Mountain Christmas on the Schaumberg

The highest Advent market in Saarland

While most Saarland Christmas markets are set up in city centers and village cores, the Bergweihnacht auf dem Schaumberg (Mountain Christmas on the Schaumberg) takes a different approach: it takes place on a plateau at an altitude of 568 meters — right at the foot of the Schaumberg Tower, the striking observation tower above northern Saarland. This makes it officially the highest Advent market in Saarland, and on clear days, the view extends to the Donnersberg in the Palatinate and far into the Hunsrück region.

Over 20 exhibitors in rustic wooden huts

The market setup is deliberately small and atmospheric: around 20 wooden huts are spread across the plateau, with fire pits burning in front. In the huts, regional exhibitors sell their products. Homemade jams, honey from Saar-Hunsrück, pottery, knitted clothing, glasswork, carved wood, Advent wreaths, candles — the market clearly focuses on Saarland craftsmanship rather than imported goods.

Schaumberg Brass and musical accompaniment

Musically, the plateau features two regular performances: Schaumberg Brass plays classic brass music Advent pieces on both days, and on Saturday evening, the band Zirbelknechte regularly performs with a folk and traditional music repertoire. Mayor Andreas Maldener traditionally opens the market on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Visit from St. Nicholas

For the children, the visit from St. Nicholas is a highlight — on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., he distributes small gifts to the waiting children in front of the decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the plateau. A tradition that annually draws many families from the Sankt Wendel district and northern Saarland to the Schaumberg.

Shuttle from the valley

Since the Schaumberg plateau is only accessible via narrow mountain roads and there is no large parking lot directly at the plateau, the municipality of Tholey organizes a shuttle service from several collection points in the valley — Tholey town center, Theley, Sotzweiler, and partly from larger parking lots outside. Those who park in Tholey-Mitte can reach the plateau without traffic jams and in a festive atmosphere.

Tholey and the Bohnental valley

Tholey is one of the oldest settlements in Saarland with a historic monastery abbey (St. Mauritius). The municipality in the Sankt Wendel district is nestled in the charming Bohnental valley, a hilly landscape in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. The Schaumberg, along with the abbey, is the scenic landmark of the region — with the Schaumberg Tower serving as an observation point and hiking hub.