Illustration of a christmas market scene (Kloster Schiffenberg: Weihnachten, wie es früher war)
Christmas Markets

Kloster Schiffenberg: Weihnachten, wie es früher war

Participants join a walking tour of the grounds and inspect the historic basilica while learning about pre-Christian winter solstice traditions and holiday customs across the centuries. The tour explores how monks, nuns, and the Teutonic Order celebrated Christmas, reveals lore surrounding the Schiffenberg Madonna, and touches on superstition and herb magic. Visitors also hear about family Christmas traditions in nineteenth-century Gießen.

What to Expect

Guided tour of historic Christmas and pre-Christian customs at Kloster Schiffenberg.

Event Details

Duration

Approximately 1.5 hours.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Giessen Marketing GmbH

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

History and folklore enthusiasts

Vibe

Atmospheric and historical

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

€€

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Eingang der Basilika, Innenhof Schiffenberg
Domäne Schiffenberg, 35390 Gießen
Gießen
35394

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Participation: €17.50. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 14:00 - 15:30.

Tips & Advice

  • Only make the trip if you already hold a ticket, because the tour is sold out and no one can take part without one.
  • Head to the basilica entrance in the inner courtyard of the Schiffenberg, where the tour gathers, and arrive a little early to set off with the group.
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as this is an hour-and-a-half walking tour of the Schiffenberg grounds in early December.
  • Make time for the lights, hearty food and small mulled-wine Christmas market that the Schiffenberg offers in the run-up to Christmas.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour cover?

It's a walk around the grounds that includes a visit to the basilica. It covers Christmas and pre-Christian customs around the winter solstice, and how the monks, nuns and later the Teutonic Order celebrated Christmas. You'll also hear the secrets of the Schiffenberg Madonna, a little superstition and herb magic, and family Christmas customs in 19th-century Gießen.

Who leads the tour?

Dr. Jutta Failing.

Where do we meet for the tour?

At the entrance to the basilica in the inner courtyard of the Schiffenberg.

How long should I allow?

The tour lasts about an hour and a half.

Can I just turn up and join?

No. You can't take part without a ticket, and this tour is sold out.

Tags

Christmas marketholiday traditionguided toursfestive foodcommunity celebrationhistorical siteseasonal activitiesfamily friendly

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team