Alternative Advent Market Wipperfürth

Advent Market with an Alternative Profile

The Alternative Advent Market Wipperfürth deliberately sets itself apart from large commercial Christmas markets: curated, compact, with a focus on crafts, regional products, and club stalls. The term "alternative" here means the opposite of mass-produced goods: no interchangeable mulled wine stands, but stalls with genuine character and stories behind them.

St. Nikolaus as an Advent Centre

The venue is the area around the Catholic parish church of St. Nikolaus and the adjacent Hausmannsplatz. St. Nikolaus Church is the historical landmark of Wipperfürth's old town – with its striking double-tower facade, it forms a perfect Advent backdrop. Hausmannsplatz adjoins it and provides space for stalls and catering.

Double Format: Advent Market + Advent Gathering

A special feature is the double format: On the first Advent weekend (November 27/28, 2026), the Alternative Advent Market takes place at St. Nikolaus. The following weekend, the Advent Gathering on the market square (November 28/29 or the following weekend) follows – thus connecting two city areas into a cohesive Advent offering.

Program

The program focuses on atmosphere and family format:

• Christmas Music: Choirs, brass bands, solo acts on stage and in the church
• Children's Program: Craft activities, storytelling, visit from St. Nicholas
• Culinary Delights: Specialized offerings – Flambéed Salmon, Kale, Mulled Wine, along with doughnuts and potato pancakes
• Crafts: Exhibitors with ceramics, wood, textiles, jewelry

Wipperfürth – Town in the Bergisches Land

Wipperfürth, with around 21,000 inhabitants, is the oldest town in the Bergisches Land – its town charter dates back to the 13th century. Located in the Oberbergischer Kreis district, on the Wupper river and at the edge of the Bergisches Land region, the town has preserved its half-timbered appearance. In Advent, this emphasizes the traditional character of the market – with light installations and festively decorated half-timbered facades, it creates a picture-postcard setting.

Organizer WEG

The organizer is WEG – Wipperfürth Erleben & Genießen e.V., which, as a city management association, organizes the most important city events. The association brings together retailers, restaurateurs, and cultural creators and deliberately curates the Advent offering for quality over quantity.