Holidays
The Christmas markets of Mainz
By
Stars and Stripes November 30, 2023
Mary Del Rosario and Kat Nickola
Stars and Stripes November 30, 2023
The central Mainz market surrounds the pretty Dom (cathedral) (Sina Ettmer - stock.adobe.com)
Creating an atmosphere that can only be described as magical and festive, the oldest Mainz Christmas market is set in the historical area of the city’s 1000-year-old St. Martin’s Cathedral.
The historic Christmas market in the Domplatz is full of food, fun and festive atmosphere. It is especially sparkling at night when strands of twinkling lights drape the booths and light up the cathedral.
Mainz markets run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, 2025.
Around the ‘new’ fountain (built in the 1700s in Neubrunnenplatz.
Inside the courtyard at the Kurfürstliches Schloss (castle).
Under the trees in Schillerplatz.
Just as you exit the train station at Bahnhofsvorplatz.
On the south end of town at the Hopfengarten.
Public transportation to the Mainz markets is best, especially if you have plans to eat, drink and be merry... with Glühwein. The train station hosts a market out front, and the other Christmas markets can all be reached within 15-20 minute walks of the station.
Visit www.weihnachtsstadt-mainz.de for details.
Aside from the famous cathedral where the market takes place, Mainz is also home to the Gutenberg Museum which commemorates Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. While at the museum, go to the printing shop where visitors can print their individual Christmas cards.
If you’re a fan of Roman history, check out the Museum of Ancient Seafaring where well-preserved remains of Roman warships are waiting for their story to be told.