Rheinbach Christmas Market 2026 (Glass City Christmas Market)

Rheinbach — the Glass City at the Vorgebirge

Rheinbach, with around 28,000 inhabitants, is a town in the Rhein-Sieg district, picturesquely situated at the foot of the Voreifel, between Bonn and Euskirchen. Rheinbach is primarily known as the Glasstadt (Glass City): since 1947, it has been home to the Staatliche Glasfachschule (State School of Glassmaking), one of the most renowned training centers for glass design in Europe. Glass art objects, which receive international recognition, are created in the school's workshops and affiliated manufactories. This shapes the town's image: glass art is ubiquitous in Rheinbach — from the Glass Museum and the city's lighting to the Christmas market stalls.

The Christmas Market — on the 3rd Advent

The Rheinbach Christmas Market is traditionally scheduled for the 3rd Advent weekend. In 2026, this falls on December 11th to 13th. The market is set up in the historic town center, which still retains parts of its medieval city wall with its two towers — the Windmühlenturm and the Wasemer Turm. Between these two towers, on the Prümer Wall, lies the main axis of the market, extending into Pützstraße and Weiherstraße.

Around 70 Stalls — Curated by the Business Association

Around 70 market stalls are set up, lovingly decorated for Christmas with "beautifully grown fir trees." The Rheinbach Business Association carefully curates the exhibitors — many stalls have been participating for years and bring their own specialties:

• Glass art from the workshops of the Rheinbach School of Glassmaking — Christmas tree baubles, glass angels, decorative objects
• Arts and crafts — wood carvings, handmade jewelry, leather goods, ceramics
• Regional specialties — honey from the Voreifel, brandies and liqueurs, jams, baked goods
• Christmas culinary delights — bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, roasted almonds, chestnuts
• Mulled wines in various versions, punch, hot chocolate with a shot

Opening on Friday at 2:00 PM

The official opening takes place on Friday, December 11th, 2026, at 2:00 PM on Prümer Wall — with the tapping of the first mulled wine, greetings from the mayor, and the chairman of the business association. The market then continues until the late evening.

Stage Program — Diverse and Almost Continuous

The stage program on the main stage runs almost continuously on all three days:

• Winter theater for the whole family
• Christmas theater with nativity plays and Christmas performances
• Kölner Weihnachtslieder (Cologne Christmas Songs) — the Rhenish dialect tradition in Advent
• Christmas Rock'n'Roll — Christmas classics in Rock'n'Roll style
• Performances by local choirs, school groups, and music associations

Late-Night Shopping Sunday

On Sunday, December 13th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the shops in Rheinbach's town center open their doors for late-night shopping — boutiques, bookstores, gift shops, cafés, and restaurants. An ideal combination for relaxed pre-Christmas shopping: market stroll, lunch, shopping, coffee break — all in the medieval old town of Rheinbach.

Getting There and Practical Information

Rheinbach is accessible from Bonn in 20–30 minutes by car or train. Train: Regional-Bahn RB 23 from Bonn, final stop Rheinbach. Car: A 61 exit Bliesheim, then B 56 to Rheinbach. Parking spaces are designated on the outskirts of the old town. Free admission. For inquiries: City of Rheinbach, Phone +49 2226 917-0, Email [email protected].