Date: 17.11. – 23.12.2011 (closed on sunday, november 20th)
Time: 12.00 – 21.00
Event location: Bochum City, Dr.-Ruer-Platz, 44787 Bochum
Website: www.bochumer-weihnacht.de
Sunday trading: 11 December 2011, 13.00 – 18.00

Christmas in Bochum 2011

Soak up the festive atmosphere at one of the best Christmas markets in Germany’s Ruhr region: each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the over 180 lovingly decorated stalls, amid sprigs of fir, Christmas pyramids, a medieval market square and bright, shining lights. Get into the mood for Christmas and starting putting together your gift basket. Many of the stands are run by artisans who make some of their wares at the market itself. The attractions include Christmas tree decorations, ceramics and glassware, candles, wooden toys and lots, lots more. In addition, daily entertainment is provided on the Sparkasse Bochum Christmas stage, in particular on Sundays by the Sparkasse’s own KNAX club for kids.

This year, Bochum Christmas market will be held daily from 17 November to 23 December (closed on the last Sunday before Advent). Opening hours are 12.00 to 21.00. Tip: on 11 December, Bochum’s retailers will be welcoming Sunday shoppers between 13.00 and 18.00.

The Ruhr region’s only “Flying Santa”

Santa will be taking to the skies at Bochum Christmas market for the third year running. The popular Falko Traber family of artists will put on their spectacular high-wire show every day at 17.00 and 19.00. Responding to the calls of the children, Santa will soar into the heights above Dr.-Ruer-Platz on his reindeer-drawn sleigh. He will then greet visitors to the market from the Sparkasse Bochum Christmas stage. Kids in particular will just love to see Santa, recite a poem or sing a song with him. And it pays to join in – any child that does so can look forward to receiving a fabulous surprise.

NEW: Medieval market around the Pauluskirche church

This year will see the revival of the medieval market held between Grabenstraße and Pariserstraße. On entering the market, visitors will be momentarily immersed into the world of the Middle Ages.

Craftsmen and women, musicians, jugglers and traders selling goods from afar, all dressed like people from the Late Middle Ages, will create a magical atmosphere in the church square. Torches, oil lamps, candles and tea lights will bathe the stands and visitors alike in a wondrous, tranquil light while the air will be filled with the fine fragrances of oriental spices, freshly baked bread and roasted chestnuts. Dishes prepared to time-old recipes, served up by the Garbräterey (rotisserie) and hot, spiced wines of the kind so welcome at Christmas time are guaranteed to set the taste buds tingling.

Colourful shows put on by clowns and jugglers will accentuate the party atmosphere that pervades the market – the sound of drums and bagpipes will be all around, mingling with sweet melodies. Soap makers, seamstresses and their fine materials, basket weavers, feltmakers, glass blowers and many more will show off their ancient artisan skills, enabling visitors to pick up unique gifts for their loved ones. The goods on offer are as original as they are practical and include hardy children’s toys. One particular attraction is the manually operated big wheel. In addition, archery and other fairground-style attractions for children will turn a stroll around the Christmas market into a truly special experience.

The Bochum Eierköhlchen – the new Christmas market mug

Steeped in tradition, the Bochumer Eierköhlchen is the new mug for Bochum Christmas market. Its special oval-shaped design mirrors that of an egg-shaped coal (“Eierköhlchen”). What’s more, the compressed edge typical of this type of coal is reproduced on the sides of the mug, turning it into a unique product with an unmistakeable character.

The Bochumer Eierköhlchen comes in two attractive versions. The first of these is to be found at Bochum Christmas market, where drinks are served in it. The second is a special edition, available only from Bochum Ticketshop Touristinfo.  This mug has a red inner glaze that conveys the warmth of an egg-shaped coal. In addition, a cheerfully drawn picture of a piece of the coal is printed on the mug.

Price: Special edition 3,90 € / Christmas market mug 2 €

Available from: Bochum Ticketshop Touristinfo RUHR.INFOCENTER, Huestraße 9, 44787 Bochum

Christmas pass

The Weihnachtspass (Christmas pass) makes a visit to Bochum Christmas market even more enjoyable, serving as a practical guide through the seasonal goings-on, while showcasing the latest stalls and special offers. The tasty treats on offer are many and varied, ranging from Thüringen Bratwurst, through crepes with cinnamon and sugar, to Glühwein bonbons… there truly is something for everyone. As you’d expect, there’s fruity mulled apple wine and cocoa to be enjoyed by adults, while for kids, coupons are included for a ride on the carousel. The Christmas pass contains coupons and offers worth over €40, at a price of just €18 – a saving of over 50%!

Price: €18

Available from: Bochum Ticketshop Touristinfo RUHR.INFOCENTER, Huestraße 9, 44787 Bochum

How to reach Bochum
Thanks to its central location in the heart of the Ruhr region, Bochum is easy to reach by various means of transport.

Public transport
Bochum Central Station provides rail links between Bochum and all the most important cities in Germany and abroad.

Bochum Central Station stop, departure point for the tramway and underground lines:

U35 Hustadt (TQ) / Schloß Strünkede
302 Laer Mitte / Buer Rathaus
306 Bochum main station / Wanne-Eickel station
308 Schürbankstr. / Hattingen Mitte
310 Höntrop Kirche / Heven Dorf
318 Schürbankstr. / Bo-Dahlhausen

Before you start your journey, check for travel information online at www.bogestra.de or www.bahn.de.

Travelling by car
Four motorways and a well-developed road network make it easy to reach Bochum by car.

Coming from the A1 or A2:
Take the A 43 to Bochum, exit 16 Bochum Riemke, then follow the signs to Bochum Zentrum.

Coming from the A40:
Take the Bochum Zentrum exit then follow signs to Bochum Zentrum.

Parking in Bochum
Nine car parks with a total of over 5,000 parking spaces make your visit to Bochum as relaxing as possible.

The dynamic Bochum city centre parking information system begins at the main access roads from the inner ring road, leading you to the nine connected car parks. The system is clearly structured and easy to understand. All of the car parks are conveniently located, enabling you to quickly reach your destination in the city centre on foot. In many cases, staircases lead directly to the pedestrian zones.

Parking for coaches

Deutsches Bergbau-Museum
(German Mining Museum)
Am Bergbaumuseum 28

Stadium ring coach park
Stadionring 26
Access via the entrance to ‘Parkhaus Stadionring‘ (Stadium Ring Car Park)
Opening hours
Mon. and Tues. 06.00 – 17.00, Weds. 06.00 – 22.00, Thurs. and Fri. 06.00 – 23.00 Sat. 09.00 – 23.00, Sun. and holidays 09.00 – 22.00 / Price per coach/day: €10

Your contact partner for all information on Bochum is Bochum Ticketshop Touristinfo RUHR.INFOCENTER, Huestraße 9, 44787Bochum. Tourist services include travel packages, city tours, advance ticket sales, conference and congress services plus a free advisory and accommodation service. For further information please visit www.bochum‑tourismus.de or call 0049234963020.

RUHR.INFOCENTER
Bochum Ticketshop Touristinfo
Huestraße 9, D-44787 Bochum
Tijd: Mon. – Fri. 9:00 – 18:00 , Sat. 10:00 – 16:00
Internet: www.bochum-tourismus.de
E-Mail: info@bochum-tourismus.de
Tel. 0049234963020