Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues

The atmospheric Christmas market in the historic old town of Bernkastel attracts visitors with attractions such as torchlight floats and fireworks, unusual events such as the largest Advent calendar in the region, active activities such as the St. Nicholas hike and delicious treats such as the unmistakable Riesling mulled wine. You can find all of this at the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues. The festively decorated Christmas market stalls are spread throughout the medieval old town of Bernkastel. From traditional arts and crafts to jewelry and candles to nostalgic gift ideas, everything is on offer. The gastronomic offerings also leave nothing to be desired: whether tarte flambée, stews, waffles, crêpes or mulled wine.

The backdrop of festively decorated medieval half-timbered houses makes the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues something very special. The charm of the historic old town combined with the Christmas atmosphere invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the alleyways and browse the many Christmas market stalls. Perhaps you will buy a nice present for your loved ones, warm yourself up with a hot mulled wine or punch or enjoy savory and sweet treats.

Younger guests will also have a great time at the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues. On Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5 : 00 p.m., a surprise movie will be shown on Karlsbader Platz for the young visitors to the Christmas market.

Adult visitors can then look forward to a winter movie screening of the cult classic “Die Feuerzangenbowle” on Karlsbader Platz on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Of course, they can also enjoy the drink mentioned in the film—hot mulled wine or punch.

Every year at the Bernkastel-Kues Christmas market, a half-timbered house on the historic market square is transformed into the largest Advent calendar in the region. The windows are then decorated as Advent calendar doors with beautiful motifs. During the Advent season from 1 to 23 December, a window opens every day at 5:30 pm and on 24 December at 11 am, and behind it is always an entertaining Christmas performance.

Dressed warmly and with a hot drink in hand, you can stand on the banks of the Moselle on Saturday, December 5, 2026, and watch over 100 recreational divers swim through the icy Moselle. Each of them will be holding a torch whose light shimmers in the Moselle, illuminating the night and creating a truly impressive spectacle. The torch swimmers will be accompanied by St. Nicholas on a boat. Once he reaches the shore, he’ll hand out gifts to the children.

One of the highlights of the Christmas market, which captivates young and old alike, is the winter fireworks display on Saturday, December 19, 2026. Then, vibrant colors, sparkling showers, and impressive light shows will light up the dark winter night. Find a nice spot on the banks of the Moselle and watch the colorful spectacle in the night sky—preferably with a glass of hot mulled wine or punch in hand.

The Christmas market in Bernkastel features both traditional Christmas sounds and modern music acts, such as on the winter stage, which takes place every Thursday. There is something for everyone in the varied music program.

In addition to the annual highlights of the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues and the diverse musical performances, the festive period surrounding the Christmas market offers many other unforgettable experiences. Whether children's theater, exciting lectures, wine tastings on the Moselle or magical shows - the varied program has something for everyone. Both young and old visitors to the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues will get their money's worth and enjoy the special atmosphere.