Weidenthal is cheering on the best Christmas tree throwers in Germany!

On January 5, 2025, the 17th Christmas tree throwing took place in Weidenthal, in the Bad Dürkheim district. The event, which is traditionally held as part of the “Knutfest”, attracted numerous participants from different age groups. Men, women and children competed against each other in a sporting competition and demonstrated their skills in various disciplines, including javelin throw with a 1.50 meter high spruce tree, hammer throw and high jump.

The number of participants in previous years showed a great diversity: In 2024, 89 men, 33 women and 25 children took part. Those present at the competition were able to add up the total value of the three disciplines to determine the winners. The Christmas trees used in the competition came from a nearby Christmas market.

Competition results and honors

In the 17th edition of the World Christmas Tree Throwing Championship, the men's title went to Jürgen Weis from Ürzig with an impressive performance of 20.29 meters. In the women's category, Margret Klein-Raber from Saarland triumphed with 14.67 meters. Klein-Raber is known as a world record holder, having set three individual world records in 2019, including a record of 20.20 meters. Reigning record holder Frank Schwender, who entered the history books with a best of 25.01 meters in 2016, competed for the last time in 2025 and took 3rd place with 18.84 meters.

The trophy for the winners consisted of a wooden moose figure, and the event was part of the “Knutfest”, which FC Wacker in Weidenthal organized for the 21st time. The festival, which has been celebrated since 2003 inspired by Scandinavian traditions, also provides festive entertainment by Guggen musicians and culinary offerings, including mulled wine and food from “De Pälzer Grill”. After the award ceremony there was a big fireworks display. Participants who brought their Christmas tree to be burned were treated to free mulled wine.