The Rhine Valley tells European history through its landscapes, customs, and events. Between the Upper Rhine and the Middle Rhine, Rüdesheim provides an impression of the multifaceted significance and historical depth of this valley. In both locations, we narrate the story of Advent and the pre-Christmas season in the Rhine Valley, as well as Christmas celebrations around the world. As a geographer and cultural ecologist, the author has been exploring the Rhine Valley since 1995. In her interest for culture and landscape, she investigates customs and backgrounds, history and stories. She loves the Rhine Valley, its distinct characters, their life paths, grand dramas, and small anecdotes. Since 2001, she has been directing the Rüdesheim Nativity Play; since 2003, the mystery play about the life and work of Hildegard of Bingen; and since 2007, the play about the life and work of Martin of Tours. This publication marks the 20th anniversary of the Rüdesheim Christmas Market.