On March 9, 2025, several cities across North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, will celebrate 'Verkaufsoffener Sonntag', or Open Sunday, alongside numerous spring-themed events. Shoppers will have the unique opportunity to enjoy not only retail therapy but also vibrant cultural festivities, marking the arrival of spring.
Among the highlights, Ahaus-Alstätte will host the widely anticipated 'Sandhasensonntag', which translates to Sand Rabbit Sunday, from 1 PM to 6 PM. This cheerful event features fun activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, and engaging games. To kick off the day, the Sandhasenlauf race will start at 12:30 PM around the Kirchplatz – the town's central square – showcasing the lively spirit of the community as families come out to enjoy the festivities.
Nearby, Attendorn is planning its own celebration with the popular fish market scheduled for the same hours, allowing visitors to browse and indulge their palates with fresh seafood offerings. Shopkeepers will be ready to welcome customers from 1 PM to 6 PM, contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Traveling north, Datteln will be vibrant with its annual spring fair ('Frühjahrs-Kirmes'), set to attract families and thrill-seekers alike with rides, games, and food stalls – all available during the open shopping hours from 1 PM to 6 PM. Meanwhile, Gevelsberg awaits attendees with 'Gevelsberger Frühling', featuring attractions such as an environmental market, car show, and city biathlon, also running from 1 PM to 6 PM, drawing residents and visitors to the heart of the city.
For those with culinary cravings, Goch promises to be the place to be with its 'Gocher Streetfood Frühling'. From Mexican to Vietnamese delicacies, food lovers can experience global flavors crafted by local vendors. The shops will also be open for shoppers during the traditional hours from 1 PM to 6 PM.
Meschede, located in the picturesque Sauerland region, will usher spring with its 'Mescheder Frühling', comprising events like spring cleaning, the 'Cheatday' street food festival, and flea market activities along Von-Stephan-Strasse. This lively event will also take place from 1 PM to 6 PM, giving residents plenty of options to enjoy locally.
Olsberg/Bigge is another city joining the festivities, where local shops will be open as part of the HSKBAU trade fair focusing on themes related to construction, living, and sustainability. Families can also experience fun activities at the 'Kneipp-Werkstatt' taking place downtown during the same hours.
Stadtlohn will mark its first 'Verkaufsoffener Sonntag' of the year, inviting both locals and visitors from 1 PM to 6 PM to engage with the colorful market booths filled with spring decorations and fresh blooms to welcome the change of seasons. Car dealerships will showcase their newest models, ensuring there is something for all ages.
Versmold is set to run its traditional St. Petri-Markt, or 'Sünne Peider', alongside the Open Sunday. The attractive fair, featuring more than 200 stands and rides, is expected to be the highlight for families, offering excitement through the local carnival atmosphere.
Winterberg, known for its winter sports tourism, stands out with exceptional opening hours, being allowed to keep its shops open on 38 Sundays throughout the year. On March 9, shops will welcome customers from 11 AM to 5 PM, making the local shopping experience even more accessible.
Meanwhile, the weekend leading up to these events, from March 8-9, 2025, will feature numerous indoor and outdoor flea markets (Trödelmärkte), where thrifty shoppers can search for unique treasures.
On Saturday, March 8, flea markets will be active across various locations including Aachen at the ice rink, Bielefeld along the Leineweberring, and Bochum at the Ruhr-Universität, among others. Dortmund will host multiple flea markets at both the Technische Universität and Kaufland locations.
Sunday, March 9, will also see various flea markets taking shape, with notable locations including Bergheim's Möbel Hausmann, Bergisch Gladbach's Marktplatz, and Bonn's Hellweg. Flea market enthusiasts can plan their shopping routes with ample opportunities for both new and second-hand goods.
Overall, the combined Open Sunday and flea market events promise not only abundant shopping but also the enjoyment of various cultural activities, culinary delights, and community spirit throughout NRW, making this weekend stand out as one of the more festive times of the early spring.
For those planning to participate, it is recommended to check local updates as event details may change, ensuring everyone can enjoy all the festivities and shopping opportunities March 9 has to offer.