Unterwegs – December 19, 2025

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Legendary German Christmas markets! Picture fairy lights twinkling against the night sky, the aroma of Glühwein wafting through the air, and charming wooden stalls brimming with handmade ornaments, festive treats, and unique gifts.

MARKETS IN/NEAR KMC

• Bad Duerkheim
  Nov. 29 – Dec. 23
• Bad Muenster/Ebernburg
  Nov. 30 – Dec. 22 (weekends)
• Bad Kreuznach
  Nov. 22 – Dec. 24
• Deidesheim
  Nov. 29 – Dec. 22 (weekends)
• Freinsheim
  Nov. 29 – Dec. 22 (weekends)
• Kaiserslautern
  Nov. 21 – Dec. 23, Dec. 27 – 30
• KL Kultur
  Nov. 29 – Dec. 22
• Landstuhler Advent until
  Dec. 22 (weekends)
• Otterberg
  Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 (weekends)
• Steinbach/Glan
  Nov. 30 – Dec. 22 (weekends)

Markets in Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Netherlands

• Colmar Nov. 25 – Dec. 29
• Metz Nov. 21 – Dec. 30
• Strasbourg Nov. 26 – Dec. 24
• Wissembourg Nov. 28 – Dec. 21 (weekends)
• Luxembourg City Nov. 21 – Jan. 1, 2026
• Brussels Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, 2026
• Amsterdam/Ice Christmas Village Dec. 11 – 26

Other Christmas markets in Germany

• Aachen Nov. 22 – Dec. 23
• Ansbach Nov. 28 – Dec. 23
• Aschaffenburg Nov. 23 – Dec. 22
• Augsburg Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
• Baden-Baden Nov. 21 – Jan. 6, 2025 
• Bad Dürkheim Nov. 29 – Dec. 22
• Bamberg Nov. 28 – Dec. 23
• Berlin Nov. 24 – Jan. 5, 2026 www.berlin.de
• Bernkastel-Kues/Mosel Nov. 22 – Dec. 22
• Cochem/Mosel Nov. 27 – Dec. 22
• Darmstadt Nov. 18 – Dec. 23
• Dresden Nov. 27 – Dec. 24 www.dresden.de
• Düsseldorf Nov. 21 – Dec. 30 www.duesseldorf.de
• Ettlingen Nov. 28 – Dec. 29
• Frankfurt  Nov. 25 – Dec. 22 www.frankfurt.de
• Freiburg Nov. 21 – Dec. 23
• Freinsheim Nov. 29 – Dec. 22 (weekends)
• Garmisch Nov. 22 – Dec. 23
• Hamburg Nov. 21 – Dec. 28 www.hamburg.de
• Heidelberg Nov. 25 – Dec. 22
• Karlsruhe Nov. 25 – Dec. 23
• Karlsruhe/Durlach (Medieval) Nov. 29 – Dec. 22
• Koblenz Nov. 24 – Jan. 7, 2026
• Köln Nov. 18 – Dec. 23 www.koeln.de
• Landau Nov. 27 – Dec. 22
• Ludwigshafen Nov. 8 – Dec. 23
• Mainz Nov. 28 – Dec. 23
• Mannheim Nov. 25 – Dec. 23
• Michelstadt Nov. 29 – Dec. 22
• München Nov. 25 – Dec. 24 www.muenchen.de
• Neustadt/Weinstraβe Nov. 25 – Dec. 22
• Nürnberg Nov. 29 – Dec. 24 www.nuernberg.de
• Pirmasens Nov. 27 – Dec. 22
• Potsdam Nov. 25 – Dec. 29 www.potsdam.de
• Regensburg Nov. 25 – Dec. 23
• Rothenburg o.d Tauber Nov. 29 – Dec. 23
• Saarbrücken Nov. 20 – Dec. 23 
• Saarlouis Nov. 20 – Dec. 23
• Speyer Nov. 27 – Jan. 7, 2026
• Stuttgart Nov. – Dec. 23  www.stuttgart.de
• Traben-Trarbach/Underground Nov. 22 – Jan. 1, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
• Trier Nov. 22 – Dec. 22
• Wiesbaden Nov. 26 – Dec. 23
• Worms Nov. 20 – Dec. 23
• Würzburg Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
• Zell/Mosel Nov. 22 – Dec. 22

For additional details, see: http://www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de

