The Goslar Christmas forest is on Schuhhof, part of the city-centre Christmas market that runs from 25 November to 30 December 2026. It is normally open until 22:00, later than the market squares. On 24, 25, 26 and 30 December, special hours apply and the late forest opening is not confirmed. See the full calendar on our page about the Goslar Christmas market 2026.
What the Christmas forest is
On Schuhhof, a city visit turns into a short walk among evergreen trees. Among the branches, your attention shifts to lights and to the people immediately around you, which feels quite different from the open squares of Marktplatz. The forest is part of the free city-centre market, so there is no separate ticket.
An atmospheric setting does not mean it will always be quiet. Evenings and weekends can be busy, and the guide recommends walking through without a fixed photograph in mind, then deciding whether to stay longer.
Opening hours of the forest
Regular market days: normally until 22:00
24 December: market hours 11:00-14:00; late forest opening not confirmed
25 and 26 December: market hours 12:00-19:00; late forest opening not confirmed
30 December: market hours 11:00-18:00; late forest opening not confirmed
The guide is careful here. The regular later closing time is published, but whether it applies to each special holiday schedule is not clearly established. For a late visit on those four dates, ask the organiser directly.
When to visit
The forest is at its most atmospheric after dark, which comes early in December. The guide's afternoon route puts Schuhhof at 17:00, after Marktplatz, Marktkirchhof and an indoor break. That order works well: you see the squares in daylight and the forest once the lights take over. If you want a long evening, visit the market and a museum beforehand and finish on Schuhhof.
Plan your return first, then decide how long to stay. Opening hours alone do not determine the length of your evening. Check your last suitable train or the route to your accommodation, and for drivers, whether your car park is still accessible late.
Practical tips among the trees
Meeting point: illuminated trees look similar once you are inside. Agree on a meeting point outside the busiest area.
Return route: agree it beforehand, so it is easy to decide what to do if someone needs a break.
Weather: the forest does not promise covered space, so keep visits short in heavy rain.
Children: a clear next meeting point works better than saying you will meet somewhere in the market.
Photographing the lights
Illuminated branches and darker gaps create strong contrasts. Start with an overview, then choose a detail. If your phone makes the lights too bright, lowering the exposure may help. Check the result straight away rather than collecting many near-identical images. Pause briefly, let others pass and move on. That keeps the memory tied to the experience rather than to the screen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Goslar Christmas forest free?
Yes. It is part of the city-centre Christmas market, and access to the market is free. You only pay for food, drinks and purchases.
Where exactly is the Christmas forest?
On Schuhhof in the old town. The market also occupies Marktplatz and Marktkirchhof, and the three areas form one central circuit.
Is the forest open on New Year's Eve?
The published market season ends on 30 December, so the guide makes no promise of a market or forest opening on 31 December.
Is the Christmas forest suitable for children?
Yes, but busy evenings among the trees can make it easy to lose sight of each other. Agree on a meeting point outside the busiest area before you go in, and plan the forest as the last element of a short family circuit rather than the first.
Research status: 26 October 2026. Times, dates and prices are planning information from our research, so please check the official sources before you travel.
