In ancient times, the evening of the 21st of December highlightened Advent:
The dusk of the longest night of the year was greeted with great ceremony.
For the fasting of Advent was about to finish and Christmas finally to begin.

The rural people would use this night for a blessing of their homestead, the boys would gather and carry song and dance from home to home, to greet the families wishing a Merry Christmas. At Thomas' Night, the halls of spinning were opened the last time this year. The girls met and were joined by the housewifes to spin and to sew their dowry in yarn and linen. The guys came in for match- and merrymaking with music, song and lore.

Within this night, the spinning for the old year had to be finished. It was said, that in the twelve nights to come, the Lady Holle would visit the homes, look after the housework and give her blessing. A find of fibres on the spinningwheel would anger her, nice strands of yarn and finished work be her delight. And so it came, that the night was long. The young and old folks joined together to hear the ancient stories, laugh and play, til all the flax was gone and dawn was near. The longest night had been spent.

And finally, Christmastime was here.

Today, St. Thomas Night highlightens the closing of Advent in Rüdesheim.
 

• Jestering, pageants and historic scenes within the old town of Rudesheim
• A Historical Welcome and Company guiding you from your accommodation to the riverboats
• A festive Cup of Welcome is provided.
• You will listen to the tales and lore of the hall of spinning, romantic tales and stories by the Brother Grimms
• Storytelling, Shepherd's music, jesters and minstrels will entertain you.
• Therewhile the boat cruises into the Valley of the Middle Rhine, illuminated by fireworks, glowing pictures and bonfires within the vineyards.
• Available also as classical boat-cruise with live-music on board.
  ... book they now »

From the heart of the historical old town, on the Market Square through the Marktstrasse over the Oberstrasse to the world- known Drosselgasse onto the Rheinstrasse and back to the Market Square, Rüdesheim's Christmas Market circles the old town. This year, there will be 124 festively decorated Christmas stands on the Christmas Markets with lots of handmade arts and crafts which are mostly done before your eyes, candles, decorations, wood figures, wood carvings, glass engravings, "schwibbögen" arched candles, mangers, pewter casters and dolls. Of course, festive dishes from the region and the famous Rüdesheim mulled wine will be provided.