Winter Solstice: A turning Point

DEC. 21, 4:03 P.M., KAISERSLAUTERN/CENTRAL EUROPE

The winter solstice occurs about Dec. 21 in the northern hemisphere. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. As the Earth tilts away from the sun, sunlight becomes scarce, but this day also symbolizes hope. On this day, the amount of daylight is nine hours and 11 minutes shorter than during the June solstice. The solstices, both in winter and summer, have played a key role in history throughout the world. There are many legends and myths linked to the natural phenomenon and indigenous people around the globe honored the day with special rituals, such as bonfires or ceremonies at Stone Henge, England

ABTEIKIRCHENKONZERT, Solstice & Nordic Christmas

DEC. 21, 5 P.M., ABTEIKIRCHE, OTTERBERG

Solsnu – Solstice and Nordic Christmas, the Vocal Ensemble Nordic Voices from Norway will present an advent concert in the Abbey Church. In December, the sun is at its lowest point in Norway. It’s as if the pace of life in the cities, nature, and people slows to a minimum. One of Norway’s most famous songwriters, Halvdan Sivertsen, wrote in one of his songs: “Winter is long, but it doesn’t last forever.” At this time, people gather, eat, light candles, and wait for the sun to return over the mountaintops, awakening the world. This is “Solsnu”—an ancient Norwegian tradition that coincides with the Christian Christmas festival, making December a month rich in tradition. This richness is reflected in Norwegian music and in this concert with works by Lasse Thoresen (Solbøn, a prayer to the sun), lullabies, as well as contemporary compositions: the longing for light, the need for human connection, and the celebration of Christian history. Tickets at the Tourist Information, Hauptstrasse 54, Otterberg or online at https://www.reservix.de/tickets-solsnu-in-otterberg-abteikirche-otterberg

Christmas Days

DEC. 25 AND 26, GERMANY-WIDE

Both Dec. 25 and 26 are public holidays with all shops and offices closed. The same is true for most European countries. Many stores may also close early on Dec. 24 in preparation for Christmas Eve.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

JAN. 1, 2026, GERMANY-WIDE

Jan. 1 is considered a public holiday with all shops and offices closed, including Germany’s neighboring countries. Some stores and/or offices may also close early on Dec. 31 in preparation for New Year’s Eve.

The 12 Tenors – Songs of Eternity

JAN. 8, 8 P.M., FRUCHTHALLE, KAISERSLAUTERN

12 magnificent voices, an unforgettable show, and the timeless magic of music. Wherever they perform, The 12 Tenors are sure to win over audiences. The group is considered one of the most successful tenor ensembles in the world. For more than 15 years, they have captivated audiences with powerful voices, impressive choreography, and witty entertainment. On January 8th, they will bring their new show to the Fruchthalle in Kaiserslautern, presenting a musical experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space. “Songs of Eternity” is the title of their new program. The 12 exceptional singers transport the audience to a world where music becomes an immortal companion. Whether in quiet moments of reflection or powerful climaxes of musical energy, this show promises to transport the audience to another dimension where music is the only measure of time. Tickets in Kaiserslautern are available at the Tourist Information Office (phone +49 631 365-2316), and online at www.eventim.de or www.kultopolis.com

A Night of Queen By the Bohemians

JAN. 18, 7:30 P.M., FRITZ-WUNDERLICH-HALLE, KUSEL

With “The Bohemians,” one of Europe’s best Queen tribute bands takes the stage. The four musicians from Great Britain take their audience on a musical journey through time for nearly two hours with their show “A Night Of Queen.” They invite you to a huge Queen live party, because that’s exactly what the band’s performances regularly become on both sides of the Channel. By the second song, singer Rob Comber, alias Freddie Mercury, has the audience in the palm of his hand. From then on, young and old alike enjoy the spectacular show for almost two hours, side by side, a show that doesn’t miss any of Queen’s immortal hits. Mercury’s unmistakable voice and stage presence are unique in rock history. “The Bohemians” prove to be the most dynamic and exciting Queen tribute band currently on tour. Acoustically and visually, you truly believe you’re experiencing Queen live on stage. Numerous authentic costumes and props complete the illusion. Tickets available at 06381 424-496, www.ticket-regional.de and www.reservix.de

The Next Edition of the Kaiserslautern American will be on January 9, 2026.

Happy New year!