Christmas village - a term of the hour. The idyllic village of Waldbreitbach in the Wiedtal valley has been transformed into the Waldbreitbach Christmas Village for over 30 years. This is not a fenced-in market square or a village of huts, but the entire town itself is decorated with Christmas attractions and numerous nativity scenes.
From November 27, 2021 to January 30, 2022, it will be atmospheric when everything shines in golden splendor. The special feature of the Waldbreitbach Christmas Village is that all the attractions are spread out in the open air throughout the village. They all remain set up until the last Sunday in January, can be visited daily and admission is free.
The highlights are the "Star of Bethlehem" - a walking trail with 3,500 light bulbs and over 30 nativity scenes, the floating nativity scene and Advent wreath on the Wied, the life-size figures from the Erzgebirge, the open-air nativity scene and the new candle arch nativity scene. The Christmas illumination on the 18 m high guild tree with a diameter of 6 m and almost 10,000 LEDs provides a golden sparkle in the village center. The large natural nativity scene in the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church cannot be set up this year. As an alternative, the nativity scene builders create a large nativity scene in the "Marieneck" business premises opposite the tourist information office.
A total of over 60 stations light up the "Nativity Scene Trail", which runs a good 2 km along the banks of the River Wied and through the town. This also includes lovingly designed small nativity scenes in stores and private gardens.
The Christmas village of Waldbreitbach won the "Best Christmas City" competition in 2018 with its unique town marketing concept and won gold in the small town category. The overall concept on the theme of nativity scenes and the interaction between the local players were particularly highly rated. Even though many things will be possible, some events from previous years will not be able to take place. The Christmas market on the 2nd and 3rd weekend of Advent has been canceled, as have the opening torchlight procession, the DIY bazaar and the concerts in the church. The crib museum will not be open this season for family reasons.
To round off a day trip to the Wiedtal, you can enjoy lunch or coffee and cake in one of the restaurants and cafés. Group tours will also be offered again. The Wiedtal Tourist Association sends out free information material, and visitors can find souvenirs or Christmas gifts at the local tourist information office.