Where deckchairs and sand created a beach atmosphere in the summer, winter is now moving in: the "Gibson Winter Market" is opening today on the site of the former Gibson Beach Club at Mainzer Landstraße 23. Until 23 December, a pre-Christmas promenade will be created between the bank towers and Mainzer Landstraße – including a Tyrolean alpine hut, punch stands and sports activities.
From beach club to winter village
With the winter market, the Gibson Club is continuing its "Gibson City X-mas" format, which premiered three years ago opposite the Alte Oper. Now it is the turn of the area in the banking district. Nine huts will transform the area into a small winter village. Various operators will offer a programme ranging from sweet classics such as waffles, crêpes and Kaiserschmarrn to soups, potato pancakes and bratwurst to tarte flambée, raclette and Brazilian specialities.
The club itself will be represented with two of its own stands, serving mulled wine, winter cocktails and other beverages. In addition, the Glinicke car dealership will be present on the grounds as a partner, offering test drives, among other things.
"The Beach Club area is ideal for such a concept, and I am delighted that we can now put our plans into action," says Bastian Bernhagen, managing partner of the Gibson Club. The aim is to complement the Christmas offerings in the city centre with a more urban, club-like location.
Tyrolean alpine hut as the centrepiece
The centrepiece of the new winter market is a Tyrolean alpine hut called "Chalet 23". Bernhagen reports that he purchased the hut himself in Tyrol. It is intended to serve as a backdrop for Christmas parties and other events for companies and private individuals. Depending on the seating arrangement, it can accommodate different group sizes. The hut is designed for banquet seating for up to 120 people, and according to the Gibson Club, a maximum of 180 guests can be accommodated in a mixture of standing and seating arrangements. The chalet can be booked for 50 people or more, with smaller groups possible by arrangement. Interested parties can send reservation enquiries to the club by email. The hut itself will remain open beyond the winter market until 28 February 2026 and will continue to be used for events after that.
Goose dinner in club style
The Gibson Club is planning its own events in the alpine hut. A "goose dinner in Gibson style" is planned on three Saturdays in November and December – on 15 and 29 November and on 13 December. There will be two time slots per evening: from 5 to 8 p.m. and from 8.30 p.m. In addition to the menu, the club promises "good drinks and, of course, music".
As places are limited, advance booking is required; the club refers to an online booking portal for this purpose.
Sports facilities remain open
One special feature of the area will remain even during the cold season: the two padel courts, which were originally set up for the Gibson Beach Club, will remain open. The facilities are in high demand, says Bernhagen. Especially in the city centre, there are few opportunities to play sports outdoors.
The courts can only be used after registration – either on site or via the Playtomic app. The fee starts at 40 euros per hour.
Opening hours and closing days
The Gibson Winter Market is open from 6 November to 23 December. From Monday to Thursday, visitors can visit the site from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. On Sundays, the market opens at 2 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m. The winter market is closed on two Sundays: 16 and 23 November. Visiting the market is free of charge; separate fees apply only for special events and the padel courts.
