7 November – 23 December 2026
Christmas begins in Tønder…
Experience six weeks of Christmas magic with festive market huts, sparkling lights, shopping and experiences for the whole family.
Christmas in Tønder opens on Saturday, 7 November and runs until 23 December 2026.
Christmas market stalls opening hours (daily):
Monday – Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00
Monday – Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00
Shop opening hours:
Monday – Friday from 10:00 to 17:30
Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00
Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00
Monday – Friday from 10:00 to 17:30
Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00
Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00
We love Christmas in Tønder
Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of Tønder's people. For more than 30 years, we have created and developed our own Christmas magic.
Behind Christmas in Tønder is a strong local community. Volunteers, the town's dedicated businesses, Tønder's Retailers' Association and Tønder Municipality work together year after year to create the special festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far.
Behind Christmas in Tønder is a strong local community. Volunteers, the town's dedicated businesses, Tønder's Retailers' Association and Tønder Municipality work together year after year to create the special festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far.
Every year, thousands of visitors come to Tønder to experience the historic town centre transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland during the six weeks leading up to Christmas. The town's beautiful buildings, squares and streets provide the perfect setting for festive lights, activities, Christmas market stalls and wonderful experiences for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome at Christmas in Tønder. Admission is free, parking is easy and all the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Enjoy a truly special Christmas atmosphere with festive events, shopping, local specialities and spectacular Christmas decorations, all in the heart of our charming town.
Everyone is welcome at Christmas in Tønder. Admission is free, parking is easy and all the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Enjoy a truly special Christmas atmosphere with festive events, shopping, local specialities and spectacular Christmas decorations, all in the heart of our charming town.
Tønder - a selected Christmas town
In 2026, Christmas Town Tønder received the official EECMA nomination seal, placing it among this year’s selected European Christmas towns.
The nomination recognises many years of dedication to creating an authentic and atmospheric Christmas town with quality and tradition at its heart.
EECMA representatives will visit Tønder for the official presentation at the opening on 7 November.
Experience Christmas in Tønder
Santa Parade Opens Christmas Town
Experience hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Clauses and little elves as Christmas begins with a festive parade through Tønder. →
The Christmas Market – Authentic South Jutland traditions passed down through generations
Enjoy the festive atmosphere at 16 charming Christmas stalls offering crafts, mulled wine and delicious seasonal treats. →
See Tønder's Flying Santa
Look to the sky and experience pure Christmas magic as Tønder’s Santa flies above the rooftops in his sleigh pulled by reindeer →
Take a Ride on the Christmas Train
Hop aboard the beautifully decorated Christmas train and experience the Christmas town from a cosy and unique perspective. →
Meet Santa Claus in the Town Square
Visit Santa in his glowing Christmas chair, share your Christmas wishes and capture a magical moment together. →
The Santa Run
More than 1,000 Christmas-loving participants of all ages, each dressed in red and white Santa outfits, create a truly magical atmosphere in the streets during this year's Santa Run. →
A town full of historic charm
Tønder is Denmark's oldest market town, having received its market town charter in 1243. Today, it is a beautifully preserved town with approximately 7,500 inhabitants, situated just 6 km from the German border and close to the unique natural landscape of the Wadden Sea marshlands.
The town is renowned for its historic architecture, cobbled streets and authentic atmosphere. Tønder also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, ranging from small exhibitions to major international events such as Tønder Festival, Masker i Marsken and Sønderjysk Kagefestival.
Within the town's historic surroundings, you will also find remarkable cultural attractions, including the beautiful Christ Church, the distinctive water tower, Drøhse's House and several fascinating museums.
These include Tønder Art Museum, currently closed for renovation, the Zeppelin and Garrison Museum and the new architectural landmark Museum Wegner, which tells the story of world-famous furniture designer Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007), who was born in Tønder.