From December 4th to 6th, clubs will create a pre-Christmas atmosphere – with almost 20 stalls and guests from the partner cities
The Groß-Gerau Christmas market is returning to its former location: From Friday, December 4th, to Sunday, December 6th, 2026, the Sandböhl area in the heart of the district capital will once again be transformed into a festive pre-Christmas gathering place. Mulled wine, waffles, hot chocolate, and savory specialties will create a cozy atmosphere. This year's event is made possible primarily through the commitment of several Groß-Gerau associations, who have jointly taken on the organization. Guests from the European twin towns of Tielt and Szamotuły are also expected.
A return to Sandböhl was a priority for many
For many residents of Groß-Gerau, the return of the Christmas market to Sandböhl is likely welcome news. The square in the heart of the district capital is considered a particularly atmospheric venue.
Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau had explicitly advocated for the Christmas market to take place there again.
"The atmosphere there is simply special," explains the mayor.
The local business association is also pleased with the decision. Its chairman, Jörg Leinekugel, and managing director, Michael Schleidt, report that they had repeatedly been asked to return.
“Bringing the Christmas market back to Sandböhl is a matter close to the hearts of many Groß-Gerau residents,” they both emphasize.
Clubs take over the organization
Another special feature of this year's Christmas market is its organization. Unlike usual, the city is not acting as the sole organizer.
Due to the provisional budget, the city administration was unable to proceed with the planning in its previous form. Therefore, several associations joined forces and founded the "Christmas Market Interest Group".
The Groß-Gerau business association is taking the lead in the planning. Also involved are the TV Groß-Gerau sports club, the Groß-Gerau branch of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG), the model aircraft club, and the Kreuzbund (a self-help group for people with disabilities).
The event is being held in cooperation with the city council of Groß-Gerau.
The city provides personnel support to the organization and covers the services of the building yard as well as the costs of waste disposal.
Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau praised the commitment of those involved: "It is wonderful to see how much voluntary commitment there is in our city. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved."
Nearly 20 stalls with food and drinks
Since the Sandböhl area offers less space than the market square, the Christmas market will be somewhat smaller this year.
Nearly 20 stalls are planned, mostly run by clubs and associations. A few commercial vendors will also be present.
The aim is for the market to be primarily shaped by local participants. The organizers describe it as a Christmas market by the people of Groß-Gerau for the people of Groß-Gerau.
Visitors can look forward to typical Advent specialties. Among the offerings are mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles, potato pancakes, sausages, and potato soup.
The Christmas market is intended not only to offer an opportunity for enjoyment, but also to be a meeting place for families, friends and acquaintances.
Guests from Belgium and Poland have been announced
The international twin towns of Groß-Gerau will also be represented at the Christmas market.
The partner cities Tielt in Belgium and Szamotuły in Poland have confirmed their participation.
“We are very pleased that our partner cities Tielt in Belgium and Szamotuly in Poland have confirmed their attendance,” explains Stephan Friedl, head of the department for society, culture and social affairs at the district town of Groß-Gerau.
This gives the Christmas market a European component in addition to its local character.
Together for the Groß-Gerau Christmas market
According to the organizers, the cooperation between clubs and the city administration demonstrates what is possible through community engagement.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the event was successfully organized.
“When so many people pull together, only good things can come of it,” the interest group and the city representatives agree.
With its return to Sandböhl, the Groß-Gerau Christmas market aims to recapture the special atmosphere of its former location.
The opening hours of the Christmas market
Friday, December 4, 2026
5 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, December 5, 2026
4 PM to 10 PM
Sunday, December 6, 2026
2 PM to 8 PM
The most important information
What: Groß-Gerau Christmas Market 2026
When: Friday, December 4th, to Sunday, December 6th, 2026
Where: Sandböhl, Groß-Gerau
Offer: Nearly 20 stalls with pre-Christmas food and drinks
Culinary delights: mulled wine, hot cocoa, waffles, potato pancakes, sausages and potato soup
International guests: Representatives from the twin towns of Tielt (Belgium) and Szamotuły (Poland)
Organizer: Christmas Market Interest Group in cooperation with the Magistrate of the district town of Groß-Gerau
Participating clubs: Groß-Gerau Business Association, TV Groß-Gerau, DLRG local group Groß-Gerau, model aircraft club and Kreuzbund
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSGG)
