Experience Christmas in Tønder

Christmas in Tønder traditionally opens with a spectacular parade featuring hundreds of professional Santas, Mrs Clauses and little Christmas elves from the Danish Santa Claus Guild. Dressed in their finest red costumes and spreading festive cheer with hearty ho-ho-hos, they bring smiles and Christmas magic to children and adults alike. The town's Christmas tree is illuminated, and the festive season officially begins with singing, dancing and plenty of Christmas cheer.

During the parade, the Santas visit the town's shops and charming courtyards, spreading laughter and getting up to a little festive mischief with locals and visitors.

Saturday, 7 November 2026, at 1 pm.

Tønder's beautiful Christ Church dating from the late 16th century, provides a magical backdrop for the town's Christmas market. Walk through the illuminated archway on the main square and step into the church square, where 16 charming wooden huts create a little Christmas wonderland filled with delicious aromas, traditional flavours and delightful experiences. Here, local craftsmanship, traditional food and the unique Christmas atmosphere of South Jutland come together. As dusk settles over the town, the huts glow warmly with festive lights and decorations in the heart of the historic town centre.

Follow the delicious aromas through the Christmas market. Enjoy a steaming mug of gløgg, from traditional red wine mulled wine to mild apple gløgg and alcohol-free varieties. Warm your hands around a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, or treat yourself to freshly made waffles, pancakes and warm æbleskiver – traditional Danish Christmas treats resembling small, fluffy pancake balls. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, tuck into a festive hot dog topped with warm red cabbage.

At the market stalls, you'll meet friendly local hosts who know Tønder and its Christmas traditions inside out. They're always happy to stop for a chat, help you in Danish, German or English and share their tips for making the most of your visit. They might remind you that the Flying Santa is about to appear above the main square – or point you towards another experience you simply shouldn't miss.

Christmas market opening hours:
Mandag - Søndag fra kl. 12 - 17

Look up to the sky and experience pure Christmas magic as Tønder's very own Santa Claus flies over the rooftops in his reindeer-drawn sleigh. 

At selected times, you can watch Santa soar across the sky above the main square. It's a magical moment that brings children and adults alike to a standstill – and puts a smile on everyone's face.

Santa flies every Thursday and Friday at 4 pm, and every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm. The final flight takes place on Sunday, 20 December.

Climb aboard our beautifully decorated Christmas train and discover the festive town from a different perspective. It's a delightful experience for children and adults alike, as well as anyone who prefers to explore without too much walking.

Along the way, you get a wonderful overview of the atmosphere and care that the city’s shops and streets put into Christmas each year.

The train departs from and returns to Det Gamle Apotek on the main square, right in the heart of Christmas in Tønder.

Tickets cost DKK 20 or €3 per person. The train runs every Saturday from 10 am and Sunday from 11 am. The final day is Sunday, 20 December.

Of course, Santa Claus always makes time for a visit to Tønder. At selected times, children and their families can meet him in the heart of our charming Christmas town.

Santa welcomes visitors from his beautiful illuminated Christmas chair on the main square. Children can say hello, have a little chat and perhaps tell him what's at the top of their Christmas wish list.

There's also an opportunity to take a lovely photo with Santa – a special keepsake from a magical day in Christmas in Tønder.

Meet Santa every day from 23 November at 3 pm. His final day is Sunday, 20 December.

More than 1,000 festive participants of all ages, each dressed in red and white Santa costumes, create an incredible atmosphere in the streets during the annual Santa Run.

Watch the video from 2025 – perhaps you and your family will join the fun this year!

The event is organised by Radio Globus and supported by a wide range of local businesses in Tønder.

Saturday, 14 November 2026.

Santa has been asleep for long enough! Join us as we wake him up with a festive parade featuring a vintage fire engine and a marching band.

The parade starts in Vestergade, outside the KongChristian X shop, and makes its way to the main square, where the children of Tønder and the town's mayor join forces to wake Santa from his slumber.

Once Santa is awake, the mayor presents him with the keys to the town. Then it's time for free goodie bags with Christmas treats for all the well-behaved children, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, 22 November 2026, at 1.45 pm.

Christmas is the season of lights – and in Tønder, we go the extra mile to make it truly special. Throughout the town, beautiful and imaginative light installations illuminate the winter darkness and fill the streets with Christmas magic.

Walk through the impressive illuminated archway on the main square, say hello to the glowing deer near Rema and follow the trail of lights through the Sculpture Park. The magnificent Christmas tree shines brightly on the main square, where you will also find Santa's chair – made entirely of lights, of course!

The Christmas lights are switched on every day at 4 pm.

In the middle of the main square stands Tønder's magnificent Christmas tree, supplied each year by a local forest and beautifully decorated with festive lights and ornaments.

Standing approximately 15 metres tall, this impressive tree provides the perfect setting for the town's Christmas activities and is a natural gathering place for children and adults alike.

The tree lights are switched on every day at 4 pm.

Have you ever seen a Christmas tree hanging from the ceiling? At Drøhse's House, right in the heart of Tønder's pedestrian shopping street, you can discover an old Christmas tradition that might come as quite a surprise.

