Advent for all the senses

On the first Advent weekend, the LVR Open-Air Museum in Kommern presents "Advent for All Senses," an event that brings historical Christmas traditions to life. Visitors can experience how farming families once prepared for the holiday. In the parlors of the museum houses, pre-Christmas music invites everyone to sing along. The entire grounds glow with the light of natural sources and lanterns while traditional stories are told. Children have the opportunity to craft Christmas decorations and small gifts in the crafting room. At the same time, adults can enhance their skills in traditional calligraphy for Christmas cards in the old village school. The aroma of baked apples, speculoos, and gingerbread wafts from the museum's baking ovens, where these treats are freshly prepared. Craftspeople such as broom makers, blacksmiths, and woodcarvers demonstrate their skills. The lantern tours, which bathe the museum grounds in warm light, are particularly atmospheric. A small Advent market inside and in front of the Pingsdorf dance hall offers handmade goods such as leatherwork, bookbinding, knitted items, and Advent wreaths. In addition to "Advent for All Senses," the LVR Open-Air Museum Kommern offers various events throughout the year, such as the "Market of Yesteryear," "After the Harvest," and "Time Capsule." With its vibrant presentation of history, it is an ideal destination for a day trip.