Bendorfer Weihnachtszauber

Bendorf lies on the right bank of the Rhine between Koblenz and Neuwied, nestled between the Rhine and the foothills of the Westerwald. This landscape also shapes the town's cultural identity: it combines Rhenish joie de vivre with Westerwald down-to-earthness. The Bendorfer Weihnachtszauber is an expression of this blend – an Advent market with Rhenish conviviality and Westerwald charm, neither too small nor too large, neither too touristy nor too provincial.

Bendorf's market square with the historic town church and the adjacent town centre areas form the festive backdrop. Wooden stalls are arranged around the market square, a large Christmas tree is festively illuminated, and the pedestrian zone and the café-restaurant front are decorated for Christmas. When the festive lights are switched on on the first Advent weekend, Bendorf's town centre is filled with that Advent atmosphere that gives German Advent markets their special appeal.

The gastronomic offer follows the classic Advent market canon: hot mulled wine in red and white varieties, non-alcoholic children's punch, bratwurst, potato pancakes with apple sauce, crêpes, candied almonds, gingerbread, and fritters. Local breweries and Westerwald distilleries often have stands, which sets the market apart from the standard programme.

Arts and crafts stalls offer wood and ceramic works, handmade candles, jewellery, Advent decorations, and gift ideas beyond mass-produced goods. Local clubs, schools, and church groups often use the market for charitable stalls – Christmas crafts, homemade jams, knitted hats and scarves, the proceeds of which go to social projects or club funds.

The stage programme is traditionally designed by Bendorf and regional choirs: the Bendorf town choir, school choirs, gospel and pop choirs, and brass ensembles from Bendorf and the surrounding Westerwald towns. Classical Advent and Christmas carols, regional customs, and occasional pop adaptations alternate. St. Nicholas appears on December 5th and 6th with small gifts for children.

For residents, the Bendorfer Weihnachtszauber is an important Advent meeting point, which, together with the Christmas events at the Sayner Hütte (often designed as 'Hofweihnacht') and in the neighbouring Westerwald villages, forms a dense Advent programme. For tourists from the Middle Rhine and the Rhine-Main region, it is a good reason to visit Bendorf.