Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Folk traditions Family

Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun

Kastellaun Christmas Market on the 2nd Advent weekend with around 80 vendors and a living nativity scene

Kastellaun — Landkreis Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis (07140)
Dates 05 Dec — 06 Dec 2026
Venue Kastellaun (07140)
Prices Free
Status

About Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun

The Kastellaun Christmas Market on the 2nd Advent weekend is one of the largest and most atmospheric Advent markets in the Hunsrück region. Around 80 vendors are spread across the market square and through the alleys of the historic old town center at the foot of the castle ruins. Arts and crafts, Advent decorations, mulled wine, regional specialties, and a varied stage program characterize the weekend. A special trademark is the living nativity scene, which attracts visitors from the entire Rhein-Hunsrück district every year. The organizer is the Tourist Information office of the town of Kastellaun.

Over the years, the Kastellaun Christmas Market has become a firm fixture in the Hunsrück's event calendar. While many Advent markets are confined to a single day or square, Kastellaun utilizes the entire historic old town: from the market square, the market activity extends through narrow alleys, past half-timbered houses, the town church, and partly up towards the medieval castle ruins. Approximately 80 vendors participate — a very considerable number for a small town, making the market a true strolling experience.

The offerings range from arts and crafts (wood carvings, ceramics, blacksmith work, felt products, jewelry) and Advent decorations (wreaths, arrangements, stars) to culinary specialties: Hunsrück wild boar sausage, spit-roasted pork over a beechwood fire, potato pancakes, tarte flambée, candied almonds, gingerbread, lard pastries, accompanied by mulled wine from various vintners from the Mosel and Nahe regions, hot chocolate, and children's punch.

The trademark is the living nativity scene: In a central location, the Christmas scene with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, the baby Jesus, sheep, a donkey, and occasionally other animals is reenacted by residents of Kastellaun. The program is complemented by performances from local choirs, brass ensembles, and school groups, as well as a visit from St. Nicholas for children.

Characteristic is the intimate atmosphere: the narrow alleys, the historic buildings, the fairy lights on the half-timbered houses, and the proximity to the illuminated castle ruins create an ambiance that larger city markets cannot achieve. Many visitors come specifically from Koblenz, Mainz, Trier, and the Saarland.

Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Kastellaun Christmas Market falls on the 2nd Advent weekend, coinciding with St. Nicholas Day — a particularly nice combination. The market opens on Saturday at 1 PM and runs until 11 PM, while on Sunday, opening hours are from 11 AM to 8 PM. Around 80 vendors will occupy the market square and the alleys of the historic old town. The living nativity scene will be set up in a central location as usual, and St. Nicholas will visit the market on Sunday.

With December 6th, 2026 falling on a Sunday, the market gains extra momentum — many families traditionally plan a visit for St. Nicholas Day. The Kastellaun Tourist Information office coordinates the stage program and the performances of local choirs and brass groups, which provide musical accompaniment throughout the market period.

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: opening on Saturday afternoon, living nativity scene on both days, St. Nicholas visit on Sunday, continuous music program.

Programme Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun 2026

Expected Program Structure

  • Saturday, December 5th, 1:00 PM: Market Opening
  • Saturday Afternoon: Stage program with choirs, brass groups, school children's performances
  • Saturday Evening: Mulled wine stroll until 11 PM under illuminated half-timbered facades
  • Sunday, December 6th, 11:00 AM: Market Opening with morning pint
  • Sunday Afternoon: St. Nicholas visit with gifts for children, living nativity scene
  • Sunday, 8:00 PM: Market End

Market Offerings

Around 80 stalls: Arts and crafts (wood, ceramics, jewelry, felt), Advent wreaths and arrangements, Hunsrück specialties (spit-roasted pork, wild boar sausage), mulled wine from various vintners, candied almonds, gingerbread, hot drinks, lard pastries.

The exact stage program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.

Highlights Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun 2026

Living nativity scene as the emotional centerpiece. St. Nicholas visit falls directly on the market day in 2026. Around 80 vendors throughout the historic alleys. Long opening hours on Saturday evening (until 11 PM).

Prices Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun 2026

Free admission. Food, drinks, and market goods are subject to charge.

Practical information — Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun

Date: 2nd Advent weekend, Saturday, December 5, 2026 (1 PM–11 PM) and Sunday, December 6, 2026 (11 AM–8 PM).

Getting there: Kastellaun is located on the B 327 (Hunsrückhöhenstraße). A 61 exit Emmelshausen approx. 12 km. Frankfurt-Hahn Airport approx. 30 km. Parking available on the outskirts of town, town center partially closed.

Admission: Free.

Families: Very suitable — St. Nicholas visit, living nativity scene, child-friendly stalls.

Accessibility: Town center with cobblestone streets and slight inclines — partially restricted.

Contact: Tourist Information Kastellaun, [email protected]

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Weihnachtsmarkt Kastellaun at a glance

Gastronomy Folk traditions Family Children Art crafts Free Multidisciplinary Landkreis Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis