Magical moments at Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate

Magical moments at Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate – Germany is renowned for its traditional Christmas markets. 

But not all Christmas markets are the same. From the end of November, the Rhineland-Palatinate in southwest Germany boasts a number of very special Advent and Christmas markets, set against the stunning landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle.

Be it located in an old town, medieval castle or historic wine cellars, every market has its own magical story.

Trarbach underworld

Around 1900, due to the high demand for Riesling wines and their export, especially to Great Britain and overseas, Traben-Trarbach, the art nouveau town on the Moselle, was the second-largest centre of the European wine trade after Bordeaux. This resulted in the establishment of more than 100 wine companies, increasing the capacity of the Traben-Trarbach wine cellars in the second half of the 19th century and giving rise to the construction of extensive vaulted cellars in the town centre, some of them multi-storey and more than 100 metres in length—unique in the Moselle region. The 9th Moselle Wine Christmas Market, located in four of these exceptional vaulted cellars, will open its doors from 22 November 2019 to 1 January 2020.

Bernkastel-Kues

More than 40 festive Christmas stalls will be set up across the medieval old town of Bernkastel from 22 November to 22 December 2019. There will be something for everyone: traditional arts and crafts, jewellery, candles and even regional delicacies including Flammkuchen (tarte flambée), stews, waffles, crêpes and mulled wine. A torchlight swim across the icy Moselle has featured for years when more than 100 sport divers accompany Father Christmas across the Moselle, from the harbour in Kues to the Bernkastel bank, where he distributes presents to the young visitors.

Trier Christmas market: the largest in the region

The Christmas market in Trier is one of the largest and, according to some, also the most beautiful in Rhineland-Palatinate. Ensconced beneath the cathedral on the centuries-old main market square surrounded by half-timbered houses, 90 wooden stalls sell their Christmas wares, including decorations, wooden toys, candles, glassware, gifts, ceramics and much more.