Every year the historic market square in Mainz transforms into a Christmas winter wonderland. The air scented with a distinctive aroma, of roasted almonds, gingerbread, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. Big and small visitors are conquered by the Advent market, where the stress and hectic pace of everyday life are quickly forgotten. Our visit starts at the market square (Markt) of Mainz, with the over thousand years old Cathedral of Saint Martin (Martinsdom) serving as scenery. We will introduce you to the centuries-old Christmas traditions, the influence of the protestant revolution in the Holidays traditions in Germany and show you that the in these stalls, decorations are still Made in Germany, with love: Home-made Advent garlands and straw stars, Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles and much more are on offer. Let us introduce you also the Christmas storey of the hand-carved Nativity Scene standing in front of the Romanesque St. Gotthard's chapel next to the cathedral since 1981. Also made of wood, but even larger, we will show you the 11 metres (36') high Christmas pyramid, standing in the centre of Höfchen square. Besides figures like angels and Santa Claus, you will find famous personas of history of Mainz also represented, such as Gutenberg and the Roman commander Drusus. We will take some time to enjoy the concerts in front of and inside the cathedral, the colourful stage shows and we will take you to see, and if you desire, print out your own Christmas cards in the print shop of the Gutenberg Museum. Then we will pass the cosy Weinfasshütten (wine barrel cabins) built in the Christmas village, immersed in campfire romance. The impressive variety of delicacies, like chocolate covered fruit, waffles, roasted almonds, sausages, potato pancakes and snowballs (from Rothenburg ob der Tauber) will leave your mouth watering. If the cold gets to you, you will be given the opportunity to get some spiced mulled wine (Glühwein), or a virgin punch to warm you up and get you comfortable. We will also show you one of the Mainz WinterZeit markets, smaller markets with about 40 stalls at the Central Station, Schillerplatz or at Neubrunnenplatz, where you will find lovely Christmas presents. These markets, although smaller, are open until New Year’s Eve!