Advent market in a forest setting with regional crafts, mulled wine, tarte flambée, and animal show
The Forest Christmas Market in Vogelpark Schifferstadt has developed into a insider tip for the Advent season in the Vorderpfalz in recent years. The festival grounds are located in the middle of the forest at Waldfestplatz 2, on the edge of the town of Schifferstadt. When the fairy lights between the fir trees illuminate and the wooden huts open their doors on the third weekend of Advent, an atmosphere is created that is unparalleled in typical Palatinate festival culture.
In contrast to many larger Christmas markets, the Forest Christmas Market focuses exclusively on regional craftspeople. Gift items, Advent decorations, candles, pottery, wooden objects, felt work, knitwear, honey, jams, and liqueurs come from the immediate vicinity. This selection guarantees high quality, fair prices, and a direct connection between producer and buyer.
Mulled wine – whether classic red, white, or as children's punch – is part of the offering, as are bratwurst, wood-fired tarte flambée, roasted almonds, crêpes, Spundekäs (a cheese spread), and Palatinate specialties. The fire pits between the huts provide warmth and a festive atmosphere.
The absolute unique selling point of the Forest Christmas Market is the adjacent Vogelpark Schifferstadt. During the market, visitors can visit the enclosures and observe exotic birds such as parrots, macaws, parakeets, and doves, as well as other small animals. For children, this is a unique experience that turns the Christmas market visit into a mini nature study excursion. Vogelpark Schifferstadt e.V. is the organizer of the market; the proceeds go towards the care and maintenance of the animal enclosures.
The Waldfestplatz is located a bit outside the Schifferstadt town center, in the forest. The journey is worthwhile for everyone who loves Advent markets away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a market area of almost 800 square meters, the experience remains manageable and cozy – ideal for a relaxed Advent afternoon or evening with family and friends.
The 2026 edition again offers the proven mix of an Advent market in a forest setting and a nature experience in the bird park. Families, Advent strollers, and craft enthusiasts will find a quiet, atmospheric alternative to the large city Christmas markets here. Vogelpark Schifferstadt e.V. organizes the market on a voluntary basis; the proceeds support animal care.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the autumn. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
Saturday, December 12th, 2:00 PM: Opening of the Forest Christmas Market. Opening of the wooden huts with regional crafts: pottery, wooden objects, Advent decorations, candles, felt and knitwear, jams, honey, liqueurs.
Saturday afternoon to evening: Mulled wine, children's punch, bratwurst, wood-fired tarte flambée, roasted almonds. Atmospheric lighting with fairy lights between the fir trees.
Saturday, 9:00 PM: Market closes.
Sunday, December 13th, 2:00 PM: Reopening. Animal show in the bird park – parrots, macaws, parakeets, and other birds and small animals accessible. Family program and Advent music.
Sunday, 8:00 PM: End of the 2026 Forest Christmas Market.
Dates 2026: Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th, 2026 (3rd Advent weekend).
Opening Hours: Sat 2 PM to 9 PM, Sun 2 PM to 8 PM.
Location: Vogelpark Schifferstadt, Am Waldfestplatz 2, 67105 Schifferstadt.
Organizer: Vogelpark Schifferstadt e.V.
Admission: free (donations for the bird park welcome).
Getting There: Via the A 61 (Speyer exit) or B 9 to Schifferstadt, follow signs for “Vogelpark / Waldfestplatz”. By train: Schifferstadt station (S-Bahn S1, S2, S33), then approx. 25 minutes on foot or by city bus.
Parking: at the Waldfestplatz and in the surrounding area; Park & Walk recommended during peak times.
Special Feature: Animal show in the adjacent bird park accessible during market hours.
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