For me, the scent of fresh pine and candles is more closely associated with Christmas than anything else. That’s why I like to make my own Advent wreath—and I love doing it with my friends. If you’ve never tried it before, Mrs. Deko (opens in a new tab) offers some wonderful workshops for making flower hoops, Advent wreaths, and door wreaths!

When it gets cold outside, it’s nice to have a hearty meal on your plate. And if the atmosphere is cozy to boot, it’s perfect! At Kortheuer, (opens in a new tab) you’ll find comfort food just like Mom used to make. You can find truly great cheese fondue at the Old Vineyard (opens in a new tab)—with or without meat and served with delicious sauces—ideal for a lovely evening with friends. Good news for lovers of fine dining: Starting November 18, “Die Ente” is backOld Vineyard (opens in a new tab)—with or without meat and served with delicious sauces—ideal for a lovely evening with friends. Good news for lovers of fine dining: Starting November 18, “Die Ente” is back in Wiesbaden and will be treating you to Michelin-starred cuisine at Webergasse 8, not far from its former home, the Nassauer Hof.   

On clear, sunny winter days, we grab our portable grill and a thermos of tea and find a nice spot in nature with a view of the vineyards or the water. We usually have game sausages from the market, for example from Wildenburger Hof (opens in a new tab) (Booth 2) or from Eva Klos at Waidwerk (opens in a new tab) (Booth 115). They’re best served with sauerkraut and cranberries! 

I usually only give small gifts, but that means they can be all the more personal. It’s so wonderful that there are so many small businesses (opens in a new tab) in Wiesbaden that put their heart and soul into making great things themselves or offering carefully curated items: For me, a really good book is actually the best gift. I always find just what I’m looking for in these bookstores! You’ll find really cute socks with regional motifs at Schönwetterfront (opens in a new tab), handcrafted, hopped, and delicious wines at hurra (opens in a new tab), and beautiful figurines, bowls, and dishes at ILE 22 (opens in a new tab) on Nerostraße. And here’s another tip: The Tourist Information (opens in a new tab) office on Marktplatz has great gifts, ranging from Neroberg wine to Kochbrunnen soap!

Since most of us already have more than enough, I also think the idea of “vintage” gifts is exciting: At the swap meet (opens in a new tab) at the Schlachthof on November 22 or in these secondhand shops (opens in a new tab), I’m sure to find one or two original little treasures. How do I wrap them? With materials I’ve collected throughout the year, inspired by Fiftytwofreckles (opens in a new tab).

I also like (and appreciate) gifts that “consume themselves,” like the fine chocolates from Gewürz-Müller (opens in a new tab), the Baumkuchen and dominoes from Kunder (opens in a new tab), or specialties from Kaufmann’s Coffee Roastery (opens in a new tab). 

When I’m having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit, there’s only one thing that helps: singing Christmas carols! It’s best to do it together with others and in church, accompanied by the ringing of bells—for example, on December 4 at 6 p.m. at the Sternschnuppenmarkt and on December 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marktkirche.  

Of course, a visit to the Sternschnuppenmarkt is a must. But I actually prefer to see it from above—from the tower of the Marktkirche (opens in a new tab)! It’s open for you on December 12 and 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. Small but charming are the Christmas Magic at the Ankermühle with oysters and more (November 28 and 29) and the tower of the Marktkirche (opens in a new tab)! It’s open for you on December 12 and 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. Small but charming are the Christmas Magic at the Ankermühle (opens in a new tab) with oysters and more (November 28 and 29) and the Vollrad Christmas Market (opens in a new tab) (December 4–6)—featuring fire pits, string lights, fine sparkling wine, and grilled game sausage.