Gonsenheimer Adventsmarkt

The Gonsenheimer Adventsmarkt is one of the classic district Christmas markets in western Mainz. Gonsenheim, with around 24,000 inhabitants, is the largest district of Mainz and maintains a vibrant club life — marksmen, sports clubs, church communities, kindergarten support associations, scouts, and traditional clubs shape the local center.

The market opens the local Advent season on the first weekend of Advent — Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, 2026. The venue is the Pfarrer-Grimm-Anlage, a park area in the Gonsenheim town center, which provides a particularly atmospheric backdrop with its old trees and central fountain.

The organizers are the Vereinsring Gonsenheim (umbrella organization of local clubs) and the DPSG Gonsenheim (Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft St. Georg). The DPSG traditionally takes on central tasks — setup, catering with its own stall, campfire, and a scout program for children. Other clubs also cater with their own stalls: marksmen, carnival clubs, kindergartens, churches.

The culinary offerings include mulled wine and children's punch, bratwurst and steak from the grill, potato pancakes, crêpes, waffles, and homemade cookies. At the craft and handicraft stalls, you can find Advent wreaths, door wreaths, fir arrangements, children's handicrafts, Christmas tree decorations, small wooden items, and homemade jams.

The market is musically accompanied by local choirs, a brass ensemble from the Gonsenheim churches, and Advent songs for sing-alongs on Sunday afternoon.

The market is funded by donations: the proceeds go to club work, youth promotion, social projects, and scout activities. Thus, the Gonsenheimer Adventsmarkt is not only a neighborhood meeting point but also an important pillar of local volunteerism.