Advent in the Franconian Open-Air Museum

Christmas in Franconian Rooms

Advent in the Franconian Open-Air Museum is not a classic Christmas market, but an atmospheric journey through time. The Franconian Open-Air Museum in Bad Windsheim, one of the largest open-air museums in Southern Germany, opens its historic buildings on the first three Sundays of Advent, filling the old rooms with music, stories, and handicrafts. The relocated farmhouses thus become the backdrop for a Christmas as it was celebrated in the Franconian countryside for centuries.

Advent Bakery and Crafts

In the farmhouse from Herrnberchtheim, the aroma of freshly baked potato gingerbread – with or without chocolate glaze – fills the air, accompanied by hot mulled wine. In other buildings, craftspeople demonstrate their skills, while stories are told and songs are sung in the rooms.

Concerts and Christmas Play

• Advent concert in the Spitalkirche
• "Franconian Christmas" with singers and musicians from Bad Windsheim
• Christmas play based on Hans Sachs
• Over 20 musical ensembles on the three Sundays

Organizers and Idea

The event is supported by the Friends of the Spitalkirche, the Friends of the Franconian Open-Air Museum, and the Museum Kirche in Franken. The idea: a contemplative Advent away from consumerism and hustle and bustle, keeping the intangible customs of Franconian Christmas alive.

Regional Context

Bad Windsheim is located in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim in the state of Bavaria, in the heart of Middle Franconia. The Franconian Open-Air Museum preserves the rural building culture and customs of the region here – in Advent, this history becomes tangible with all the senses.