Hillesheim Carnival Gala Session
Grand Gala Session of the Hillesheim Carnival Club 1951 e.V. in the Markthalle on February 7, 2026, from 7:11 PM
About Hillesheim Gala Session
Gala Session as the Highlight of the Eifel Carnival Season
The grand Gala Session of the Hillesheim Carnival Club 1951 e.V. on February 7, 2026, is the thematic highlight of the 2026 Hillesheim carnival season. Precisely at 7:11 PM, the Markthalle Hillesheim will be filled with carnival-goers ('Närrinnen und Narren') from the Gerolsteiner Land, the Vulkaneifel, and beyond. The session continues an unbroken tradition dating back to 1951 – the club is one of the oldest carnival organizations in the northern Eifel.
Dance Troupes of All Ages
The backbone of the program is formed by the club's four dance groups, representing all age categories: children's, youth, adult, and veteran dance formations will perform one after another, each with choreography rehearsed specifically for the season. Dance technique, costumes, and music selection have been prepared over months – the dance troupes are a hallmark of the Hillesheim Carnival Club.
Witty Speeches and Local Carnival
Characteristic of the Hillesheim Gala Session are the witty speeches ('Büttenreden'), which humorously comment on local Hillesheim events. Politics, clubs, local issues, and personalities are satirized – a tradition maintained for generations in Rhenish-Eifel carnival. The speakers are often club members themselves and know Hillesheim's peculiarities firsthand. For outsiders, some allusions may be puzzling, but the laughter of the locals is part of the charm.
Markthalle as a Carnival Stage
The Markthalle Hillesheim is the central event venue in the town and has been the main location for major carnival formats for years. For the Gala Session, the hall is equipped with a stage, seating, and festive decorations. The hall's capacity makes the session a large-scale event – advance ticket purchase is therefore highly recommended, with many tickets already sold at the carnival 'Frühschoppen' (morning pint) on January 11. The following day (February 8) features the children's carnival in the same hall, making the carnival weekend the club's session highlight.
Hillesheim Gala Session — edition 2026
The Gala Session is a four- to five-hour evening event with several program blocks and intermissions. Starting at 7:11 PM with the entry of the troupes and the court, followed by program blocks of dance, witty speeches, and music.
The exact hourly schedule, the order of dance performances, and the speakers will be communicated by the club in advance. Club members and carnival friends usually organize table reservations.
Programme Hillesheim Gala Session 2026
The exact 2026 program will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
Key Points of the Session Evening
- 7:11 PM: Entry of the troupes and the court with a welcome fanfare.
- Opening by the Session President and presentation of the season's motto.
- First program block: Dance performances by youth and adult troupes.
- Witty speeches ('Büttenreden') with local Hillesheim relevance – politics, clubs, personalities.
- Intermission with catering and opportunity for mingling in the foyer.
- Second program block: Performances by veteran and adult troupes, further witty speeches.
- Musical interludes with carnival hits and sing-along songs.
- Grand finale procession of all troupes with the motto song.
- After-party and dancing for members and guests until late at night.
Highlights Hillesheim Gala Session 2026
- Grand Gala Session in the Markthalle Hillesheim
- Four dance troupes of all age groups
- Witty speeches ('Büttenreden') with local Hillesheim relevance
- Carnival weekend with subsequent children's carnival on Feb 8
Prices Hillesheim Gala Session 2026
Admission prices and ticket presales will be announced by the Hillesheim Carnival Club – early reservation recommended.
Practical information — Hillesheim Gala Session
Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 7:11 PM.
Location
Markthalle Hillesheim, 54576 Hillesheim/Eifel.
Organizer
Hillesheim Carnival Club 1951 e.V.
Admission
Ticket presale via the club (also at the carnival 'Frühschoppen' on Jan 11). Early reservation recommended, as the session is usually sold out.
Getting There
By car via the A1 (exit Daun or Gerolstein) and the B421/B257. Train to Gerolstein or Daun, then by bus.
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