BVB had invited fans to the fifth annual "Dortmund Sings Christmas Carols" event, and they came in their droves, as some 73,056 fans flocked to the stadium to sing on the third weekend of Advent. They set the world record for the "biggest Christmas carol-singing event" in the sold-out SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.

There were dimmed lights, decorated trees and Christmas motifs: the stadium shone in festive splendour, as both young and old fans shared a few hours of festive contemplation on Sunday afternoon and really got in the Christmas spirit. "Dortmund Sings Christmas Carols", presented by Schauinsland-Reisen, saw fans join in, singing a total of 24 songs, including numerous classics such as "O du fröhliche" and "Jingle Bells". Of course, the classic "You'll Never Walk Alone" also rang out inside the stadium.

A number of musicians took to the stage to lead the chorus of Dortmund fans. They joined in with Alexander Klaws, who received the most applause for his version of "Feliz Navidad", just as he did last year, and Jo Marie Dominiak, who sang tunes such as "Leuchte auf, mein Stern Borussia". Ten-year-old Daniella Holzmann, of "The Voice Kids" fame, impressed with her rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town". Brass pop band Querbeat entertained the audience with the Christmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and their original compositions "Guten Morgen Barbarossaplatz" and "Bunte Pyramiden". Award-winning gospel choir Rejoice really hit the mark, as did the band Filou, who provided musical accompaniment throughout the afternoon. 

One of the highlights was a new world record for BVB and their fans. Never before have more people come to a Christmas carol-singing event. The official certificate was handed over to BVB managing director Carsten Cramer by the German world records authority, Rekord-Institut für Deutschland (RID), prompting great cheers from the 73,056 fans in attendance.

Shortly before the end of the event, the spectators welcomed BVB head coach Edin Terzic and first team players Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck and Sebastien Haller. Club legends such as Patrick Owomoyela, Kevin Großkreutz and Marcel Schmelzer were also in attendance. The coaches, current players and legends marched across the pitch onto the stage to the sounds of "You'll Never Walk Alone", much to the delight of the assembled Black and Yellow supporters.

In conclusion, BVB managing director Carsten Cramer thanked all BVB fans for their unconditional support during an exciting year. "On behalf of Borussia Dortmund, I would like to thank you for 2023. What you fans did was extraordinary," he said. Cramer recalled the defining moments of the year, such as Matchday 34 against Mainz 05 last season. There, it was the Black and Yellow supporters "who triggered the emotional turnaround immediately after the whistle went." He continued: "The fans are great. Borussia Dortmund would like to thank these fans and bow to them."

More than €100,000 were raised at "Dortmund Sings Christmas Carols" in 2022, and this year, a large part of the proceeds will once again be donated to charities and social organisations in Dortmund. The funds will benefit the BVB Learning Centre, the street football league Nordstadtliga Dortmund, the charity Lensing Media Hilfswerk and homeless initiative Gast-Haus e.V.

BVB TV by 1&1: Re-watch the 2023 Christmas Carol-Singing