Christmas market in Bernkastel again from November 21 to December 21, 2025
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.
Next year, the Bernkastel-Kues Christmas market will take place from 20.11. to 20.12.2026.
New this year: Photos with the Christmas market on the selfie bench
A real highlight awaits visitors this year: a hand-carved wooden bench with a very special guest - because sitting here is none other than Santa Claus himself. The lovingly designed bench fits in wonderfully with the series of figures that can be discovered around St. Michael's Church in the Dwarf Forest. As a selfie bench, it invites you to sit down for a nice souvenir photo and capture the moment - perfect for sharing with family, friends or online afterwards. The bench is expected to find its place at the fountain on the market square - an atmospheric spot in the middle of the Christmas hustle and bustle.
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.
| Stand number | Stand operator / company | Offer / Article |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernkastel-Kues advertising association | Mulled wine white/red, children's punch, fire tongs punch |
| 2 | Old Moselle train station | Potato pancakes and non-alcoholic drinks |
| 3 | Kaas met Smaak | Everything to do with cheese |
| 4 | Andreas Piel | Hats, scarves, gloves |
| 5 | Ste Raissi International | Olive wood |
| 6 | Saveurs des Terroir | Jams, French cookies, dried fruit, salami, pâtés |
| 7 | Exclusive leather | Small leather goods |
| 8 | Inas Khalid Mahmoud | Coffee, tea, crêpes |
| 9 | Elexier specialties | Mulled punch, eggnog, spirits from our own distillery, gift bottles |
| 10 | Old Moselle train station | Bratwurst, currywurst, chips |
| 11 | ALter Moselbahnhof | Tarte flambée |
| 12 | Old Moselle station | Alm Gaudi: Raclette cheese on crusty bread and fried onions, cranberries or honey, walnuts, cheese spaetzle with or without raclette cheese, non-alcoholic drinks |
| 13 | Sonnier | Sweets, gingerbread, popcorn, candy floss, roasted almonds |
| 14 | Francy Sonnier | Churros, waffles |
| 15 | Sonnier | Children's carousel |
| 17 | Monika Massmann | Laser wood burning art, slate engravings according to customer requirements | Christmas decorations, decorations, scarves, hats, bags, souvenirs, mushroom nutcrackers, incense smokers and candles, figurines |
| 19 | Roha spiced tea | Herbs and spices |
| 20 | Chaudhry | Gloves, scarves, hats |
| Stand number | Stand operator / company | Offer / Article |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Creadive | Christmas decorations and creative costume jewelry |
| 22 | Josef Botzet | Everything to do with nativity scenes |
| 23 | Horst Schmitz | Wooden bowls and decorations - all made in our own workshop |
| 25 | Beekeeping Braband | Beekeeping and bear catching, everything to do with honey, hot mead |
| 26 | Atelier Pfauenspiel | Everything to do with Christmas |
| 27 | Design workshop Ilona Britten | Jewelry design |
| 28 | Guido Thomas | Christmas articles, wooden pyramids, nutcrackers |
| 29 | Sandra Clark-Ferrua | Handmade paperwork, glass jewelry |
| 30 | Kathies's creative corner | Home-made decoration |
| 31 | Stone Age Handcrafted | Saying signs made of natural slate, coasters made of marble, mugs, doormats, wooden running ducks, candlelight houses made of ceramic plaster, handmade wind chimes |
| 32 | Sonnier | Regional dishes of the day, poultry specialties |
| 33 | Master carpenter Wilfried Gierden | Woodwork from our own production |
| 34 | Moselle glow and winter warmth | Decorative items, homemade candles, thick socks, hats and insoles |
| 35 | Rosi's pearl jewelry | Bookmarks, key rings, jewelry from our own production |
| 36 | Da Marco | Waffles, coffee, cocoa, warm Aperol |
| 37 | Zia Chattha | Jackets, gloves, hats, scarves |
| 38 | Bernkastel-Kues advertising group | Christmas tree sale - regional Nordmann firs from 05.12. while stocks last |
| Stand number | Period of time | Stand operator / company | Offer / Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (Craftsmen's House 1) | 21.11.-30.11. | Jörg Lenz | Glass engravings |
| 01.12.-21.12. | Ali Syed | Christmas gifts and toys | |
| 18 (Crafts House 2) | 21.11.-30.11. | Joachim Klein | Handicraft woodwork |
| 01.12.-14.12. | Christian Lorenz | Staves, decorative items | |
| 15.12.-21.12. | Wheelhouse | Ayurvedic chai syrup, chutneys and spice blends, organic date-based fruit balls and confectionery, roasted almonds and cocoa beans | |
| 24 (Craftsmen's House 3) | 21.11.-30.11. | Daniela Schwarz | Handmade decoration |
| 01.12.-21.12. | Ulrike Ströher | Crochet & knitting |
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.
