Adventsmarkt Bacharach – Schlender-Advent
Edition 2026 Music Variety Gastronomy

Adventsmarkt Bacharach – Schlender-Advent

Christmas market on the 2nd Advent weekend in the medieval old town of Bacharach in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Bacharach — Landkreis Mainz-Bingen (07339)
Dates 05 Dec — 06 Dec 2026
Venue Bacharach (07339)
Prices Free
Status

About Schlender-Advent Bacharach

In the medieval old town of Bacharach on the Rhine, a jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the historic market square transforms into an atmospheric Christmas market on the second Advent weekend. Around thirty festively decorated Christmas stalls offer mulled wine, Bacharacher Riesling, Christmas tree decorations, arts and crafts, and winter specialties. With its half-timbered backdrop, Stahleck Castle in the background, and views of the Rhine, the Schlender-Advent is one of the most atmospheric pre-Christmas events on the Middle Rhine.

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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.

Schlender-Advent Bacharach — edition 2026

The Schlender-Advent in Bacharach takes place on December 5th and 6th, 2026, in the historic market square of the medieval old town. Around thirty stalls offer mulled wine, Bacharacher Riesling, arts and crafts, Christmas tree decorations, and winter specialties. With the backdrop of half-timbered houses, St. Peter's parish church, and Stahleck Castle in the background, the Christmas market is one of the most atmospheric on the Middle Rhine.

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.

Programme Schlender-Advent Bacharach 2026

2nd Advent Weekend 2026 (December 5–6)

Saturday, December 5, 2026

  • Midday: Opening of the Schlender-Advent in the market square
  • Afternoon and Evening: Christmas market with approx. 30 stalls open
  • Afternoon: musical contributions by local choirs and brass bands
  • Refreshments with mulled wine, Bacharacher Riesling, gingerbread, "Schmalzgebäck"

Sunday, December 6, 2026

  • Midday to Evening: Christmas market open
  • Afternoon: performances by local music groups
  • Possible visit from St. Nicholas (in many years on Sunday)
  • Evening: Festive conclusion in atmospheric lighting

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in autumn. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.

Highlights Schlender-Advent Bacharach 2026

Christmas market in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Medieval old town of Bacharach with half-timbered houses. Approx. 30 stalls in the historic market square. Bacharacher Riesling and mulled wine. Arts and crafts, Christmas tree decorations, regional specialties. Atmospheric lighting. Musical accompanying program.

Prices Schlender-Advent Bacharach 2026

Free admission. Food and purchases at the stalls.

Practical information — Schlender-Advent Bacharach

Date

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).

Getting There

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.

Admission

Free admission. Mulled wine, food, and crafts are paid for at the stalls on site.

Tips

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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Schlender-Advent Bacharach at a glance

Music Variety Gastronomy Wine Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Art crafts Free Landkreis Mainz-Bingen