On the ground floor, you'll find the Upside-Down Christmas Tree – a tradition from days gone by, when Christmas trees were suspended from the ceiling to save precious floor space. And while you're there, Drøhse's House itself is well worth exploring

Built in 1672, this beautiful historic building is filled with original architectural details and exquisite craftsmanship. Following an extensive restoration, it received the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 1985. 

Today, the building houses Tønder's Tourist Information Centre and exhibitions about the town's famous Tønder lace-making tradition and local rural arts and crafts.

Admission is free.

Open Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am–2 pm.

Throughout Tønder's charming streets, you'll find fun and festive photo spots where you can capture special moments and create lasting memories of your Christmas visit.

There's plenty of room for smiles and Christmas cheer – and the perfect opportunity to take home a lovely reminder of your day.

You'll find photo spots in Santa's hut on the main square, in the church square and at Skibbroen.

During the Christmas season, Tønder's very own Christmas mascot, Julius, pops up all around town. This lovable little Christmas character is a favourite with children and the young at heart, spreading smiles and festive cheer in the shops, on the main square and along the pedestrian shopping street.

Julius invites the whole family on an adventure with his very own treasure hunt. With a treasure map in hand, you can explore the town's shops, solve little challenges along the way and discover charming new places in the historic town centre – all part of Julius' magical Christmas world. The treasure hunt starts and ends at Visit Rømø/Tønder Drøhses Hus, right in the heart of the pedestrian shopping street.

At Det Gamle Apotek, you'll find games, little souvenirs and delightful merchandise featuring the popular Christmas character – a little piece of Christmas in Tønder to take home with you.

On a dark November evening, children and adults gather with glowing lanterns and walk together through the streets of Tønder, from Popsensgade 6B to the main square.

The many little lights bring warmth to the autumn darkness and mark the beginning of the magical Christmas season in Tønder.

11. november kl. 17.00.

Skibbroen is the perfect place for little ones to play, laugh and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Children can whizz down the sledging hill and explore the lovely wooden playground while parents relax in the cosy seating areas and soak up the festive atmosphere. You'll also find a very special Christmas tree here, decorated with ornaments made by the children of Tønder. And there's always room for more!

If you've made your own Christmas decoration, bring it along and hang it on the tree. That way, every child can help make Christmas in Tønder even more beautiful.

Admission to the children's Christmas area at Skibbroen is free, and the area is open around the clock.

Get your bingo cards ready and join us for an evening of festive fun when Christmas in Tønder hosts its popular Christmas Bingo at Tønderhallerne.

Tønder's shops and businesses generously donate a fantastic selection of prizes, so you might just win this year's Christmas presents – or perhaps a little extra treat for yourself.

Bring your family, friends or neighbours and enjoy a wonderful evening as the excitement builds with every number called. Perhaps this will be your year to shout BINGO!

All proceeds from the event go towards Christmas in Tønder.

12 November at 6.30 pm. Doors open at 5 pm.

In the heart of Tønder, the historic Kristkirken Church invites you to enjoy special Christmas experiences. Look forward to activities for children, church services in Danish and German, and atmospheric Christmas concerts.

Enjoy peaceful moments, festive music, and the unique atmosphere of this beautiful church.

So step inside, feel the breath of history, and experience Christmas in a truly special setting. Read about the church’s events at Christ Church.

Den 21. november er en særlig dag, hvis man elsker bamser. Her får Julebyen Tønder besøg af Bamsefabrikken, hvor børnene kan skabe deres helt egen nye bamseven.

Choose your favorite, help get it ready – and give it its own unique look with clothes and accessories.

A wonderful Christmas experience with a special keepsake to take home.

Price: DKK 75 per teddy bear. Clothing and accessories are available at an additional cost.

Saturday, 21 November 2026 – 12:00–16:00

Just a short walk from the town centre, Schweizerhalle Cultural Centre offers a varied programme for all ages.

Enjoy theatre performances, cabaret and stand-up comedy, concerts, and fascinating talks. There's something for everyone!

Explore the programme here.

Every weekend from 21 November to 20 December, the FDF Tønder Brass Band will fill the pedestrian shopping streets with festive cheer.

Enjoy familiar Christmas melodies and joyful music as you stroll through the beautifully decorated town centre.

Every weekend from November 21 through December 20.

On a dark November evening, children and adults gather with glowing lanterns and walk together through the streets of Tønder, from Popsensgade 6B to the main square. 

The atmospheric procession makes its way from Skibbroen to the main square, where beautiful singing and candlelight create a peaceful and moving moment amid the bustle of the Christmas season.

12 December at 4 pm.

At Christmas, the town’s shops are beautifully decorated with festive displays, cosy boutiques and plenty of Christmas spirit. 

However, the idea of ​​Tønder as a Christmas town was conceived by Erik Thygesen, founder of the well-known home décor shop. Det Gamle Apotek.

Located right on Tønder's main square, Det Gamle Apotek is not only a beautiful historic building but also a treasure trove of 46 rooms filled with arts and crafts, charming Christmas decorations and delightful discoveries that can be enjoyed all year round.

Open during the town's regular shopping hours.