Fireworks
A highlight of the Christmas market that captivates young and old alike is the wintry musical fireworks display on December 20 at 6 pm. 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.
Atmospheric musical performances
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.
| Date | Weekday | Time of day | Venue | Music performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10. December | Wednesday | 3 pm | Old Town | Mill singers |
| 11. December | Thursday | 2 p.m | Old Town | Fantasy One Man Band |
| 6 pm | Karlsbad Square | Winter stage live music | ||
| 7 p.m | Hansen-Lauer Winery | Winter concert "Magma" | ||
| 13. December | Saturday | 3 pm | Marketplace | Vocal ensemble "Martinsgruppe Ensch" |
| 4 pm | Market square | Larry Cook Brass Band, NL | ||
| 6 p.m | Old Town | Brass quintet "aufgeBRASSt" | ||
| 7 p.m | Karlsbad Square | Larry Cook Brass Band, NL | ||
| 14. December | Sunday | 12 noon | Market Square | Larry Cook Brass Band, NL |
| 2 pm | Marketplace | Music association of the town of Bernkastel-Kues | ||
| 3 p.m | Kurgastzentrum | Women's choir "ChoryFeen" & children's choir Ürzig | ||
| 4 p.m | Old Town | Wind players of the Bernkasteler Bürgerwehr | ||
| 4 p.m | Market square | Mixed secular choir Chorios E.V. Veldenz | ||
| 5 p.m | Church of the Holy Spirit | MoselVibes-Duo | ||
| 17. December | Wednesday | 3 p.m | Old Town | Mill Singers |
| 18. December | Thursday | 2 p.m | Old Town | Fantasy One Man Band |
| 6 pm | Karlsbad Square | Winter stage live music | ||
| 7 p.m | Hansen-Lauer Winery | Winter concert "Sunshine Daydream" | ||
| 19. December | Friday | 3:30 pm | Old Town | Mill singers |
| 6 p.m | Old Town | Brass quintet "aufgeBRASSt" | ||
| 7 p.m | Old Town | Brass group "Blechkamper" Longkamp Music Society | ||
| 20. December | Saturday | 2 pm | Karlsbad Square | Singing ukulele orchestra "U'KL" Kaiserslautern |
| 21. December | Sunday | 2 p.m | Karlsbad Square | Schweich Volunteer Fire Brigade marching band E.V. |
| 2 p.m | Old Town | Mill singers | ||
| 3 p.m | Kurgastzentrum | Gospel Choir Mittelmosel E.V. | ||
| 4 p.m | Old Town | Wind players of the Bernkasteler Bürgerwehr |
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.
