Christmas Market in the Fairy Tale Town of Stein am Rhein
Every Christmas, the perfectly persevered medieval town of Stein am Rhein (one of the top historical sites and small towns to visit in Switzerland) declares itself the Märlistadt - the Fairytale Town - for Christmas.
A fairytale Christmas market
The Märlistadt was held for the first time in 2001, with the modest aim of bringing some social and economic life to the otherwise rather quiet winter months in Stein am Rhein, Canton Schaffhausen. Today, it is one of the most unique and popular Christmas markets in Switzerland!
Care has always been taken to ensure that the event is not a normal Christmas market and that, wherever possible, the attractions and performances are free for guests. A fairytale town has certain responsibilities after all!
So you can look forward to the smell of raclette, apple cakes and mulled wine and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the romantically lit old town of Stein am Rhein. Children love to ride the big carousel in the centre of town, and parents love that it's free!
The Fairytale Market takes place on Oberstadt, Understadt and Rathausplatz. Surrounded by incredible medieval buildings, you can browse for handmade gifts for loved ones, while food stalls will sell you delicious treats such as chestnut sweets and Christmas pralines, Baumstriezel, churros and mulled wine and whiskey.
A fairytale trail
Every year, 20 shop windows are lovingly decorated to tell the story of a fairytale! As you wander the narrow old lanes, this year you can find out what happens in the tale of King Thrushbeard (König Drosselbart). In addition to enjoying the story, an object is hidden in seven of the shop windows. Write down the number of these windows on the competition ticket and take part in a competition for prizes!
You can walk the windows at your leisure, or if you can follow Swiss German, there are also free tours with a storyteller. You do not need to register for these, simply meet at the first window. The free fairytale trail tours take place at the following times in December:
- Fridays: 4pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: 1.30pm
Themed weekends
To add to the fairytale market's uniqueness, they have two themed weekends each year, taking place alongside the regular fair.
Medieval Market
- Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15
The popular medieval craft market takes place every year on the third Advent weekend. It has surprises in store for young and old and takes place in the grounds of the St. George monastery in a truly authentic setting. Drink a mug of mead, watch the taxidermist or try your luck at mouse roulette, while musical entertainment gives extra atmosphere. The medieval market's opening hours are:
- Friday 2pm-8pm
- Saturday: 10am-8pm
- Sunday: 10am-6pm
Country and Western Days
- Saturday, December 28 - Sunday, December 29
Experience the wildest and most exciting event of the year - the fifth Country and Western Days in Stein am Rhein at the Schiffländi. Pack your cowboy hats, grab your cowboy boots and get ready for an unforgettable weekend full of fun, action and country music.
Various stalls invite you to shop and stroll on both days. Live country music and a performance by the Bonanza Line Dancers make these two days an unforgettable experience.
Visit the Fairytale Town Christmas market
The opening hours of the main market are:
- Monday - Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday - Friday: 2pm-8pm
- Saturday: 11am-8pm
- Sunday: 11am-7pm
Pleasingly, the organisers advise that these are simply the earliest the market will close. If the weather is good and everyone is having a good time, they can stay open as late as 10pm!
Because of the old nature of the city, driving in is not recommended. The town is easily accessible by public transport, and you can even get a great view of the Rhine Falls from the train if you're coming from the direction of Zurich via Schaffhausen!
You can explore the whole programme of events on the Märlistadt website.