What´s going on this week?

If you have any questions about the local area, please do not hesitate to contact the “Window to Rheinland-Pfalz - Ramstein Gateway” information center located in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC) on Ramstein Air Base:

Window to Rheinland-Pfalz

Ramstein Gateway

Building 3336 (KMCC)

66877 Ramstein Air Base

Phone: 06371- 406 208

E-Mail: kmcc@infocenter-ramstein.de

www.ramstein-gateway.com

Until Saturday, December 23:

Kaiserslautern Christmas Market

Just like in many other cities and villages, Kaiserslautern´s Christmas market gets through to the final. The cozy atmosphere, the hospitality, the smell of roasted almonds, mulled wine and specialties from the grill invite the visitors to stroll, taste and linger. The market is a good opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Numerous booths present arts and crafts, gift ideas, Christmas decoration items and a lot more. A varied entertainment program and music performances are provided. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Parking: Stiftsplatz, 67655 Kaiserslautern

Wednesday, December 27 – Saturday, December 30:

New Year´s Market in Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern´s Christmas market turns into a New Year´s market. All those, who cannot have enough of cookies and mulled wine or still need to get a gift for their loved ones, once again have the chance to browse through the market and spend a wonderful time. Live musical entertainment is offered on December 27 and 28 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The market is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Parking: Stiftsplatz, 67655 Kaiserslautern

Sunday, December 31:

49th New Year´s Eve Road Race in Kottweiler-Schwanden

The annual New Year´s Eve Run is hosted by the Kottweiler-Schwanden sports club. Starting point and finish of the 10 km (6.2 miles) run is the Sulzbachhalle in Kottweiler. The run starts at 2:20 p.m. As in previous years several hundred runners are expected. Participation fee is € 10 for adults and € 5 for children and teenagers. Online registration is possible until December 28 by 6 p.m.: https://my.raceresult.com/265297/registration

At the day of the race people can sign up on the spot from 10 a.m. For information in English please check the website:

https://www.sv-kottweiler-schwanden.de/silvesterlauf-2/ausschreibung/

Address: Reichenbacher Strasse 66c, 66879 Kottweiler-Schwanden

Until Sunday, January 7:

Christmas & New Year´s Market in Speyer

Visit Speyer´s atmospheric Christmas market in the heart of the picturesque old town. The market features a great number of stands offering different articles and products as well as food and beverages. Numerous choirs, music bands and artists present an entertaining program. The Christmas market continues as a New Year´s market from December 27 until January 7. Opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Besides the market the historic town offers various other places of interest. Don´t miss out on a visit of the Speyer cathedral, the landmark of the city. Exceptional opening hours: Christmas Eve 10 a.m. – 1 p.m./ December 25 & 26 closed/ New Year´s Eve 11 a.m. – 3 p.m./ New Year´s Day 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Address: Maximilianstrasse 13, 67346 Speyer

Friday, January 5 – Saturday, January 6:

Carol Singers in Ramstein-Miesenbach and Surrounding Area

Every year between Christmas and Epiphany, around 330.000 children in Germany dress up as the three magi who followed the star of Bethlehem. As Carol Singers they bring the blessings of Jesus Christ to every home. With a stick of chalk the boys and girls write “20*C+M+B+24” above the entrance door. These letters stand for the Latin blessing “Christus mansionem benedicat” what means in English: Christ bless this house. Under this year´s motto "Empowering children, protecting children" they collect funds for children in need in other parts of the world. The tradition of the carol singers started in 1959 and within the last decades it has become the biggest act of solidarity worldwide of children generating funds for disadvantaged children. The Kindermissionswerk “Die Sternsinger” which is the child welfare organization of the Catholic Church in Germany and the Federation of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ) are in charge of the activities. On January 5/ 6 the carol singers will visit the apartments and houses in Ramstein as well as in other communities. If you would like to welcome the kids at your door please register with the Ramstein parish office (phone: +49 6371 613 680 / opening hours: Monday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m./ Tuesday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m./ Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.) or send an email to pfarramt.ramstein@bistum-speyer.de