Events

A series of events to commemorate a largely suppressed chapter of post-war history: the fate of the so-called fate of the so-called Displaced Persons (DPs) in Westphalia-Lippe. Blind Spots focuses on the so-called displaced persons, who after their liberation from forced labour, concentration camp imprisonment and captivity after were housed in camps at the end of the Second World War. There they lived free, but nevertheless in bondage, because for various reasons they were unable to return were unable to return to their homeland immediately.

In Haltern am See, the series Blind Spots on 11 October 2025 at 3 pm in the LWL-Römermuseum with an exhibition in the public space in Haltern-West will be ceremoniously opened. A bilingual audio walk will be presented that tells the history of the former camp for displaced persons in Haltern - one of the largest in largest in Westphalia - can be experienced on site.

In addition, an artistic intervention in public space will be created, the starting point of which starting point is an archive image from the Haltern town archives. For this potato peelings were transferred into bronze: on the one hand, they mark the places and houses mentioned in the audio walk, but they also function as as independent objects of remembrance. Spread across the district, the like unexpected traces of the past and at the same time form an ephemeral memorial. an ephemeral monument.

Sudan's political landscape has changed drastically in the last six years. The country is shaken by war and famine, and the achievements of the 2018/19 revolution have largely faded. The fact that it was primarily women who drove the revolutionary movement forward seven years ago is hardly known. A reason for Helena Lea Manhartsberger to focus on precisely these women.

In her exhibition, Manhartsberger documents the stories of women from different generations and backgrounds. The women portrayed reconstruct key moments of the revolution and tell of oppression and liberation, frustration and hope. For example, Salma Awad, a professional footballer and the first woman in Sudan with a bicycle courier service, has her say. When the war broke out, she delivered medicines to those in need and had to cross the front lines time and again to do so. Despite life-threatening situations, she carried on until she herself had to flee.

Tea seller Hiliwah reports regular harassment by the police, who did not accept her "revolutionary" work on the streets. During the uprising, she and others made sure that everyone had enough to eat and drink.

Traditionally, the St Nicholas market in Haltern am See begins on the 1st weekend in Advent. Mayor Andreas Stegemann will open the St. Nicholas Market on 28 November 2025 at 6 pm on the market square.

The hut magic on the market square invites you to visit. Here, guests can enjoy the cosy atmosphere whatever the weather, browse the stalls and relax with a hot drink while listening to Christmas music. The Stadtwerke Haltern am See adventure skating rink invites you to take a few quick laps and if you want to do a bit of gift shopping, you're sure to find what you're looking for among the arts and crafts on offer.

Once again, a curtain of lights covering almost the entire square creates a contemplative atmosphere - and does so in an economical way thanks to energy-efficient LEDs.

On the Advent Saturdays, the lucky draw by "Haltern am See. Does good." will take place.

Traditionally, St. Nicholas crosses the lake on 6 December at 6 pm and makes his way to the town centre in a small procession.

On 7 December, an event shopping Sunday takes place from 1 - 6 pm under the motto: "Shopping where others go on holiday!".

Opening hours of the St. Nicholas market:
Monday - Thursday 3 - 8 pm
Friday 3 - 9 pm
Saturday + Sunday 11 am - 9 pm

The traditional weekly market on Tuesdays and Fridays moves to Kärntner Platz during this time.

A diverse and festively decorated Christmas market opens its doors on the first two weekends of Advent. Visitors can look forward to a lovingly decorated setting with large, decorated Christmas trees and atmospheric lighting. Numerous offers invite you to linger, including warming mulled wine, freshly prepared bread on a stick and other Christmas specialities. Various sales and experience stands provide a varied programme for the whole family.

RatzFatz - the name says it all. Because the improvisation theatre from Münster makes theatre on the spur of the moment. Four actors, one musician, no script, but a thousand ideas and only one rule: Can't do it? Not possible!

Dramatic like Goethe, political like Dario Fo or absurd like Beckett? It could turn out like that. But it won't, because every evening is unique. Nothing is rehearsed and nothing is agreed. All the RatzFatzler need is the "who, where, what and how?". And that is determined by the audience. They specify a location, a mood or a genre and the scene begins.

The rest of the process is completely open, as the ideas of the audience and actors change, a dynamic develops that blurs the boundary between stage and auditorium. What happens next is written in the stars...

Improvisational theatre is "folk theatre" in the best sense of the word, with roots going back to early theatre forms such as ballads, jugglers or the Comedia dell Arte. RatzFatz.de was founded in 2000 and is now known for its many performances at home and abroad.

As in previous years, the traditional reading "Schöne Bescherung" by the Ritterbach couple will once again take place in the Haltern am See public library in 2025. On 2 and 4 December, the two literature enthusiasts will read a varied selection of stories and poems about the pre-Christmas period - some classic, some modern, some cheerful, some contemplative. The programme will be complemented by musical interludes in which the audience will also be involved. This creates an atmospheric mood for the forthcoming Christmas celebrations.

It's getting festive again for St Nicholas' Day in Haltern am See. St Nicholas traditionally reaches the town in his illuminated ship across the lake. A large procession of lights accompanies him into the town centre with torches, lanterns and festive music. The streets are lined with families, children and onlookers. This intergenerational event gives goosebumps year after year.

From Beatles to Brahms, from baroque to folk, from Germany to Ireland to Sweden... Patatras! takes you on a journey through different countries and times. Sometimes lively and cheerful, sometimes melancholic, but always with a slight twinkle in the eye. Whether German chansons, Irish reels, French musette, Swedish folklore or classics from rock, pop and classical music - the two musicians passionately mix genres and styles. Patatras was once jokingly described as "the smallest orchestra in the world" and it is indeed astonishing what the duo produces from their instruments. Virtuosic, surprising and full of charm - Patatras makes boundaries disappear and turns music into an adventure.

A trip on the Möwe passenger boat across the picturesque Haltern reservoir is a real treat for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. As the ship glides gently over the glistening water, there are breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and hills, which unfold their own charm in every season. On board, passengers can relax, enjoy the fresh air and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the lake to the full.

After London, Edinburgh and Doha, now in Haltern am See. The award-winning documentary Khartoum. The film tells the stories of five people from Khartoum. Lokain and Wilson, who collect bottles. The waitress Khadmallah, the activist Jawad and the civil servant Madji. When war breaks out in April 2023, forcing millions of people to flee, the filmmakers and their protagonists also flee to East Africa. Using animation and dream sequences, they find alternative ways to tell their stories. The result is a lyrical, emotional portrait of various people from the capital Khartoum at a key moment in African history.