Kupferstädter Weihnachtstage Stolberg — Burgleuchten

Advent Season in the Copper City

Stolberg (Rhineland) in the StädteRegion Aachen has borne the nickname "Copper City" for centuries — brass works and copper processing have shaped the town. The historic old town with its half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and the towering Stolberg Castle offers a backdrop that few NRW cities can boast. From November 21st to December 21st, 2026, this backdrop becomes the Advent stage for the Kupferstädter Weihnachtstage.

Castle Illumination — The Main Visual Event

The namesake core of the event is the Burgleuchten: Stolberg Castle and its surroundings are festively staged with elaborate light installations and projections. Anyone arriving in the city from outside in the evening sees the illuminated castle glowing from afar — it is the focal point of an entire city staging. On the castle plateau, there are mulled wine stands with a view over the entire old town, an experience that many guests consider an atmospheric highlight.

Christmas Market at the Alter Markt

Parallel to the castle illumination, the traditional Christmas market takes place at the Alter Markt. The stalls are primarily run by local traders and craftspeople — Stolberg copper and brass smiths offer products, and regional gastronomy provides specialties. In the Burghaus on the market square, there are additional program items, readings, and small concerts.

Night Watchman Tours

A Stolberg specialty are the night watchman tours through the nocturnal old town — guided walks where a city guide, costumed as a night watchman, tells stories from the city's history. The organizers' description: "informative, funny, spooky" — the atmosphere in the illuminated narrow alley labyrinth is an experience in itself. Tours are offered several times per weekend.

Opening Hours and Format

The Kupferstädter Weihnachtstage are not open continuously daily but concentrate on the weekends of the Advent season: Saturdays 3–9 PM, Sundays 12–8 PM. On Saturday evenings, there is live music at the Alter Markt. This weekend concentration makes the format more intense than the daily large Christmas markets of the NRW major cities — and at the same time more familiar.

Stolberg — An NRW City with a Special History

Stolberg is located south of Aachen, belongs to the StädteRegion Aachen, and looks back on a 1000-year tradition of brass and copper processing. Stolberg Castle was built in the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved hilltop castles in North Rhine-Westphalia. The city suffered from the flood disaster in 2021 and has been working on reconstruction ever since — the Christmas days are also a sign of the revival of the historic city center.