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Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Festivals in Rüdesheim
A number of fixed dates are spread across the year in Rüdesheim: Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) in July, the wine festival in August, the Hildegardisfest in September, the Tage des Federweißen (new-wine festival) in October and the Christmas market in Advent.1,
Current status (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Cable car 2026: daily from 9:30 until 1 November; closed 2–18 November; 19 November – 23 December daily 11:00–18:00.6
- Rüdesheimer Weinfest (wine festival) 2027: 12 to 16 August on the Marktplatz; also announced: 17–21 August 2028 and 16–20 August 2029 (as of 18 October 2026).2
- Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen 2026: 19 November to 23 December, daily; Mon–Thu and Sun 11:00–20:00, Fri and Sat 11:00–21:00.5,
7 - Cable car in Advent 2026: 19 November to 23 December daily 11:00–18:00; closed 2–18 November.6
- Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) Bingen/Rüdesheim 2027: announced by the organisers for Saturday 3 July (as of 25 October 2026).1
Seasonal times change. For up-to-date times, the operator’s website applies.
Overview
| When | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| early July | Rhein in Flammen: convoy of boats and fireworks | on the Rhine between Bingen and Rüdesheim |
| mid-August | Rüdesheimer Weinfest (wine festival, “Summer of Riesling”) | market square |
| 17 September | Hildegardisfest with procession of relics | Eibingen |
| last two weekends in October | Tage des Federweißen | market square |
| November | open cellar of the Domäne Assmannshausen | Assmannshausen |
| Advent | Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen (Christmas Market of Nations) | old town with the Drosselgasse lane |
Rhein in Flammen
Rhein in Flammen is organised jointly by the tourist information office of the town of Bingen and Rüdesheim Tourist AG: in the evening a convoy of about 30 illuminated boats sails along the Rhine, accompanied by fireworks.1 The finale is a large fireworks display launched from a pontoon in the middle of the Rhine between Rüdesheim and Bingen; the boats return to their moorings around midnight.1
The boats are special viewing points; trips are offered by, among others, the tourist information office.9 On land there is a programme of supporting events.1
Rüdesheimer Weinfest
The Rüdesheimer Weinfest takes place every year in mid-August on the historic market square; since 2023 it has been organised by the town’s tourism company.2 Rüdesheim winegrowers serve their wines, and there is live music every day. As a rule, the organiser names the third weekend in August; the announced dates in the box are what counts.2
Hildegardisfest in Eibingen
On 17 September, the anniversary of the death of Hildegard of Bingen, many pilgrims come to Eibingen for the procession of relics.3 Hildegard died on 17 September 1179; since 2021 her feast day has been in the General Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church.10 The parish church of St. Hildegard keeps the shrine with her remains.3 More: Abtei St. Hildegard (St Hildegard Abbey).
Tage des Federweißen
For more than 30 years, Rüdesheim’s winegrowers have celebrated on the market square on the last two weekends in October, each time from Friday to Sunday.4,
In November and in Advent
- Domäne Assmannshausen: once a year, always in November, the wine estate at the Höllenberg opens its estate building; you can then taste its Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) wines there.8 More about the village: Assmannshausen.
- Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen: in the lanes of the old town, with stalls from many countries.5 Dates, location and how to get there: Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen.
Our assessment: if you are coming for a festival, book your accommodation early; if you prefer things quieter, plan around these dates. We have no reliable visitor figures.
Frequently asked questions
When is the wine festival in Rüdesheim? Every year in mid-August on the market square; the announced dates are in the box above.2
When is Rhein in Flammen in Rüdesheim? In early July; for 2027, 3 July has been announced.1
What are the Tage des Federweißen? The autumn festival of Rüdesheim’s winegrowers on the last two weekends in October, with Federweißer and onion tart.11
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