Experiencing Christmas in Worms means more than simply strolling across a Christmas market – somehow the whole city catches a touch of Christmas fever. Alongside the official market, the season offers countless concerts with something for every taste. The city’s districts are just as worth a visit, having expanded their Advent programmes considerably over the years. A popular meeting point are the so-called Advent windows, where private hosts, local clubs or winemakers invite guests to a cosy evening. One highlight is surely the traditional tower brass concert – you’ll find out more about it in my round-up of this year’s Advent events …
Photo: Andreas Stumpf
- Christmas Market
- Kids & Ice Rink
- Districts
- Concerts & Theatre
- Tower Brass
- Circus Cristallo
- All Dates
Worms Christmas Market – in the Heart of the City
When the city centre glows with festive lights, the scent of roasted almonds and chestnuts drifts through the lanes and steaming mulled wine keeps hands warm, the time has come: the Worms Christmas Market opens its doors. As early as 20 and 21 November, the market – which winds like a dragon from Parmaplatz to the Römischer Kaiser – welcomes its first visitors before closing for one day on Remembrance Sunday (Totensonntag). The official opening is celebrated on Monday, 23 November, at 5 pm on the Obermarkt stage, close to Parmaplatz by the Luther monument.
The Obermarkt stage · Photo: Dennis Dirigo
Between lovingly decorated stalls there is plenty to discover – from sweet and savoury treats to gift ideas for under the tree. Cosy huts invite you to linger, while the festive lights provide just the right dose of Christmas spirit. Popular spots are, of course, the mulled wine huts, which differ not only in taste but also in the entertainment their hosts and winemakers put on.Après-ski vibes at the Obermarkt
If you like a party atmosphere in après-ski style, head for the Obermarkt, home to the showmen’s bars Lehmanns Glühweinstadl and Zum alten Bauer.
Lehmanns Glühweinstadl and Zum alten Bauer · Photos: Dennis Dirigo
Helmut Kloos and the Glühwein Gretel
At the eastern end of the market, organic winemaker Helmut Kloos welcomes his guests with a colourful cultural programme. Kloos is not just a winemaker but a true original who, together with his hand puppet, the “Glühwein Gretel”, provides first-class entertainment. Throughout the four-week market there are concerts, readings, playful activities, community carol singing or even a Christmas waltz under the open sky. Perhaps there is even a sprig of mistletoe hanging somewhere as you twirl past with your partner. Every year his mulled wine stand has a new theme that frames the artistic, playful activities of the coming weeks. This year the Worms winemaker is reaching for the planets: Kuddelmuddel, another character from his fantastical universe, sets off on a “Kuddelmuddel Expedition” – to the Moon, to Mars and even to Venus. Little visitors can look forward to games and crafts, and every Sunday at midday there is a charity tasting. Kloos also has a “surprise bag” in store this year – curious visitors can find out what’s inside after 5 December at the self-proclaimed “Philosophers’ Square” at “Kloose Helmut’s”.
Helmut Kloos, Andreas Wagner and Dominic Kloos (left) · Live music at the “Philosophers’ Square” · Photos: Dennis Dirigo
Maria’s Mulled Wine Hut
Another popular meeting place with a varied programme is Marias Glühweinhütte in Hardtgasse. Maria Holl is without doubt one of the market’s institutions, serving trendy hot drinks such as mulled Caipirinha and mulled Aperol alongside classic Glühwein.Christmas Workshop and Ice Rink
The Christmas Workshop for Children is back again this year, right at the start of the market on Parmaplatz, with a creative hands-on programme. Children can also enjoy the carousels dotted around the city centre as well as the activities at Helmut Kloos’ stand and Maria’s Mulled Wine Hut.
The detailed workshop programme will be published shortly before the market opens at worms-erleben.de (in German).