| Date | Day | Time of day | Place | Program | Program description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10. December | Wednesday | 4:30 p.m | Karlovy Vary Square | Magician Hamid | Magic show "Magical encounters" |
| 11. December | Thursday | 2:30 pm | Karlsbad Square | Guided tour of the old town | Guided tour through the Christmas town center, 9 € per person, free with guest card |
| 12. December | Friday | 6 p.m | Moselle Guest Center | Night watchman tour | Evening tour of the old town with the night watchman, 10 € p.p., registration: 06531 2532 or hp.kuhn@komm-zur-mosel.eu |
| 13. December | Saturday | 11 am | Bernkastel Moselle banks | Moselle tours | Enjoy the Moselle in Christmas flair. Duration: 1 hour, tickets available at the landing stage, fare: adult €13, children 6-14 years €6.50 |
| 2:30 p.m | Karlsbad Square | Guided tour of the old town | Guided tour through the Christmas town center, 9 € per person, free with guest card | ||
| 4 p.m | Vinotheque Cusanus Hospital | Good thoughts | Entertaining lecture on Cusanus. Over wine, coffee or tea, we play the Cusanus ball game, duration: 45 minutes, cost €10, languages: German, English, Dutch, French, registration: sebastian@sq-quintessenz.de, further dates by arrangement | ||
| 6 p.m | Moselle Guest Center | Night watchman tour | Evening tour of the old town with the night watchman, € 10 p.p., registration: 06531 2532 or hp.kuhn@komm-zur-mosel.eu | ||
| 14. December | Sunday | 11:30 a.m | Castle-Landshut elevator | Castle Landshut guided tour | Cost: €9 per person, free with guest card, registration required by 2 p.m. on Saturday - 06531 500190 |
| 12:45 p.m | Old Town | Doctor guided tour | Amusing tour "Wine and Health" through Bernkastel with a glass of the famous medicine, duration: 1 hour, cost: € 13.50, languages: German, English, Dutch, French, registration: sebastian@sq-quintessenz.de, further dates by arrangement | ||
| 17. December | Wednesday | 4:30 p.m | Karlovy Vary Square | Magician Hamid | Magic show "Magical encounters" |
| 18. December | Thursday | 2:30 pm | Karlsbad Square | Guided tour of the old town | Guided tour through the Christmas town center, 9 € per person, free with guest card |
| 19. December | Friday | 6 p.m | Moselle Guest Center | Night watchman tour | Evening tour of the old town with the night watchman, 10 € p.p., registration: 06531 2532 or hp.kuhn@komm-zur-mosel.eu |
| 20. December | Saturday | 11 am | Bernkastel Moselle banks | Moselle tours | Enjoy the Moselle in Christmas flair. Duration: 1 hour, tickets available at the landing stage, fare: adults €13, children 6-14 years €6.50 |
| 2:30 p.m | Karlsbad Square | Guided tour of the old town | Guided tour through the Christmas town center, 9 € per person, free with guest card | ||
| 4 p.m | Vinotheque Cusanus Hospital | Good thoughts | Entertaining lecture on Cusanus. Over wine, coffee or tea, we play the Cusanus ball game, duration: 45 minutes, cost €10, languages: German, English, Dutch, French, registration: sebastian@sq-quintessenz.de, further dates by arrangement | ||
| 6:30 p.m | Moselle Guest Center | Night watchman tour | Evening tour of the old town with the night watchman, 10 € p.p., registration: 06531 2532 or hp.kuhn@komm-zur-mosel.eu | ||
| 21. December | Sunday | 11:30 a.m | Castle-Landshut elevator | Castle Landshut guided tour | Cost: €9 per person, free with guest card, registration required by 2 p.m. on Saturday - 06531 500190 |
| 11:30 a.m | Old Town | Doctor guided tour | Amusing tour "Wine and Health" through Bernkastel with a glass of the famous medicine, duration: 1 hour, cost: € 13.50, languages: German, English, Dutch, French, registration: sebastian@sq-quintessenz.de, further dates by arrangement |
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: 22. november 6 and 29, December 6 and 13 and 20
- Travel times from Bernkastel: 11 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3.30 p.m
Romantic Advent cruises
- Route: between Bernkastel and Traben-Trarbach
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weekday: always on Saturdays
- Dates: 22. november 6 and 29, December 6 and 13 and 20
- 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 21.11.2025-03.01.2026 at weekends and on special opening days.
