Schlossweihnacht Schloss Dyck 2026

Schloss Dyck — one of the most beautiful moated castles in Europe

Schloss Dyck, located in the municipality of Jüchen in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss district, is one of the most significant moated castles in the Rhineland and belongs to the „European Heritage" sites. The baroque castle from the 17th/18th century is surrounded by an extensive moat and stands amidst a sprawling English landscape park from the early 19th century. Today, the castle is managed by the Stiftung Schloss Dyck, which makes the estate accessible to the public and organizes year-round events — including classical concerts, garden shows (the famous „Gartenwelt Dyck"), and, for years, the highlight of the event year, the Schlossweihnacht.

Four Advent Weekends — a Continuous Christmas Marathon

The Schlossweihnacht 2026 runs on all four Advent weekends:

• 1st Advent: November 28–29, 2026
• 2nd Advent: December 5–6, 2026
• 3rd Advent: December 12–13, 2026
• 4th Advent: December 19–20, 2026

Each Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last admission 7:00 PM). That makes eight market days, all of which are very popular — those who prefer it quieter should come on Saturday mornings or on the 1st or 4th Advent weekends.

Around 140 Exhibitors — from Arts and Crafts to Mulled Wine

Approximately 140 stalls are set up along the main axes of the castle park. The offerings are consistently curated and of high quality:

• Christmas decorations — Nativity figures, Christmas tree baubles, Advent wreaths, candles
• Jewelry — silver, precious stones, glass jewelry, designer pieces
• Textiles — hand-woven scarves, hats, clothing made from natural fibers
• Arts and crafts — wood carvings, ceramics, glass, leather, metalwork
• Gastronomy — mulled wine in several variations, punch, stollen, gingerbread, roasted almonds, crêpes, soups, regional specialties
• Gifts and delicacies — fine chocolate, pralines, honey, liqueurs, selected wines

The Stiftung Schloss Dyck selects the exhibitors anew each year — mass-produced goods are not welcome at Schloss Dyck.

Living Nativity Scene — the Emotional Highlight

A special highlight that distinguishes the Schlossweihnacht from other markets: the living nativity scene on the castle terrace. Every 30 minutes between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the Christmas story is presented with real animals (donkey, sheep, ox, sometimes camel) and in a scenic performance. Mary, Joseph, the Christ child, the shepherds, the three wise men — all in historical costumes, set against the castle architecture. An unforgettable experience, especially for children.

Illuminated Castle Scenery

As darkness falls, the second major highlight begins: The castle is festively illuminated, the moats reflect the light, and the trees in the castle park are adorned with warm fairy lights. Those who arrive in the late afternoon and stay until evening will experience the transition from the bright market bustle to the magical evening atmosphere — probably the most beautiful moment of the day.

Culinary Delights — Variety at Several Stalls

The gastronomic offerings can be summarized with the organizers' words: „it smells of fir green, cookies, and roasted almonds". Several braziers provide open fires on the grounds. Specifically, there are:

• Mulled wine in several variations — classic, white, non-alcoholic
• Punch and hot beverages
• Soups from cast-iron pots
• Sausages, potato pancakes, crêpes
• Stollen, gingerbread, cookies
• Regional specialties of Rhineland cuisine

Practical Information — Tickets, Shuttle, Parking

Tickets

Tickets are available from March 3, 2026, online via stiftung-schloss-dyck.shop and at the box office. Prices:

• Adults: €18.50 (online) / up to €19.50 (box office)
• Concessions (students, severely disabled persons): €13.50
• Children aged 7–16: €3
• Children under 7: free

QR codes work directly from your smartphone.

Shuttle Service

Schloss Dyck is located slightly off the beaten path — hence the importance of the shuttle: A free shuttle bus every 20 minutes runs from the designated parking lot via the municipality of Glehn to Büttgen train station — public transport connections are therefore good, and the market can be reached without a car.

Getting There

By car: A 46 or A 61 exit Jüchen, then follow signs for Schloss Dyck. Parking in designated areas, shuttle bus to the premises. By train: Büttgen station (S 8), then shuttle bus to the castle.