24Nov
Nibelungen Eisbahnzauber – Ice Rink
In the shadow of the town hall on the Marktplatz, the Spindler showmen family runs an ice rink. At its centre is a large ice surface surrounded by a winter village serving freshly flame-grilled salmon, tarte flambée, crêpes, mulled wine and other drinks. Besides skating laps, ice stock sport (a Bavarian cousin of curling) is part of the fun. St. Nicholas pays a visit on 6 December, and in the evenings a DJ on Ice makes sure you don’t just go round in circles but move to the beat.Christmas in the Districts
27Nov
Horchheim Christmas Magic
As darkness falls, a Christmas story is told interactively, accompanied by magical light projections. The local heritage association promises a touch of Christmas magic on Horchheim’s market square. Food and drink are provided and the children’s carousel is open. On 28 and 29 November the Christmas market follows in the same spot.28–29Nov
Advent Market in the Herrnsheim Castle Courtyard
The Christmas market in the castle courtyard is one of the most romantic Advent markets in Rheinhessen. The setting is the historic courtyard of Schloss Herrnsheim – venue of the Herrnsheim wine festival in summer, transformed into a festive backdrop of twinkling lights, mulled wine and handicraft stalls in Advent. The blend of neoclassical palace architecture, illuminated trees in the surrounding landscape garden and the warm glow of the stalls makes it a very special experience.from 1Dec
Advent Windows in Hochheim, Pfiffligheim, Pfeddersheim and Abenheim
Advent windows have become a popular meeting point in several districts. While some only open on selected weekends, Worms-Abenheim offers a reason to celebrate every single day from 1 December. As the district is shaped by viticulture, various wineries also take part – the programme is almost a little Christmas market of its own.Christmas Concerts and Theatre
28Nov
Mannheimer Blech – Advent and Christmas Concert
Conducted by Prof. Andre Schoch and Prof. Ehrhard Wetz, works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Jan Koetsier and others fill the atmospheric interior of the Protestant Holy Trinity Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche).1–2Dec
Christmas Fairy Tale: The Town Musicians of Bremen
For decades, the amateur ensemble of the Volksbühne Worms has delighted young and old with charming productions of well-known fairy tales. This year it brings “The Town Musicians of Bremen” to the stage on two afternoons. How do the donkey, dog, cat and rooster come to life? You’ll only find out at the theatre – and your little ones will thank you for it. (Performed in German.)5Dec
JULVISOR – Christmas in Scandinavia
The band JULVISOR presents Scandinavian Christmas songs in several languages and varied arrangements. Songs from Sweden, Norway and Iceland combine delicate simplicity with dramatic tension. Melancholy meets earthy groove – vocals and instrumental passages carry you into the vastness of the Nordic winter night.9Dec
Christmas Gala with David Maier
For several years, Worms cultural manager and musician David Maier has invited friends onto the stage of Das Wormser Theater for a musical Christmas gala between pop and jazz – featuring Christmas classics in a new guise and the talents of his guests. This year’s line-up has not yet been announced. The gala is usually sold out and always worth a visit.16Dec
Das Wormser Weihnachten – “500 Years of the William Tyndale Bible”
This blend of theatre, ballet and musical is staged by creative groups from Worms. This year it takes the audience back to 1526, a time of courage, change and hope. At its heart are two men who made history: the English scholar William Tyndale and the Worms printer Peter Schöffer. Driven by the conviction that the Bible should be available in English, Tyndale risked his life in his homeland. His journey led him to Worms, which had been regarded as a city of the Reformation since Luther’s appearance before the Imperial Diet in 1521 – and where he found in Schöffer not just a printer but an ally. In 1526 the Tyndale New Testament was printed in Worms. From here an idea spread across the world that still resonates today: the right to freedom of conscience, responsibility and hope. The production is directed by Osthofen entrepreneur and mediator Daniel Weninger, with key support from Eugenie Platt of the Mademoiselle ballet and dance studio in Osthofen. Further creative power comes from the district choir association and the Lucie-Kölsch Music School Worms.18Dec
Holly Jolly X-Mas Special
Christmas is usually about contemplative, solemn concert moments. Not so at the Christmas party hosted by Worms entertainer and local politician Peter Englert. Four years ago, the frontman of German pop band The Döftels and honorary member of the city executive had the idea of freeing Christmas from its slightly dusty clichés – and the Holly Jolly X-Mas Party on the roof terrace of the Worms conference centre was born. Naturally, The Döftels take the stage that evening with their own songs somewhere between Schlager, indie and plenty of disco pop – known as crowd-pleasers far beyond the city limits. They are joined by the Fat Cheeks, a regional brass band whose mix of reggae and brass has shaken many a concert hall and who already wowed the crowd at “Holly Jolly X-Mas” in 2024. Vaultaire brings modern rock with plenty of energy. From 10 pm the “After Wörk Party” continues at DAS WORMSER, where DJ collective Dreitakt keeps the dance floor going.
