19th Kaufungen Abbey Christmas

The contemplative Advent season is just around the corner, and once again this year, the historic grounds of the Kaufungen Stiftskirche will be transformed into a magical Christmas market. Years ago, the Stiftsweihnacht was still considered a hidden gem among Christmas market enthusiasts – it has now become a "must" for everyone seeking something special. Artisans from all over Germany come to showcase their high-quality and unique products. Textiles, ceramics, turned and wooden crafts, jewelry, leather, felt, paper crafts, and much more. There is a suitable gift for every taste to be found here. The culinary offerings are balanced and regional. In addition to the classic good bratwurst, there is also game soup and a game burger. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available: deliciously filled Swabian "Seelen," cheese spaetzle, lentil soup, crepes, coffee, and homemade cakes. For the third time now, drinks are served in reusable cups: First, you obtain a cup token worth 2 euros at one of the sales points at the museum or at the market management hut in the Stiftshof. At the mulled wine stand, this token is exchanged for a cup filled with a tasty beverage. Would you like a second mulled wine? No problem: You return your cup at one of the drink stands and receive a clean cup for your next drink. Before you head home, you have the option to return the cup at one of the return points. You can either get your deposit back or donate it to the support association. Visitors now come from all corners of Germany. The free shuttle bus runs from the festival grounds via the Kaufungen Mitte stop directly to the gate of the Stiftsweihnacht at the Regional Museum. This is where the market and its lively activities begin. In the interactive house and on the ground floor of the museum, you will find many artisans as well as the museum café, where you can linger over coffee and cake. From the museum, huts line the path to the Stiftshof. You can stroll leisurely towards the Stift area and are continually surprised by the special things you discover in the huts. The 1,000-year-old Stiftskirche is part of the accompanying program. It will not only be a venue for many concerts and performances but also a place of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas season. A place to pause and reflect. The extensive musical program will continue on the stage in the Stiftshof. There will also be a street act in front of the museum. All artists perform voluntarily. Flyers with the program are available in the huts and at the museum. The market is family-friendly, airy, and manageable. You can stroll through the Stiftsweihnacht without feeling overwhelmed by crowds, even with 75 stalls. You can truly feel the purpose of the event: The organizers aim to support the Kaufungen Stiftskirche support association in its efforts to preserve the Stiftskirche, as the proceeds from the sale of mulled wine, coffee, cakes, and the large raffle go to the support association. Opening hours: Friday, December 12, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday, December 13, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, December 14, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Tram 4 goes to the Stiftsweihnacht until Oberkaufungen Mitte. From there, there is a free shuttle bus to the market area. The streets in the residential areas around the Stiftskirche are closed and only accessible to residents. Please use only the parking lots at the festival grounds (shuttle bus), the comprehensive school, and the community center (approximately 7 minutes on foot). Please do not use the parking lot at the Edeka site.