The Victorian-style Christmas market is not only upheld by actors (with various short performances in and around the castle at unscheduled times), but also the vendors selling goods. Most stands consist of handmade and specialty items like woodwork, knitted scarves, candles, etc., instead of cheap plastic toys seen at most typical Christmas markets these days. Joining in the spirit, vendors dress up in Victorian clothing as well, making the whole experience feel jolly and nostalgic.
Even guests participate by wearing top hats, long coats, and even dressed up as full-out characters. For those interested in steampunk styles, this is the Christmas market for you!
While the market itself takes place on the grassy area outside the castle, the facility is open for visitors to wander and enjoy its artifacts. Some rooms have actors dressed in period attire, other spaces have small tables selling home decor and Christmas cards, and some rooms are only for observing and taking pictures.
There are two ways to enter the castle grounds, by foot or by train.
By foot: From the parking lot, find the steam train car with the dragon on it. Start walking up the hill to the left, following the train tracks. The hill is very steep and not recommended for those with difficulty walking. Depending on your speed, it will take about 25 minutes to reach the top of the hill, where you can then pay the entrance fee to enter the castle grounds.
By train: From the parking lot, find the little booth house and purchase a combination train/entrance ticket for 12€. Then follow the sign "Zu den Zügen" and form a line inside the train station. Visitors with strollers are loaded first, and trains depart roughly every 15 minutes. The ride to the top takes around 5 minutes. When you exit the train, either walk uphill to enter the market directly or cross the tracks and walk over the bridge to enter the vorburg (small castle-like entrance to the grounds).
Your GPS will take you to a strange unmarked parking area underneath the autobahn. Turn left into the lot with this sign to pay 4€ to park all day.
Or turn right and park with the busses for free. Then follow the signs towards "Drachenfelsbahn."
Entrance Information
Schloss Drachenburg's Christmas market is only open Saturdays from 12.00-21.00 and Sundays from 12.00-20.00 during Advent. Cost for regular tickets are: Adults 7€, Children ages 6+ 5€, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) 17€. Cost for combination tickets with train ride: Adults 12€, Children ages 6+ 6€, children under 6 are free. For more information, visit the official website.
