WeihnachtsWunder Filderstadt-Bernhausen

Christmas Market with a Clear Purpose

Bernhausen, with just under 13,000 inhabitants, is the largest district of Filderstadt, a town in the Esslingen district on the southern edge of the Stuttgart basin. The WeihnachtsWunder has taken place annually since 2016 on a Saturday in Advent around the Protestant Jakobus Church and is explicitly not a commercial Christmas market — but a charity event: The entire proceeds go to the Protestant youth work of the two organizing bodies, the Förderverein der evangelischen Jugendarbeit Filderstadt e.V. and the Evangelisches Jugendwerk Bernhausen.

Over 40 Stalls with a Handmade Character

What distinguishes the WeihnachtsWunder from conventional Christmas markets is its distinct handmade character. The stalls are predominantly from private individuals, families, and small manufacturers from the region — no commercial large stall owners, but volunteer stall operators who consciously contribute to the idea. In 2025, over 40 stalls were present with handmade jewelry, floral creations, children's clothing, woodwork, pottery, and creative original creations.

Culinary Delights: Food Trucks and Homemade Treats

The culinary side is diverse: food trucks on site offer Churros, Waffles, Raclette, Crêpes, and Burgers, while inside the church premises, the Förderverein serves mulled wine, children's punch, coffee, and cake. Here too, the proceeds remain entirely within the project.

Program: Music, Devotion, Children's Activities

The program combines market activities with Christmas contemplation. During the day, bands, brass ensembles, and choirs from the Filderstadt communities perform, short devotions are held in the Jakobus Church, and there is a dedicated activity area for children with crafts, fairy tales, and an encounter with St. Nicholas. As darkness falls, fairy lights, fire pits, and the illuminated church tower create the actual "wonder" ambiance.

What the Proceeds Support

Specifically, the WeihnachtsWunder supports two main areas: the heimwärts project (open youth work for young people in the Filder region) and staff positions in the Evangelisches Jugendwerk Bernhausen — social workers, team leaders, and volunteer support for youth groups, camps, and confirmation work. With every mulled wine, every stall, and every gift purchased, concrete youth work in the Filder region is financed.