Christmas market on the 2nd Advent weekend in the medieval old town of Bacharach in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley
The Schlender-Advent in Bacharach is one of the most charming Advent markets in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. On the second Advent weekend, the historic market square of the famous wine town on the Rhine transforms into an atmospheric Christmas market with about thirty stalls.
The setting is extraordinary: Bacharach is one of the most beautiful medieval towns on the Rhine. Half-timbered houses from the 14th to 17th centuries line the market square, Stahleck Castle sits enthroned high above, and the Rhine glitters in the background. As darkness falls, fairy lights, candles, and stall lighting illuminate the scene, creating an almost picture-perfect Advent atmosphere.
At the stalls, regional producers, artisans, and associations present their range: mulled wine and punch, Bacharacher Riesling and sparkling wine, Christmas tree decorations, wood carvings, pottery, knitwear, honey products, gingerbread, "Schmalzgebäck" (traditional pastries), and winter specialties of Rhenish cuisine. Local vintners offer warm and cold Middle Rhine wines.
The program is complemented by musical performances by choirs, brass bands, and local associations. The parish church of St. Peter and the ruins of the Wernerkapelle are also integrated into the concept. The mix of medieval architecture, Christmas scents, and mulled wine warmth makes the Schlender-Advent a magnet for guests from the Rhine-Main area, the Ruhr area, and neighboring Hesse.
Unlike the large city Christmas markets, the Schlender-Advent preserves the family-friendly character of a small Advent market in a historic setting. Those who want to combine the flair of a medieval Rhine town with the atmosphere of the pre-Christmas season will find one of the most beautiful addresses on the Middle Rhine here.
The 2026 edition continues the proven concept of the Schlender-Advent. Approx. 30 stalls in the historic market square, Bacharach vintners with mulled wine and Riesling, artisans and associations. Musical accompaniment by choirs and brass bands. Atmospheric lighting of the old town after dark.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in autumn. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in autumn. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.
Second Advent weekend 2026: Saturday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 6th, 2026. Exact opening hours will be published by the city of Bacharach in autumn 2026 (usually Saturday from midday to evening, Sunday from midday to evening).
Bacharach station on the left Rhine line (Mainz–Koblenz), directly at the old town. By car via the B9 along the Rhine. Parking available at the train station and on the outskirts of town. The old town is car-free and can be reached in a few minutes on foot.
Free admission. Mulled wine, food, and crafts are paid for at the stalls on site.
Sturdy footwear for the cobblestone streets of the old town. Warm clothing. Particularly atmospheric after dark when the stalls and half-timbered houses are illuminated. Overnight stay in one of the historic inns recommended.
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