Winterträume Schloss Faber-Castell

Advent Market with Castle Scenery

The Winterträume fair is not a classic Christmas market. It is a curated sales fair for high-quality arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, premium fashion, and delicacies that travels throughout Germany – and it stops every November in the castle park of Count von Faber-Castell in Stein, the town just south of Nuremberg. Approximately 120 exhibitors set up their stalls in pavilions, tents, and within the castle itself, complemented by warm food, mulled wine, and an accompanying program.

Faber-Castell Castle – An Unusual Festive Setting

Stein near Nuremberg is the home of the famous pencil manufacturer Faber-Castell (founded 1761, market leader in the premium pencil market: pencils, colored pencils, writing instruments). The Faber-Castell family owns a historic castle ensemble in Stein with the Old Castle (16th century), the New Castle (in Neo-Renaissance style, late 19th century), and a large park. During the year, the estate houses the company museum and headquarters; for Winterträume, it opens its gates and becomes a atmospheric wonderland of advent.

What You Can Find

• Christmas Decorations: handmade Christmas tree ornaments, advent wreaths, lighting, nativity figures
• Arts and Crafts: pottery, wood carvings, glass art, jewelry, leather goods
• Fashion: warm wool fashion, felt clothing, knitwear, hats and scarves from manufacturers
• Delicacies: chocolate, pralines, liqueurs, fine brandies, specialties from regional manufacturers
• Gift Ideas: design items, stationery (fitting for the Faber-Castell headquarters), books, wooden children's toys

Atmosphere and Accompanying Program

Mulled wine and warm food are served in the courtyard and in the pavilions. An accompanying program of live music (classical brass, acoustic sets), craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities for children complements the market. The audience is more upscale and older than at classic Christmas markets – families, lovers of arts and crafts, collectors, and gift-givers with high standards.

Stein near Nuremberg

Stein (around 14,000 inhabitants) is located directly southwest of Nuremberg on the Rednitz river, in the district of Fürth. It can be reached in 15 minutes from Nuremberg Central Station by S-Bahn line S1. Those visiting Winterträume should end their day in Nuremberg – the famous Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt is 20 minutes away and makes a perfect addition.