Floating Christmas Market Vilshofen
Unique Christmas market on the Danube — sea of lights, mulled wine pyramid, and floating stage
About Floating Christmas Market
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Christmas Market on the Water
The Floating Christmas Market Vilshofen is one of Bavaria's most unusual Christmas markets: it takes place directly on the Danube promenade and on the festively decorated ship "Stadt Linz". Vilshofen an der Donau is located in the Lower Bavarian district of Passau. Since its first edition in 2006 — the same year it was awarded in the "365 Places in the Land of Ideas" competition — the market has enchanted visitors with a sea of lights on the water.
Landmarks and Attractions
- The nine-meter-high mulled wine pyramid, specially designed for Vilshofen
- The "World's Largest Wooden Crate Nativity Scene"
- A radiant Christmas tree with 1,500 ornaments
- A floating stage with daily Christmas concerts and performances
- Numerous market stalls with arts and crafts, plus mulled wine, punch, and delicacies with a view of the water
Special Atmosphere
The combination of illuminated ships, the Danube River, and the festive Christmas market activities creates an atmosphere considered unique in the region and attracts visitors from far and wide.
Vilshofen an der Donau
The town is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Vils, and Wolfach rivers in the district of Passau. The Floating Christmas Market is its most famous Advent highlight; on the fourth weekend of Advent, the Vilshofen Advent Magic (without ships) follows.
Floating Christmas Market — edition 2026
Floating Christmas Market 2026
The 2026 edition runs from November 27 to 29 on the first Advent weekend. Opening hours are Friday 2:00 PM–8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Highlights
Sea of lights on the Danube, "Stadt Linz" ship as market backdrop, 9-meter mulled wine pyramid, world's largest wooden crate nativity scene, Christmas tree with 1,500 ornaments, and floating stage with daily concerts.
Programme Floating Christmas Market 2026
Friday, November 27, 2026 — 2:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Opening of the market on the Danube promenade and on the ship "Stadt Linz"
- Christmas stage program on the floating stage
Saturday, November 28, 2026 — 1:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Market activities, arts and crafts, mulled wine pyramid, wooden crate nativity scene
- Daily concerts and performances on the floating stage
Sunday, November 29, 2026 — 1:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Continuation of the market and stage program
- Visit the Christmas tree (1,500 ornaments) and the "World's Largest Wooden Crate Nativity Scene"
Detailed stage program available from the City of Vilshofen. The Vilshofen Advent Magic (without ships) follows separately on the fourth Advent weekend.
Highlights Floating Christmas Market 2026
Prices Floating Christmas Market 2026
Practical information — Floating Christmas Market
Getting There
Vilshofen an der Donau is located in the district of Passau, accessible via the A3 motorway (exit Aicha/Vilshofen) and by train (Passau–Plattling line). Free bus parking is available.
Admission
Admission is free, as are the bus parking spaces.
Opening Hours 2026
November 27–29, 2026: Friday 2:00 PM–8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM–8:00 PM. Located on the Danube promenade and on the ship "Stadt Linz". Organizer: City of Vilshofen an der Donau.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Floating Christmas Market al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Floating Christmas Market
Donaupromenade Vilshofen und Schiff „Stadt Linz"