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Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen
The Rüdesheimer Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen (Christmas Market of Nations) takes place in 2026 from 19 November to 23 December – for the 31st time, with stalls from over 20 nations and four continents in the lanes of the old town.1 The motto is “Advent im Rheintal – Weihnachten in aller Welt!” (“Advent in the Rhine valley – Christmas all over the world!”).2
Current status (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Railway line to Rüdesheim closed until 12 December 2026, replacement buses; recommended: train to Bingen Hbf, then the ferry.3,
4 - Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen 2026: 19 November to 23 December, daily; Mon–Thu and Sun 11:00–20:00, Fri and Sat 11:00–21:00.1,
5 - Cable car in Advent 2026: 19 November to 23 December daily 11:00–18:00; closed 2–18 November.6
Seasonal times change. For up-to-date times, the operator’s website applies.
Dates and opening times 2026
- Period: 19 November to 23 December 2026, open daily.1,
5 - Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 11:00 to 20:00.1
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 21:00.1
The organiser is WM Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen GmbH in Rüdesheim; current information is available at ruedesheimer-weihnachtsmarkt.de.7
Where the market is
More than 100 stalls are spread across the Marktplatz, Marktstraße, Drosselgasse, Oberstraße and Rheinstraße.8 The 2026 site plan also shows a Ferris wheel, a Kinderparadies (children’s area), a nativity scene, toilets with baby-changing facilities and first aid.8 You can find the plan as a PDF from the organiser (in German).
We present the Drosselgasse lane itself on a page of its own: The Drosselgasse.
Getting there in Advent 2026
Because of the “Rechter Rhein” (right bank of the Rhine) renovation, the railway line to Rüdesheim is closed up to and including 12 December 2026; replacement buses run instead.9,
- Via Bingen: the tourist information office recommends the train on the left bank of the Rhine to Bingen Hbf (main station), from there bus 234 or about 30 minutes on foot along the Rhine to the ferry to Rüdesheim.3 More: Rüdesheim–Bingen ferry.
- Replacement buses: between Rüdesheim and Wiesbaden twice an hour as an express service; the buses are wheelchair-accessible, bicycles are not allowed.3
- By car: via the A66 and the B42.9 Parking in residents’ parking zones is not permitted and is checked.5 The tourist information office lists the town’s car parks, among them “An der Ringmauer” near the cable car and the Rheinhalle.10 The organiser recommends bus and train.5
Cable car and dogs
- Cable car: for the Christmas market the cable car runs daily from 19 November to 23 December 2026 from 11:00 to 18:00; from 2 to 18 November it is closed.6 More: Cable car.
- Dogs are generally allowed; at weekends the organiser advises leaving them at home.5
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rüdesheim Christmas market 2026? From 19 November to 23 December 2026, daily; Monday to Thursday and Sunday 11:00–20:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00–21:00.1
Are trains running to Rüdesheim?
The line is closed up to and including 12 December 2026, and replacement buses run; alternatively, travel via Bingen and the ferry.9,
Can my dog come along? In principle yes, but preferably not at weekends.5
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