Holly Jolly X-Mas and the Fat Cheeks · Photos: Dennis Dirigo
20Dec
Grand Christmas Concert
This much-loved musical event brings together the Kantatenchor Worms, the Wormser Vokalisten and the orchestra of the Lucie-Kölsch Music School. The concert is accompanied by texts read expressively by well-known Worms reciter Karl-Heinz Deichelmann.AdventTour
Christmas City Tour “Of Saints, Angels and Pepper Merchants”
Christmas tree and Advent wreath, St. Nicholas’ Eve and Christmas presents – traditions we still cherish today. Where they come from and which other customs and stories belong to the festive season is what the Worms tour guides reveal on their walk through the city centre decked out for Advent. The tour is aimed at individual guests and small groups of up to 6 people.
Highlight on the 4th Sunday of Advent
Turmblasen – Brass from the Towers
When crowds gather between St. Peter’s Cathedral and St. Magnus Church on the fourth Sunday of Advent to sing carols together, it can only mean one thing: the traditional Worms “Turmblasen”. Around 30 musicians of the Worms Baroque Brass Ensemble – all with a good head for heights – play festive pieces from the towers of both churches, some 50 metres up, amplified so the music carries through the streets around the cathedral. For many, it marks a highlight on the way to Christmas Eve. Mulled wine keeps everyone warm, as it can get chilly in Rheinhessen at this time of year. Song sheets for singing along are available a few days beforehand at worms-erleben.de.Photo: Bernward Bertram / KVG
Circus Cristallo “Colossal Extreme”
For host Armando Cristallo, the Christmas circus is not just a fairground of attractions under one big top – it is a dream come true. In everyday life, the circus director, whose real name is Armando Frank, runs a construction company. Having grown up in a family of showmen, he was fascinated by the exotic world of the circus from an early age. So why not create and run his own circus in the free time around Christmas? That must have been the thought – and five years ago he made it happen for the first time, exclusively and for around two weeks on the Worms fairground. With a tried-and-tested mix of astonishing acrobatics and side-splitting humour, presented in a beautifully designed tent by outstanding artists from all over Europe, the shows have become a favourite for young and old over Christmas and New Year.
Impressions from 2025 · Photos: Dennis Dirigo
With this year’s motto “Colossal Extreme”, circus director Armando Cristallo promises a programme of superlatives. While he wants to keep up the suspense, a few details have already been revealed: six motorcyclists race at breakneck speed inside a closed globe of death, a seven-person human pyramid is built before the audience’s eyes, and two artists from Mongolia show just how flexible the human body can be and how sheer body control can captivate a crowd. Add magic, clowning and much more. And the circus is keen to stress: the show is entirely animal-free.All Dates at a Glance
- 20–21 NovChristmas market opensCity centre
- 23 Nov · 5 pmOfficial openingObermarkt stage
- 24 Nov · 11 amIce rink opensMarktplatz
- 27 NovHorchheim Christmas MagicHorchheim
- 28–29 NovHorchheim Christmas marketHorchheim
- 28–29 NovCastle courtyard Advent marketHerrnsheim
- 28 Nov · 6 pmMannheimer BlechDreifaltigkeitskirche
- from 1 DecDaily Advent windowsAbenheim
- 1–2 Dec · 6 pmThe Town Musicians of BremenDas Wormser Theater
- 5 Dec · 8 pmJULVISORLincoln Theater
- 6 DecSt. Nicholas at the ice rinkMarktplatz
- 9 Dec · 8 pmChristmas Gala with David MaierDas Wormser Theater
- 16 Dec · 6 pmDas Wormser WeihnachtenDas Wormser Theater
- 18 Dec · 7 pmHolly Jolly X-Mas SpecialTagungszentrum
- 20 Dec · 4 pmGrand Christmas ConcertDreifaltigkeitskirche
- 20 DecTurmblasen – brass from the towersCathedral & St. Magnus
- 22 Dec – 10 JanCircus Cristallo “Colossal Extreme”Festplatz
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