Koblenz at Christmas time – and not just then!

Friday, 15 December 2023 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

A meeting with friends brought us to the Koblenz area again, and it was clear that we wanted to take the opportunity to visit the Koblenz Christmas market or, better yet, some of the Advent markets spread across the city.

From the rustic wooden houses on Jesuitenplatz, our first stop, there was already a tempting smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, the handicraft market area invited you to browse for gifts and unique handmade items, and the festively decorated city centre with the cozy streets of the picturesque old town made you linger and marvel - The description of the Christmas market in Koblenz could be something like this. We too were enchanted by the atmospheric sea of lights from the poinsettias and garlands of lights. The atmosphere of the festively decorated streets and squares with numerous decorated Christmas trees immediately put us in the holiday spirit.

Jesuit Square

For many people, Jesuitenplatz in the heart of Koblenz's old town is the starting point for Christmas market forays. Surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses, there is a wide range of Christmas goods to discover here. Unique Christmas tree decorations, traditional candle arches, Christmas pyramids, smokers, nutcrackers, stollen, honey, Herrnhut stars, hats and scented oils - you can always find a suitable Christmas present here.

The colourful lit dormers of the baroque town hall are a special sight - together they form the largest Advent calendar in the city. Near the city church, visitors will also find the so-called charitable house, where clubs and organizations change every day to offer information and lots of homemade items in order to attract donations and supporters for a good cause.

On plan

The Koblenz Christmas market took place on Plan for the first time over 40 years ago. Today, the beautiful pyramid in the middle of the historic square with its cozy little houses still invites you to drink mulled wine together. On the weekends, musicians regularly entertain visitors with iconic Christmas pop.

Shopping fans will also find the finest Indian cloths, a variety of decorative items and even dog biscuits on the plan. Meanwhile, the little visitors to the Christmas market can take a spin on the children's carousel. After visiting the Christmas market, the varied Koblenz restaurant “Am Plan” invites you to a cozy end to the evening.

Josef Görres Square

Since 2017, the youngest of the 7 Christmas market squares has also been part of the event. Surrounded by festively lit buildings, an idyllic little Christmas village is being built on Görresplatz. Things are a little more comfortable here, which is why the place is particularly popular with families with small children. A small train makes its tranquil laps through the Christmas Forest around the history column. In addition to confectionery, exquisite culinary products, wines from the region and wool, decorative and olive wood items, visitors to Görresplatz will also find the finest winemaker's mulled wine. You can spend relaxing hours in the cozy, heated huts on site, even in winter temperatures. From the beginning of December, the sounding Advent calendar also takes place every evening at Görresplatz. Various choirs entertain the listeners with Christmas singing. The inclusive Christmas market also opens its doors on Görresplatz on the 1st and 2nd weekend of Advent. On these days, several Christmas stalls offer Advent items, handicraft goods and handmade products from workshops for the disabled.

Coin Square

At Münzplatz, visitors can immerse themselves in the Christmas hustle and bustle, as there is always something going on in the largest square of the Koblenz Christmas market. The Christmas mill and the coin barn on site are a popular meeting place for young people who toast with mulled wine, mulled beer and the like.

Apple pancakes, tree strezel, vegetarian vegetable pan, fresh potato chips or flamed salmon - there is something for everyone in the culinary offering at Münzplatz. If you are looking for special Christmas gifts, you can browse to your heart's content between the finest leather goods, delicious schnapps and liqueurs, ham and cheese, olive wood products and handcrafted glass items.

Even the little guests get their money's worth on a ride on the children's carousel.

Willi-Hörter-Platz / Rathaushof

At the entrance to the historic Koblenz town hall, between the large plane tree and the Schängelbrunnen, the beautifully lit “SchaEngelbar” awaits its visitors with a large selection of white and red mulled wines.

In a relaxed atmosphere, (mulled) wine lovers can try out the wide range on offer and enjoy delicious sweets and freshly roasted almonds. Opposite the “SchaEngelbar” is the entrance to the town hall courtyard, where the festive nativity scene is set up amid atmospheric lighting. If you want to escape the Christmas hustle and bustle for a moment, you should definitely pay a visit to the town hall courtyard and enjoy the contemplative atmosphere on site.

Central square

If you want to stop off at the Christmas market while shopping for gifts or start the evening there, Central Square is the right place for you. Located right next to the forum, the Christmas market on the central square invites you to discover all kinds of delicious and beautiful things - from classic crepes, to handmade knitting and Christmas tablecloths, to delicate, glass writing items.

In contrast to the modern buildings on site, a 70-year-old wooden Ferris wheel rotates leisurely between the blue and red huts. Magnificently lit Christmas trees, one real, the other a futuristic metal construction, put the place in the right light. In the tourist information in the “Forum Confluentes” visitors will also find a wide range of regional specialties, souvenirs and gifts.

Church of Our Lady

The square at the Liebfrauenkirche is the smallest in the Koblenz Christmas market and is therefore particularly cozy and worth a visit. In the shade of the onion domes, visitors can enjoy a delicious Feuerzangenbowle while watching the local artisans making fine gift items from wood and mammoth ivory.

At the weekend, the Koblenz original Manfred Gniffke and his son Michael entertain the audience at the Liebfrauenkirche with the telling of the Christmas story and Christmas carols in the Koblenz dialect.

With a little luck, you can also meet Santa Claus here, who distributes sweets to the littlest visitors on the weekends and is available to take selfies.

Christmas Garden at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

For the perfect day in Koblenz, a detour to the Deutsches Eck and from there take the cable car up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress cultural centre is a must. The Christmas light and sound installation “Christmas Garden”, this year with over 30 new elements, is one of the event highlights in Koblenz at Christmas time.