The starry city of St.Gallen in the magic of Advent
It's that time again on November 28. Young and old alike look up in anticipation, cell phones are pulled out: at 7 p.m. sharp, 700 stars are lit up - an astonished murmur makes the rounds. The star vernissage is the official start of the city of stars and so St.Gallen awakens in the evening hours in a warm sea of light. The rays sparkle and dance until Epiphany, bathing the old town in a magical light. A live band provides the musical backdrop to the star vernissage. The two Sunday sales on December 15 and 22, 2024 offer an additional opportunity for relaxed Christmas shopping.
Cheerful encounters at the mulled wine stand
The St.Gallen Christmas market begins at the same time as the star vernissage. Pretty wooden huts, decorated with fir branches and fairy lights, stretch from Marktgasse and Neugasse to the Bohl and are also set up in the Waaghaus. Here, visitors can find artistic woodwork, delicate jewelry, lovingly designed ceramics and culinary delicacies. The scent of roasted almonds mingles with the spicy aroma of cinnamon and cloves. Every evening, a large crowd forms in front of the well-attended mulled wine stall at Vadian. Warm hugs, happy voices, laughter - the Advent meeting point in the heart of the city center has become a tradition for an after-work aperitif or a reunion with friends. In any case, a mulled wine stand is never far away on a stroll through the starry city. From the St. Mangen quarter to the market square and the monastery district, various cafés and bars offer the delicious drink: in cozy warm huts, gondolas or in the open air.
Entertaining stories and music
In the Abbey District, the cathedral rises majestically into the air and watches silently over the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. In December, when the giant fir tree shows off its decorated garb, a festive atmosphere spreads across Klosterplatz. Against this atmospheric backdrop, the Christkindlimarkt takes place on the first weekend of Advent (November 30 and December 7, 9 am to 5 pm). The stalls on the picturesque Gallusplatz sell biscuits, handicrafts and Christmas decorations.
In addition to the wonderful markets, St.Gallen offers a rich musical program during Advent. Lovers of classical music are drawn to the cathedral for the various evening music events during Advent. A diverse audience listens to impressive singing as well as rock and pop at the Sternenmobil. If you want to learn more about Advent customs and the history of the city, it is best to join the city tours. The public tours open up a whole new perspective on Christmas themes and end with mulled wine, punch and cookies.
Animal Advent for children
Children's eyes grow wide at the Chlaus ride. On horseback, Santa Clauses and Schmutzli trot through the Old Town, singing Christmas carols and handing out food. The Christmas journey promises another spectacle for families: On the second Sunday in Advent on December 15, various scenes from the Christmas story will be brought to life in Marktgasse, Klosterplatz and Grüningerplatz. And it will be particularly colorful and bright when the Coca Cola Christmas truck pulls up on the market square in the late afternoon of November 29.
Candle-making is a firm fixture in the city's Advent calendar. In the tent at Bahnhofplatz, children and young people create their unique wax creations. Next door, so to speak, the City Eisstockschiessen offers great fun and pure entertainment for groups. Here, on the edge of the old town, the magic of the stars gives a final performance over the heads of passers-by and tourists. Two young women stop and take another admiring look at the light show. A little boy carries a fir tree home with his father. A feeling of peace and warmth spreads through the town and on people's faces - it's Advent.
