Historic Christmas Market Oberwesel

Oberwesel, with its approximately 2,800 inhabitants, is one of the smallest towns in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage site — and at the same time one of Germany's best-preserved medieval townscapes. The famous city wall with its sixteen towers (out of an original 21) and the late Gothic Church of Our Lady ("Red Cathedral") shape the cityscape. In Advent, the Historic Christmas Market puts this backdrop in a atmospheric setting.

Unlike larger city markets, Oberwesel consciously focuses on quality over quantity: the number of vendors is manageable, but careful selection is prioritized. Handicrafts — wood carvings, ceramics, blacksmith work, handmade candles, felt, jewelry — are the focus. The gastronomic offerings also follow this principle: regional wines as mulled wine, Hunsrück specialties, homemade pastries. Industrially produced mass goods are nowhere to be found at this market.

A hallmark are the carriage rides offered around the historic town center — a ride along the city wall in the twinkling lights of the Advent illumination is one of the special experiences on the Middle Rhine. For children, there is a classic carousel as well as a dedicated program with stories, crafts, and encounters with St. Nicholas.

The market is embedded in the region-wide Advent initiative "Adventszauber am Rhein" (Advent Magic on the Rhine), with which the Romantic Rhine tourism region jointly markets its markets between Bingen and Bonn. Connection by train (Left Rhine Line, RE/RB stop Oberwesel) and ship makes visiting without a car possible.