Kelberger Nikolausmarkt

The Kelberger Nikolausmarkt is a down-to-earth, traditional Advent market in the municipality of Kelberg, a rural area in the north of the Vulkaneifel district. Organized by the Kelberg Business Association, the market takes place on the 2nd Advent weekend and shapes the pre-Christmas life in Kelberg and its surroundings.

Old St. Josef Rectory as the Venue

The Old St. Josef Rectory in Kelberg is a historic building in the center of the community and the venue for the Nikolausmarkt. The forecourt and adjacent rooms provide space for stalls, exhibitors, and visitors. The combination of historic architecture and Advent lighting creates a particularly atmospheric ambiance.

Program and Opening Hours

• Saturday, December 5th, 2026, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Opening in the afternoon, evening highlight with lighting and musical contributions.
• Sunday, December 6th, 2026, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Family day with a visit from St. Nicholas in the afternoon (St. Nicholas Day).

Arts and Crafts and Exhibitors

The exhibitors at the Kelberger Nikolausmarkt primarily come from the region and offer a typical Advent selection: candles, floristry, Advent wreaths, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, knitwear, honey, and jams. The regional focus gives the market an authentic character that sets it apart from more commercial big-city Christmas markets.

Gastronomy

Mulled wine (red, white, children's punch), bratwurst, potato pancakes, waffles, candied almonds, lard bread, and winter soups form the gastronomic offerings. Associations from Kelberg and the municipality are responsible for the catering, underscoring the local community character.

Visit from St. Nicholas

As the market concludes on December 6th (St. Nicholas Day), the visit from St. Nicholas on Sunday afternoon is a special highlight for families with children. Saint Nicholas distributes small gifts and brings the Advent spirit to the heart of the market.

Kelberg in the Vulkaneifel

The municipality of Kelberg comprises around 30 local communities in the northern Vulkaneifel region, located between Daun, Adenau, and Mayen. With the Hochkelberg (675 m), Kelberg is one of the highest points in the Eifel. The Nikolausmarkt is an important event for local cohesion and an attraction for visitors from the wider region.