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Welcome to the Mainz Christmas Market 2026 in Mainz
The Historic Christmas Market Mainz 2026 runs from 26 November to 23 December on Marktplatz, Höfchen and Liebfrauenplatz in front of the 1,000-year-old Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin. It is complemented by the Mainzer WinterZeit markets, the Neuwintermarkt and several district Advent fairs. Admission to all markets is free.
Highlights & Attractions at Mainz Christmas Market in Mainz
- Eleven-metre Christmas pyramid at Höfchen with Mainz figures
- Life-size hand-carved nativity in front of the cathedral’s Gotthard Chapel
- Nine-metre music box with 18 carved angel figures
- Historic carousels, handicrafts and roasted almonds
- Four WinterZeit markets at Schillerplatz, Hopfengarten, the station square and the Electoral Palace courtyard
- GlühWeinWalk ticket for 26 euros with mulled wine, mulled gin, snacks and a souvenir mug
- Cathedral concerts, a fairy-tale show at the State Theatre and Christmas-card printing at the Gutenberg Museum
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Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The Historic Christmas Market on the cathedral squares runs from 26 November to 23 December 2026, Sunday to Thursday 11:00–20:30 and Friday and Saturday 11:00–21:00. On 23 December it closes at 19:00. WinterZeit markets also start on 26 November; Schillerplatz, the station square, the palace courtyard and the Neuwintermarkt reopen from 27 to 30 December. Hopfengarten ends on 23 December. Stalls with crafts and regional food sit under lights and cathedral music. Cultural extras include cathedral concerts, the traditional fairy-tale performance at the State Theatre and Christmas-card printing at the Gutenberg Museum print shop.
Tickets & Admission for Mainz Christmas Market Mainz
Entry to all Mainz Christmas and winter markets is free. Food, drinks and stall purchases are paid separately. Optional is the GlühWeinWalk ticket for 26 euros: seven mulled wines, one mulled gin, two festive snacks, an exclusive mainzgefühl mug and a 10 percent voucher for the mainz STORE. It is valid at selected stalls on the cathedral squares, the Neuwintermarkt and the WinterZeit markets. Sales: mainz STORE (Markt 17), the online shop, vomFass Mainz, IntercityHotel Mainz, Orbis Vini and ENTEGA Point. Non-alcoholic options are available at participating stalls.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Mainz
- Arrive by train at Mainz Hauptbahnhof; the WinterZeit market is on the station forecourt, and the cathedral squares are a walk or a short bus or tram ride away.
- Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes and a weatherproof jacket: all markets are outdoors and November and December are often wet and cold.
- Book hotels in the old town or near the station early, especially on Advent weekends.
- Use inner-city car parks; Marktplatz itself has restricted traffic during the market.
- Visit on weekdays or in the early afternoon to avoid queues at the pyramid, nativity and mulled-wine stands; on 23 December arrive earlier because the cathedral market closes at 19:00.
Historic Christmas Market Mainz 2026
The 51st Historic Christmas Market is the centrepiece of Christmas in Mainz. Festive stalls fill Marktplatz, Höfchen and Liebfrauenplatz in front of Renaissance façades and Mainz Cathedral. The Nikolose Markt dates back to 1788; the Historic Christmas Market has been held since 1975. Landmarks include the pyramid at Höfchen, the nativity at the Gotthard Chapel and the music box at the lower market entrance. Dates: 26 November to 23 December 2026.
Mainzer WinterZeit Schillerplatz 2026
The WinterZeit market at Schillerplatz sits by the Carnival fountain and is a relaxed meeting point with stalls, snacks and mulled wine. Open 26 November to 23 December and 27 to 30 December 2026, Sunday to Thursday 11:00–20:30, Friday and Saturday 11:00–21:00.
Mainzer WinterZeit Hopfengarten 2026
At the end of Augustinerstraße, Hopfengarten becomes a quieter winter oasis with lights, creative mulled drinks and a children’s carousel. Open only 26 November to 23 December 2026, Sunday to Thursday 13:00–20:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00–21:00. This site does not reopen between Christmas and New Year.
Mainzer WinterZeit Station Square 2026
In front of the main station, the WinterZeit market is made for after-work mulled wine and has the longest hours: daily 11:00–22:00 from 26 November to 23 December and again from 27 to 30 December 2026. Convenient on arrival and departure.
Mainzer WinterZeit Palace Courtyard 2026
The courtyard of the Electoral Palace offers a romantic winter setting with a curling rink and the LUMENAlm. Open 26 November to 23 December and 27 to 30 December 2026, Sunday to Thursday 13:00–20:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00–21:00.
Neuwintermarkt at Neubrunnenplatz 2026
The Neuwintermarkt adds another inner-city stop at Neubrunnenplatz from 26 November to 23 December and from 27 to 30 December 2026. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00–20:30, Friday and Saturday 11:00–21:00. Selected stalls take part in the GlühWeinWalk.
Christmas Village at Fischtorplatz 2026
A few steps from Liebfrauenplatz, romantic wooden barrel huts at Fischtorplatz invite visitors to sit and eat. Advance reservation is recommended. Exact 2026 hours will be confirmed via official city channels.
Kunst und Korinthen at the Citadel 2026
On 6 December 2026 the Advent event Kunst und Korinthen takes place at the Citadel in Mainz-Oberstadt: art, crafts and a festive atmosphere inside a historic fortress.
Gonsenheim Advent Market 2026
The local Advent market in Mainz-Gonsenheim opens on 28 and 29 November 2026. It is a neighbourhood fair with crafts and regional food.
Laubenheim Advent Market 2026
In Mainz-Laubenheim the Advent market is held on 28 and 29 November 2026. Smaller than the cathedral market, it is compact and family-friendly.
Bretzenheim Advent Market 2026
The Bretzenheim Advent market is scheduled for 5 and 6 December 2026. It is one of the established district fairs of the state capital.
Hechtsheim Christmas Market 2026
The traditional Hechtsheim Christmas Market runs on 12 and 13 December 2026. It combines a village feel in the district with seasonal crafts and mulled wine.
Weisenau Christmas Market 2026
In Mainz-Weisenau the small Christmas market opens on 13 December 2026. A one-day district date for neighbours, crafts and Advent atmosphere.
Further Advent Markets in Mainz 2026
The City of Mainz calendar also lists: Advent market Mainz-Ebersheim on 22 November, Advent market Mainz-Mombach on 27 November, Finthen Advent market and Marienborn Christmas market on 28 November, plus Drais St Nicholas market, Lerchenberg Advent gathering and Hartenberg/Münchfeld Advent market on 29 November 2026. Check exact pitches and hours with the city or local associations shortly before the date.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
