Medieval Advent Market Mettlach

Mettlach — Christmas at the Gateway to the Saarschleife

Anyone traveling to the Saarschleifenland during Advent can hardly bypass Mettlach. The small community in the Merzig-Wadern district, world-renowned as the headquarters of Villeroy & Boch, has an extraordinary Christmas attraction to offer: a ceramic Christmas tree made of 330 aluminum tubes, adorned with over 2,000 Villeroy & Boch cups and plates. Almost 9 meters high, 1.5 tons heavy, illuminated by a glass star at the top — a unique piece that cannot be found anywhere else.

Medieval Market Around the Ceramic Christmas Tree

The Medieval Advent Market is set up around this tree — for three days, the market square transforms into a small journey through time. Merchants and craftspeople in historical costumes present:

• Incense and smoking goods
• Amber jewelry
• Pottery and ceramics
• Leather goods
• Wool blankets and felt crafts
• Wooden toys
• Hand-knotted bracelets and jewelry
• Nativity figures and Christmas decorations

The gastronomic offer is also classically medieval: mead, cherry mulled wine, dark beers, liqueurs, and the traditional sip from a drinking horn. Accompanied by hearty dishes — stick bread, suckling pig, game dishes, all prepared over an open fire.

Atmosphere and Background

What makes the market special: the combination of medieval aesthetics (costumes, live music with hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes, fire pits) and the ultra-modern ceramic Christmas tree, which celebrates the history of one of the oldest industrial dynasties in the Saarland. Villeroy & Boch has been producing ceramics in Mettlach since 1748 and remains one of the largest employers in the Merzig-Wadern district. The tree is therefore not just Christmas decoration, but a local symbol of identity.

Note on the 2025 Edition

In 2025, an alternative format called “Adventsmarkt Lichterglanz” (Advent Market Glittering Lights) was held around Ziegelberg Castle for the first time, instead of the classic medieval market on the market square. For 2026, the municipality of Mettlach will clarify in what form the medieval market will be continued. Current information will be available shortly before Advent on mettlach.de. The ceramic Christmas tree will be illuminated in any case.

Around the Market

Anyone visiting Mettlach in Advent should also plan a visit to the Cloef viewpoint above the Saarschleife — irresistibly beautiful even in winter. The Saarschleife Canopy Walk is open, and the Villeroy & Boch Outlet Center offers Advent specials. Those traveling with children can combine their visit with the nearby Velsen Show Mine or ice stock sport at the locally set-up activities.