The Fairytale Forest at the Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) in Lübeck brings Christmas magic to life for children and adults alike. Nestled among Christmas fir trees, this attraction features twenty handcrafted wooden houses, each displaying classic fairy tale scenes from the Brothers Grimm stories.
The handmade figurines have been on display for over fifty years, making this a popular Christmas tradition for Lübeck families. Each little house shows scenes from famous fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and Snow White.
After wandering through the magical forest (Märchenwald), families can enjoy festive treats at nearby food stalls. There’s also a children’s train that offers rides around the area.
Lübeck is known as the “Christmas city of the North”. There are several Christmas markets taking place around the city:
- Traditional Lübeck Christmas Market around the Town Hall
- Historic Christmas Market on the Marienkirchhof
- Fairytale Forest (Märchenwald) at the Marienkirche
- Starlit Forest at Schrangen
- Indoor Craft Market at the St. Petri-Kirche
- Christmas at the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
- Christmas craft market in the historic maritime Hafenschuppen 6
- Maritime Christmas Market
- Harbour Glow at Drehbrückenplatz
- Wichtelwunderland at St. Jakobi Kirchhof
2025 market dates – Fairytale Forest at the Marienkirche Lübeck
24 November – 30 December 2025
Opening hours on market days
Monday: 11am – 7:30pm
Tuesday: 11am – 7:30pm
Wednesday: 11am – 7:30pm
Thursday: 11am – 7:30pm
Friday: 11am – 7:30pm
Saturday: 11am – 7:30pm
Sunday: 11am – 7:30pm
Exceptional opening hours
24 December 2025 (Tuesday): closed
25 December 2025 (Wednesday): closed
26 December 2025 (Thursday): 2pm – 6pm
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Featured image © Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing GmbH
