Schlossweihnacht Schloss Türnich (Hofweihnacht Kerpen)

Organic Advent Market in the Historic Castle Park

The Hofweihnacht — officially Schlossweihnacht — at Schloss Türnich is not a classic city center Christmas market. It takes place in the castle's extensive landscape park, where trees and paths are illuminated for Advent. Instead of the usual mulled wine stands, a consistently organic certified range dominates: biodynamic wine from the Mosel, house-made punches, organic butcher sausages, homemade cakes, tarte flambée, lentil soup, and potato dishes.

Concerts in the Illuminated Barn

The heart of the market is the historic barn (Tenne), offering a unique musical journey each evening: piano recitals, chansons, folk song and singer-songwriter programs. Additionally, there are shadow plays for children in the castle area, guided tours of the castle chapel, organ concerts, and torchlight walks through the landscape park — most of these programs are included in the admission price.

Türnich, Kerpen, and the Rhineland

Schloss Türnich belongs to the town of Kerpen in the Rhein-Erft district, North Rhine-Westphalia, immediately west of Cologne. The castle is family-owned and has been a prime example of sustainable economy on a historic estate for years — from organic farming to eco-energy. The Hofweihnacht is part of this concept and conveys the mission of continuing a historic castle in an ecologically and socially meaningful way.

Handmade Assortment

The approximately 70 exhibitors are hand-picked: handmade jewelry, ceramics, upcycled objects, natural fiber textiles. Those who buy here do not purchase mass-produced gifts, but pieces that fit the castle's concept. This makes the Hofweihnacht one of the most sought-after Advent markets between Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf — with corresponding crowds on the evenings.

Atmosphere Like Nowhere Else

As dusk falls over the castle park, torches are lit, and piano music streams from the barn, the Türnich concept reaches its perfect moment. The Hofweihnacht is not a town festival, but a total work of art for Advent — and that is precisely what makes it a must-attend event of the Advent season for many people in the Rhineland.