Mainz Christmas market
The Mainz Christmas Market will take place from November 26 to December 23, 2026.
Historic Christmas market on the cathedral squares
Sparkling lights, Christmas stalls, mouthwatering treats, unique handicrafts, and the scent of roasted almonds fill the air: that’s how magical the Christmas season is in Mainz!
Set against the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old St. Martin’s Cathedral, the market square in front of the imposing cathedral transforms into a sea of lights during Advent. Every year, the historic Mainz Christmas market shines here, as well as at the Höfchen and Liebfrauenplatz, with festively decorated stalls. The colorful Renaissance facades of the historic market houses are particularly beautiful to behold.
Numerous cathedral concerts and matinees, the traditional fairy tale performance at the Mainz State Theater, and the popular Christmas card printing at the Gutenberg Museum’s print shop are just as much a part of Mainz’s special Christmas attractions as the many other smaller Christmas markets in the city center and throughout the city.
History
And the Mainz Christmas Market looks back on a long tradition: The “Nikolose Markt” has been around for over 200 years—since 1788, to be exact. Since 1975, it has been held as the “Historical Christmas Market”—and quickly became a major crowd-puller.
To the plan of the Christmas City Mainz
Arts and crafts and stall magic
The two historic carousels and handmade toys are sure to delight children.
The Christmas craft range offers great gift ideas for the festive season.
The eleven-meter-high, richly decorated Christmas pyramid has been delighting visitors since 2003 as a landmark directly at the Höfchen, the main entrance to the market. And just look at all the characters bustling about here: from carnival revellers and the Mainzelmännchen to the Roman Drusus, the bishop, and Gutenberg, you can "meet" numerous Mainz personalities here.
Just a few steps further on, the hand-carved, life-size nativity figures in front of the Gotthard Chapel of St. Martin's Cathedral are impressive.
At the lower entrance to the market, 18 hand-carved angel figures leisurely turn their rounds on the roof of the nine-meter-high music box.
Christmas village
This year, you'll find the romantic Christmas village on the banks of the Rhine, near Fischtorplatz. Be sure to reserve a spot in advance at the cozy wooden log cabins, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Impressions from the Mainz Christmas market
Further information
Opening hours
Arrival
Accessibility
Parking
W-Lan
Christmas lighting
For visitors
Mainz Greeter
Even during the Advent season, if you want to get to know Mainz in a special, very personal way, the Mainz Greeters are the right people for you. Meet a Mainz Greeter and stroll through the Christmas market with them!
Overnight stay
Contact us
Address
Tourist Information
mainz STORE
Markt (Domplatz) 17
55116 Mainz
Telephone, fax and e-mail address
Your way to us
Opening hours
For feeders
Contact us
Address
Office for Economy and Real Estate
Stadthaus Große Bleiche
Room5.066
Große Bleiche 46
55116 Mainz
Postal address
55028 Mainz
Telephone, fax and e-mail address
- +49 6131 12 ext. 3440
- +49 6131 12 ext. 2363
- amt-fuer-wirtschaft-und-liegenschaftenstadt.mainzde