No chocolate, no paper doors — but real windows, glowing art and pure Christmas magic. Every year, the picturesque Black Forest town of Gengenbach transforms its historic town hall into what is believed to be the largest Advent calendar in the world.
Since 1996, the building’s 24 windows have each become part of a dazzling countdown to Christmas. As night falls, the façade glows with light, color and music, creating one of the most unique festive spectacles in Germany.
From record holder to living legend
The tradition began when Gengenbach decorated its Baroque town hall for the first time with 24 illuminated windows. A year later, the idea made headlines — and even entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s biggest Advent calendar.
Although the town is no longer officially listed in the record books, locals proudly maintain that no other place does it on this scale. Each evening, a new window opens to reveal a piece of art, watched by thousands gathered on the market square, their faces lit by golden light.
24 nights of art and celebration
The opening ceremony begins each night at 6 p.m. sharp, starting this year on November 30. As bells ring and carols play, one of the 24 windows is unveiled to reveal an original artwork created by German illustrator Olaf Hajek — known for his vibrant, dreamlike imagery.
This year’s theme, “Paradise,” continues Hajek’s colorful exploration of nature and myth, while the entire celebration will also honor 1,300 years of the town’s Benedictine monastery — a central motif in Gengenbach’s history.
A celebration that draws thousands
Every December, thousands of visitors from across Germany and beyond travel to Gengenbach to witness the nightly ritual. As each window opens, the crowd falls silent for a moment before breaking into applause. The spectacle blends light, art, tradition and community spirit, capturing what many call the true soul of a German Christmas.
And while Gengenbach’s glowing calendar is the most famous, it has inspired many others: cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt now stage their own illuminated façades during the Advent season — but few can match the fairytale charm of this small Black Forest town.
