Christmas market in Bernkastel again from November 20 to December 20, 2026
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.
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christmas weeks
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Days of Christmas spirit
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Market stalls
Christmas spirit in a unique atmosphere
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.
Winter cinema on Karlsbad Square
Younger guests will also get their money's worth at the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues. On Friday, November 20, 2026, a surprise film will be shown for young visitors to the Christmas market on Karlsbader Platz at 5 pm.
Adult visitors can then look forward to the winter cinema screening of the cult classic "Die Feuerzangenbowle" on Karlsbader Platz on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Of course, you can also enjoy the aforementioned drink, a hot mulled wine or punch.
Largest Advent calendar in the region
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.
Torchlight swimming
Dressed warmly and with a warming drink in your hand, you can stand on the banks of the Moselle on a Saturday in December and watch over 100 scuba divers swim through the icy Moselle. Each of them has a torch in their hand, the light of which shimmers in the Moselle, illuminating the night and creating an impressive spectacle. The torch swimmers are accompanied by St. Nicholas on a boat. Once they reach the mainland, St. Nicholas hands out presents to the children.
St. Nicholas hike
The annual St. Nicholas hike takes place on a Sunday in December. Traditionally, the walk starts on the market square in Bernkastel, accompanied by music from the Landshut Knights. In addition to a cup of mulled wine, there is also a hot soup. And there is also a surprise every time.
The walk is just under 10-15 kilometers.
Fireworks
A highlight of the Christmas market that captivates young and old alike is the wintry musical fireworks display on a Saturday in December. Then bright colors, sparkling rain and impressive light shows 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. Ideally with a glass of hot mulled wine or punch in your hand.
Theater, magic shows, a visit from Santa Claus - the varied program of the Christmas market
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.
Boat trips on the icy Moselle
The boats also sail on the Moselle in winter. So come on board and see the Moselle landscape from an interesting perspective. Choose between the winter cruises towards Lieser and Mülheim or the romantic Advent cruises between Traben-Trarbach. There you can also visit the Christmas market in Trarbach, which takes place underground in large wine cellars.
Winter round trips
- Route: Round trip from Bernkastel
- Duration: 1 hour
- Weekday: always Saturdays
- Dates: 21. november to 19. December
- Travel times from Bernkastel: 12.30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Romantic Advent cruises
- Route: between Bernkastel and Traben-Trarbach
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weekday: always on Saturdays
- Dates: 21. november to 19. December
- Travel time from Traben-Trarbach to Bernkastel: 11.15 a.m
- Journey time from Bernkastel to Traben-Trarbach: 3.30 p.m
(no return journey to Bernkastel afterwards)
Why not visit the underground Moselle Wine Night Market in Traben-Trarbach?
As soon as you enter the cellars, some of which date back to the 16th century, the cozy, warm scent of mulled wine, roasted almonds and fir greenery wafts towards you. Let yourself be enchanted by this atmospheric and mystical semi-darkness of the Traben-Trarbach underworld. International and national exhibitors will be presenting high-quality decorations, gift ideas, culinary specialties, wine products, antiques and creative fashion and jewelry designs in a Christmassy atmosphere from 20.11.2026-02.01.2027 at weekends and on special opening days.
