Busy, colorful, and cheerful
At the medieval market, peddlers and merchants offer their goods, craftsmen provide insight into the work of the time, and every day artists captivate guests on the stage and in the alleys. With their surprising tricks and wonderful improvisations, they skillfully charm their audience – miming, magic, and plenty of situational comedy to watch, linger, and enjoy. Insider tip for all night owls: Every evening from 7 p.m., the night watchman makes his rounds with halberd, horn, and lantern, concluding the market in a "legendary" way.
More eventful than any other
Participation is encouraged: There are interesting activities for both adults and especially for children, all free of charge. Visitors can demonstrate their skills in felting, weaving, forging, woodturning, and basket weaving, as well as in tug-of-war, spear throwing, and archery. A huge amount of fun at steaming wax pots is candle dipping: simple white wax sticks are quickly transformed into cheerful, colorful works of art under expert guidance.
Anything but ordinary
This year's highlight is the Czech artist group "Chudadlo." The acrobat ensemble captivates visitors with unusual performances, combining acrobatic, theatrical, and puppetry elements with light and fire art. An adrenaline-charged mix of music, rhythm, juggling, dance, and fire: A wonderful spectacle: entertaining, fascinating, and refreshingly different.
A juggling show with all kinds of surprises, humorous participatory elements, and acrobatic feats will captivate the audience
The World of Gnomes
The inhabitants of the 19 lovingly decorated little gnome houses are only 30 centimeters tall, yet they are the big stars of the market. More than three hundred lively, pointed-hat little fellows bustle about in this enchanting miniature world. The tiny ones celebrate weddings, indulge at the "Café Luise," relax in the sauna, or study in school. The "parents" of the little gnomes, a group of enthusiastic crafters led by Mechthild Marx, have created this unique attraction in Germany through many thousands of hours of their free time. The magic is enhanced by the glow of the ten-meter-tall Christmas tree, shining beneath a net of lights.
Giant Christmas Pyramid
The twelve-meter-high showpiece, an oversized version of the delicate jewelry from the Ore Mountains, with the magnificent hand-carved figures, the splendidly designed display cabinets, and lavish decorative lights, is the much-admired centerpiece of the market.
Heavenly Mile
Life-sized nutcrackers and a cheerful Santa Claus from the workshops of the Ore Mountains greet the visitor with a smile. A "Nativity Trail" created by the St. Wendel artist Karl Heindl showcases the full variety of this art.
Lively children's entertainment
The snow-covered toboggan run, a nostalgic carousel, and the live nativity scene guarantee pure good cheer. The little visitors can look forward to a special winter delight.
A Glow of Lights in Every Alley
Friends of the traditional Christmas market will also get their money's worth. Away from shopping stress and Advent hustle and bustle, craftsmen and hobby artists present a rich, diverse range without junk and kitsch. Open fire pits provide warmth and coziness everywhere. Local choirs and musicians spread a contemplative and cheerful pre-Christmas atmosphere. At the end of each market day, the tunes of the tower trumpeters resound far throughout the city.
A tourist attraction
"The Christmas market attracts many national and international guests to the city. Last year, 200,000 visitors came, including about 25,000 coach tourists," says Mayor Peter Klär with enthusiasm. "The economic role of the Christmas market is therefore enormous," the head of administration sees the idea and concept confirmed. "In our efforts to actively further develop and improve the market from year to year, we are very optimistic about achieving our goal of increasing visitor numbers even more."
Artists at the market
Music, dance, and mask play, medieval juggling and fool’s skits, comedic juggling and magic tricks, acting and participatory theater, amazing fire shows every evening: Entertainment is well assured.
06 - 15 Dec Chudadlo
Midnight Circus – an artistic fire show
The Cube – small fire show
Stilt Walk Acts Dell Arte
Angel Chapel
"The Flag" – slapstick acrobatics
"Don Quixote" – partner acrobatics
Angel Mail
Kalibo, the Chatterer - Astonishing Magic with Wit
Spectaculatius and Fanfarelli - Captivating Music and Jollity
06. – 12.12. Michael Schwiening – Traditional Folk Music
06. – 10.12. MiMiKa - Fairy Tales with Music
11. – 14.12. Sophie von Ratzeburg – About Witches and Dragons, Puppet Shows and Interactive Activities
13. – 15.12. Spielleut Ranunculus - Singing and Dancing
Date and Opening Hours
Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 15, 2024
Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Event location
Pedestrian zone of the city center around the town hall and cathedral
(Schloßstraße, Fruchtmarkt, Balduinstraße, Mott, Luisenstraße)
Parking
City-Garage weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ample free, city-close bus parking, open 24 hours
