watercolor painting, greeting cards, photography, sculptures, ceramics, sheepskins, knitwear, wool products, soaps, decorative items, upcycling, mustard, jams, spreads, vinegars, herbs and… Spice oils and other products from the local fruit and vegetable garden and much more.

In addition, some organizations – such as the Unicef ​​Wesel working group, the Nabu Wesel district group, the Albert Schweitzer facility for people with disabilities, the Weltladen and the Dinslaken Waldorf School – have their own stands where they present themselves and offer food or self-produced goods sell.

Freilicht AG handles the mulled wine sales – as well as the entire set-up and dismantling – with the help of volunteers. There is red and white organic mulled wine as well as punch, soft drinks and beer. The private roastery “König Gustav” also supplies visitors with coffee specialties, the “Pottstil” stand offers mulled gin and the craft beer shop “Bierbude Duisburg” serves mulled beer.

The “Lions Club Dinslaken”, “Lions Club Dinslaken 2012”, “Leo Club”, “Rotary Club Wesel-Dinslaken” and the “Inner Wheel Club Wesel-Dinslaken-Walsum”, which also work on a voluntary basis, take care of the gastronomic offer . The proceeds generated support social, charitable and ecological projects. The “Party Service Pic” and natural food from Scholtenhof complement the offer with other organic dishes, vegetarian and vegan.

The program includes an outdoor yurt with a campfire for young and old. Several Christmas fairy tales are read to children every afternoon and there is bread to make yourself from 1 p.m. There are also two donkeys as well as goats and sheep waiting for a few strokes in a small petting zoo.

The jazz band “Muckefuck” will conjure up a very special Christmas atmosphere with their brass band on Saturday, December 7th: There is deliberately no stage, the small concerts will take place right in the middle of the action. Visitors can also be photographed by former miners in mining clothing for a souvenir photo.

If you want to come to the Christmas market by car: It is around 45 kilometers from Düsseldorf’s “Kö” to Lohberg; you can reach the Zechenwerkstatt from Ober-Lohberg-Allee. Parking spaces are located on the mine site and are signposted. Further information can be found here.