Neustadter Weihnachtszauber in den Höfen

Three historic courtyards as an Advent quarter

Neustadt an der Weinstraße preserves a multitude of historic residential and commercial courtyards in the heart of its old town, which are normally hidden away. For the Weihnachtszauber, three of these courtyards open up: the Rathausinnenhof as the formal setting, the Hof der Vizedomei with its historic charm, and the Michel'sche Hof as a cozy enclave. Lighting, fir branches, wooden huts, and fire pits create a warm Advent atmosphere that deliberately stands apart from the hustle and bustle of the large Christmas market.

Slow Food enjoyment market

The culinary standard is at the heart of the Weihnachtszauber. Slow Food manufacturers from the Palatinate, Vorder- und Südpfalz, Alsace, and neighboring regions offer handmade specialties: raw milk cheese, cured meats from old breeds, game dishes, jams, honey, wild herbs, wood-fired breads, pralines, and Palatinate Christmas cookies. Palatinate vintners serve mulled wine and sparkling wine.

Crafts and gift ideas

Additionally, craftswomen and designers present jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, prints, and gift ideas that differ from industrial mass-produced goods. The Weihnachtszauber sees itself as a curated market with a focus on quality.

Palatinate Christmas specialties

Typical Palatinate specialties include gingerbread from regional bakeries, roasted chestnuts, Federweißer mulled wine, 'Glühriesling' (mulled Riesling), Saumagen patties, and wintery Flammkuchen variations. On weekends, there are also small musical performances in the courtyards—from string quartets and wind ensembles to singer-songwriter acoustic sessions.