7 Free Things To Do In Düsseldorf At Christmas Time

7 Free Things To Do In Düsseldorf At Christmas Time

It is Christmas time already. You can see and feel it everywhere. The streets are lit up, Christmas Music sounds out of the shops, and you can get Christmas specialties as biscuits or mulled wine. If you are around Germany, you are lucky because all over the country, Christmas markets open up at this time. Also, in Düsseldorf! There are at least nine of them in the city center; each has its unique theme and attractions, e.g., an ice rink, a giant Christmas pyramid, an apple-quince-punch, etc. But in this post, I will not write about the different Christmas markets now. Where to find the best Christmas Markets in Düsseldorf, you can find out here! This article is about a few very nice things to do if you do not want to spend a bunch of money. This article is about the hidden or visible FREE things to do in Düsseldorf at Christmas time.

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Free Things To Do In Düsseldorf At Christmas Time

I have to admit that Düsseldorf is one of the more expensive cities in Germany. But after more than ten years that I have lived here, I got used to it. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t keep my eyes open for other alternatives or possibilities to spend a hilarious time without spending money all the time.

I love visiting Christmas Markets and love to look at all the things you can buy, taste, or enjoy. However, it is still not the cheapest way of spending your money. Because of that, I am more than happy that you can enjoy a few things without paying anything. The following list contains a few free things to do in Düsseldorf* at Christmas time.

 

1. Christmas Tree Light Show at Schadow-Arkaden

One of the free things to do in Düsseldorf is one of my favorites. Just magnificent. It is a giant Christmas tree with 33.000 LED lamps that can dance to the music. You can find it in the middle of the Schadow-Arkaden, a shopping mall located in the city center of the Schadow-Square.

The tree is 12.50 meters high and starts its show on the point of each hour. For almost three minutes, the mall’s atrium is full of Christmas scents, jingle bells, and childhood memories.

2. Dancing Stuffed Animals

It’s a 30-year long tradition, decorated shop windows with an entire world of stuffed animals. There are approx. One hundred fifty small and giant stuffed animals in shop windows. All of them are somehow in motion, interact with each other, or just do their thing. Music and Christmas songs come out of the speakers. There are so many details, and in each of those windows, you can explore other features. Children put their noses at the windows, and also grown-ups wonder about this winter-wonder world. It’s a highlight for families and kids every year. In 2019 you can find them in Königsallee!

3. (Window) Shopping at Königsallee

(Window) Shopping at Königsallee is, of course, a year-round activity. But at Christmas season, with all the lights decorated, trees and other lights, it is more than beautiful. It is almost magical. Also to watch the shops, the shop windows and look at the displayed goods. By the way, why is Königsallee that special? It is the most expensive street in the entire Düsseldorf. Brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, and others have their shops on these streets. Shop as much as you can or enjoy the decorations, watch people and maybe dream of having enough money to spend it here.

4. Live Music At Jan-Wellem-Square

It’s a kind of new tradition, which started in 2017 and is an institution nowadays, the “Magic Sky” at Jan-Wellem-Square. Artists play Christmas and other types of music on 32 nights from 7 – 8 p.m. Each night the musicians play songs from different genres like Gospel, Jazz, and traditional Christmas Songs while the Magic Sky appears like a sky full of stars. Listening to these concerts or take part in one of the Christmas-song-singing-sessions is one of the things to do in Düsseldorf, which is entirely free!

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5. Children Tent At Kö-Bogen & Other Children’s Activities

The Children’s Tent at Kö-Bogen is about 75 sqm, and there are two shows instead of only one. Each afternoon children can do some handicraft works or be part of the children’s theater.

Each Friday, the kids can bake their own Christmas sweets and biscuits. And Santa Clause will visit on December 6th, which is a perfect photo option.

Moreover, the Christmas Market at the Schadow-Square is part of one Children’s activity. The roofs of the huts are out of scenes from fairytales.

Santa Clause himself or the Christmas angel read a fairytale at the highest hut, and the children can listen to the stories around 4 and 6 p.m. The readings start at 2 p.m. on weekends.

6. Strolling The Christmas Markets

Of course, you can walk over all the Christmas Markets without buying, eating, or drinking anything. It is enjoyable to look at the lights and inhale the different scents of roasted almonds, cinnamon, or mulled wine. To see the lights and the decorations of the various Markets. The crystal and stars like decoration at the “Sternchenmarkt,” the angel at the “Engelchenmarkt,” or the Fairytales at the “Märchenmarkt.” There are nine different Christmas Markets in the city center. Enough food for your senses and no need to spend anything. Of course, if you are hungry, thirsty and want to buy a souvenir or a gift for your loves you can do so. I only say so; you do not need to?

   

7. Free Organ Concerts

The Organ concerts are also for me new. I did not know that there are concerts and that they are for free. I found two possibilities to listen to organ music. There is free lunchtime organ music at the Johannes Church at Martin Luther Square. During the week, at 12.30 p.m. you can listen to organ music for half an hour.  You could also bring your lunch. Although it is not a Christmas offer only, I think it has an exceptional atmosphere and mood if you listen to organ music this season.

Another possibility to listen to professional organ music is the organ concerts at the church of St. Lambertus, located in the historic old town. One show from an international artist each month and all for free, although donations are welcome and appreciated. Indeed a unique free thing to do in Düsseldorf!

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I am sure that these are not the only free things to do in Düsseldorf*, but I think these are the best of them. Especially when you are around the city center, you can get quickly to all of them. All these free things to do are within walking distance. Therefore, if you are around and want to spend too much money, then make sure to enjoy one or the other.

Do you need a break from Christmas? Try one of these cafés, relax, recharge, repeat! 

And now, it is your turn. Tell me about your favorite free things to do at Christmas time. Are there any specials in your home base? Or do you prepare your special events like biscuit-baking-sessions or anything like that? I would love to read your ideas, experiences, or suggestions in the comments below.