Christmas Market in Bernkastel-Kues

The Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues combines festive tradition with unique experiences, winter romance, and culinary delights. Visitors can look forward to special attractions like the torchlight swimming event and an atmospheric fireworks display. Another highlight is the largest Advent calendar in the Mosel region, while the St. Nicholas hike invites the whole family to an active Christmas experience. For gourmets, the distinctive Riesling mulled wine is, of course, one of the market's special treats.

More than 40 festively decorated Christmas stalls are spread across the medieval old town of Bernkastel. The offerings range from traditional crafts to jewelry and candles, as well as nostalgic and extraordinary gift ideas. Culinary wishes are also fully satisfied: whether it's tarte flambée, hearty stews, fragrant waffles, sweet crêpes, or hot mulled wine – here everyone will find the perfect refreshment for a cozy stroll through the Christmas-decorated streets.

A very special experience awaits visitors at the torch swimming in and through the Mosel. Every year, more than 100 sport divers brave the icy waters of the Mosel to accompany St. Nicholas on his journey from the Kues harbor to the Bernkastel Mosel riverbank. After his safe arrival, St. Nicholas distributes gifts to the little visitors – an impressive and heartwarming tradition.

Larger-than-life and beautiful to behold is the largest Advent calendar in the Mosel region. At the market square in Bernkastel, a new window of the historic half-timbered house Adler-Apotheke opens every evening during the Advent season. The opening is accompanied by a Christmas-themed artistic performance, a song, a poem, or a festive reading.

“Cast off!” is the call on Advent weekends during the cozy Christmas cruises of the White Fleet. A boat ride on the Mosel is a special experience even in the cold season – especially when hot mulled wine and spicy Christmas cookies are served on board. This way, the wintery Mosel landscape can be enjoyed in a relaxed way from the water.

And of course, a festive fireworks display is not to be missed. When it lights up over the festively decorated old town of Bernkastel-Kues, the Christmas atmosphere becomes even more impressive. Suitable musical accompaniment is also provided: Christmas melodies can be heard in many parts of the old town and on the winter stage – not only on weekends. This makes visiting the Christmas market in Bernkastel-Kues a festive experience for the whole family.

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Christmas Market 2026 - the Highlights!

November 20: Start of the Christmas market

November 21: Festive opening

December 1 to 24: Life-size Advent calendar at the market square

December 5: Traditional torch swimming

December 6: St. Nicholas arrives at the Christmas market

December 19: Christmas fireworks with music

Every Thursday: Live open-air music on the winter stage at Karlsbader Platz