Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to the Schloss Vollrads Christmas Market 2026 in Oestrich-Winkel
From 4 to 6 December 2026, the historic courtyard of Schloss Vollrads in Oestrich-Winkel becomes the setting for the 10th Vollrads Castle Christmas Market. One of the world's oldest wine estates, with more than 800 years of Riesling viticulture in the heart of the Rheingau, Schloss Vollrads offers a truly exceptional backdrop for an Advent celebration that combines artisan crafts, award-winning wines and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is free on all three days.
Highlights and Attractions at Schloss Vollrads Christmas Market in Oestrich-Winkel
- Historic castle courtyard: The market takes place in the Schlosshof of Schloss Vollrads, a medieval castle complex surrounded by terraced Riesling vineyards, creating one of the most picturesque Christmas market settings in all of Hesse.
- Rheingau Riesling wine tasting: Browse and taste internationally acclaimed Riesling wines produced on-site under organic certification, including the award-winning 2023 Winkel Rheingau Riesling Kabinett, named Riesling of the Year at the 2026 International Sommelier's Choice Awards.
- Artisan craft market: Exhibitors present handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, glassware and regional specialty foods across the castle grounds.
- Christmas bakery in the castle kitchen: Children are invited into the historic Schloss kitchen to bake Christmas cookies, a hands-on festive experience exclusive to this market.
- Lama trekking from the Kisselmühle: Friendly llamas from the nearby Kisselmühle farm walk patiently through the market with young visitors, one of the most popular features of the Vollrads Christmas Market each year.
- Live music and St. Nicholas visit: Seasonal live performances fill the courtyard throughout the weekend, and St. Nicholas makes a traditional visit to delight younger guests.
- Estate restaurant and mulled wine: The Gutsrestaurant at Schloss Vollrads serves regional cuisine throughout the market, complemented by mulled wine and warm seasonal drinks in the courtyard.
Find Accommodation in Oestrich-Winkel
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Programme and Schedule: What to Expect at Schloss Vollrads Christmas Market 2026
The 10th Vollrads Christmas Market runs across three days with varying opening hours suited to different visitors. On Friday, 4 December, the market opens from 16:00 to 21:00, making it an ideal after-work outing from Frankfurt or Wiesbaden. Saturday, 5 December, runs from 14:00 to 20:00, with the full programme of crafts, music, children's activities and wine tasting. Sunday, 6 December, falls on St. Nicholas Day and offers a relaxed morning-to-afternoon visit from 12:00 to 18:00. Castle tours of the historic manor house, the children's bakery in the Schloss kitchen and Kasperle puppet theatre round out the programme alongside the artisan market stalls. The estate's wine shop and the Gutsrestaurant are open throughout all three days.
Tickets and Admission for Schloss Vollrads Christmas Market Oestrich-Winkel
Admission to the Schloss Vollrads Christmas Market is entirely free of charge on all three days. No tickets or advance registration are required to visit the market itself. Separate ticketed events such as guided castle tours or wine tastings can be booked in advance via the estate's official events platform at events.schlossvollrads.com. Wine purchases can be made directly at the courtyard wine stand or in the estate's online shop at shop.schlossvollrads.com.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Oestrich-Winkel and the Rheingau
- By train: Oestrich-Winkel is served by the Rheingaubahn (RB10) regional train from Wiesbaden and Frankfurt. The castle is approximately a 20-minute walk from the station, or reachable by local taxi.
- By car: Schloss Vollrads is signposted from the B42 Rheingaustraße above the town centre. On-site parking is available; early arrival is recommended during the market weekend, as spaces fill quickly.
- What to wear: All market areas are outdoors on the castle grounds. Warm winter layers are essential, especially for the Friday and Saturday evening sessions when temperatures in the elevated vineyard setting can drop sharply.
- Explore the Rheingau: Oestrich-Winkel sits at the heart of the Rheingau wine region. A walk along the Rhine waterfront, a visit to the medieval Oestrich crane or a stroll through the vineyard paths around the castle make excellent additions to the market day.
- Accommodation: The Rheingau offers a range of hotels, guesthouses and wine-estate stays. Booking well in advance for the first Advent weekend in December is strongly recommended, as the region attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the festive season.
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.
