Deidesheimer Advent

Deidesheim in Advent Light

Deidesheim — the wine capital of the Mittelhaardt — is the venue for the famous Weinkerwe (wine festival) and the Geißbockversteigerung (buck auction) in summer. In December, the town shows a different, quieter side: hundreds of lights illuminate the historic town center, fir wreaths hang on the half-timbered facades, and the narrow alleys smell of mulled wine, chestnuts, and almonds. The Deidesheimer Advent combines this atmosphere with around 80 stalls over four weekends — and for many people from the Palatinate and travelers from the Rhine-Neckar region, it is one of the fixed Advent destinations.

The Market Route

The stalls extend along a continuous axis: starting at Bahnhofstraße — the summer Woigass of the Weinkerwe — the route leads across the town square to the historic market square in front of the famous Gothic town hall. This approximately 600-meter-long festival mile combines Palatinate wine, arts and crafts, and wintertime delights in one of Germany's most impressive wine backdrops.

Mulled Wine, Palatinate Sparkling Wine, and Christmas Cuisine

The Deidesheim wineries have a prominent place: they serve mulled wine made from their own Riesling and Spätburgunder, as well as white mulled wine, sparkling wine punch, and cold pours for the brave. In addition, there are classic Palatinate specialties — Saumagen, bratwurst, Flammkuchen, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) — as well as sweet Christmas classics such as candied almonds, chestnuts, crêpes, and Palatinate gingerbread.

Arts and Crafts and Stage Program

Between the food stalls, visitors will find around 50 artisans and direct marketers: ceramics, glass, jewelry, felt and textile work, wooden toys, candles, regional food products, olive wood, natural cosmetics. Live music is played regularly in the market square and on the town square — choirs, brass ensembles, bands, often with a Christmas or Palatinate repertoire.