Bavaria's Christmas markets can do more than just bratwurst and mulled wine! We show you Advent locations with a special flair. Whether in a princely castle, on historic market squares or in a knight's castle: each market has its own magic!
Christmas Markets in Bavaria: 24 Tips for Winter Magic and Romance
Christmas Markets in Franconia, Northern Bavaria
Rothenburg: When the Little Horserider Comes...
Festively decorated medieval alleys make the “Reiterlesmarkt” (horserider's market) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber an experience. Culinary delights and white mulled wine await guests at the market square, Kirchplatz square and Grüner Market. Artisans offer their products. Highlights are the performances of the “Rothenburger Reiterle” (horse rider), a mythical figure from pre-Christian times.
The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum provides information about Advent traditions and Christmas customs. Brass concerts, church concerts and guided tours through the historic old town round off Rothenburg’s Advent.
When: 29 November – 23 December 2024
rothenburg-tourismus.de | More tips for Rothenburg
Nuremberg: The "Christkind", Carousel and Kids Christmas
The festive atmosphere of Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt in the heart of the Old Town gets visitors in the right mood for Christmas.
A highlight for families is the children's Christmas at Hans-Sachs-Platz square with a miniature railway and hands-on stalls. The "Christkind" (German for “Christ-child”, the traditional Christmas gift-bringer) visits here every Tuesday to Friday at 2.30 p.m. and invites the children to take a ride on the multi-storey carousel; it can then be met at the market at 3 p.m.
When: 2024 date to follow
christkindlesmarkt.de | More tips for Nuremberg
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Treuchtlingen: Christmassy Atmosphere in the Castle
The Stadtschloss in Treuchtlingen is a former moated castle in Renaissance style. Visitors enjoy a romantic Christmas market amidst the historic buildings as well as regional specialities and handicrafts.
After dark, the castle is aglow with lights and the scent of mulled wine and biscuits fills the air. A special attraction is the medieval market. It takes visitors into the realm of knights, castles and mythical creatures.
When: 2024 on two Advent weekends (usually 2nd and 3rd Advent)
tourismus-treuchtlingen.de/schlossweihnacht (only in German)
Coburg: Historic Market Square
Christmas delights at the historic market square of Coburg in Upper Franconia! Between the historic town hall and the old ducal chancellery, traders decorate their stalls with fir greenery, twinkling lights and Christmas figures. Mulled wine, punch, sweets and above all the Coburg bratwurst,grilled on dried pine cones, whet your appetite for a stroll.
The sky of lights around the Prince Albert-Monumentinvites you to linger. For the little ones there is a nostalgic children’s carousel,and on Sundays the “Christkind” (German for “Christ-child”, the traditional Christmas gift-bringer) comes to visit and hand out presents. Artists, choirs and bands provide musical entertainment in the evening hours.
When: 2024 date to follow
coburger-weihnachtsland.de (only in German) | More tips for Coburg
Würzburg: Crafts, Art and Christmas Carols
Würzburg's Christmas market stretches across several squares in the old town and offers a variety of stalls where visitors can discover Christmas treats, handmade gifts, arts and crafts and more.
The market is framed by a varied entertainment programme with live music, choir performances and other performances to put visitors in the Christmas spirit.
When: 2024 date to follow
wuerzburg.de | More tips for Würzburg
Iphofen: Prosecco, Sparkling and Mulled Wine
On the second advent weekend, the traditional Christmas market takes place in the well-known wine town of Iphofen. It invites you to stroll through the decorated market square, into the Rathauskeller (town hall inn) and the Vinothek.
In addition to handicrafts and Christmas decorations, the culinary specialities and sweet treats will attract visitors. Warm your cold fingers with a hot so called Feuerzangenbowle or Franconian mulled wine. In the vinotheque you can taste exquisite red and white wines, sparkling wines and proseccos for the festive time of the year.
When: 7 and 8 December 2024
iphofen.de (only in German)
Dinkelsbühl: Christmas Bazaar
The medieval old town of Dinkelsbühl with its winding alleys and many towers is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. Visitors are invited to the romantic inner courtyard of the Heiliggeistspital with the motto “Ihr Kinderlein kommet” (come little children).
In addition to the small city of stalls, the bazaar in the hospital buildings is captivating with arts and crafts as well as exclusive handicrafts from the region. Unique items made of wood, clay, paper, fabric, felt and much more are on offer. The Dinkelsbühl artist Jürgen Pleikies also shows his works in the style of Magic Realism. If you are looking for a special gift, you can find it here.
When: 2024 date to follow
tourismus-dinkelsbuehl.de (only in German)
Christmas Markets in Eastern Bavaria
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Regensburg: Advent on the Danube
Regensburg on the Danube welcomes visitors with four Christmas markets in the Old Town. On a walk, also with a guide, along the Ecumenical Nativity Trail, you will discover exciting representations of the Christmas story, from historical to contemporary, from Bavarian to African.
Cruise liners invite you to Advent cruises on the Danube with mulled wine and stollen. Musical highlights will be provided by the world-famous Regensburger Domspatzen choir with concerts in the Cathedral.
St. Emmeram Castle, ancestral seat of the Thurn and Taxis family, lends a particularly atmospheric ambience. Under the protection of the imposing castle façade, the inner courtyard glows in the light of candles, lanterns and torches.
When:
- Christmas Market: 2024 date to follow
- Lucrezia-Markt: 2024 date to follow
- Thurn und Taxis: 2024 date to follow
regensburg.de (only in German)
Lucrezia Market (only in German)
Thurn & Taxis (only in German)
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Passau: Festive Organ Sounds
A festive city of stalls welcomes visitors right in front of Passau's St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The smell of gingerbread, mulled wine and fried sausages is in the air. On many days, folk music with zither and hammered dulcimer or polyphonic choral singing, but also modern sounds such as jazz or popular music can be heard on one stage.
Special musical experiences can be enjoyed in the cathedral: there, during the Christkindlmarkt, concerts are held on the world’s largest cathedral organ from Wednesday to Saturday at 12 noon. A route through the Old Town displays nativity scenes, from traditional to contemporary.
Note: The cathedral organ is currently being renovated, expected completion in 2026
When: 2024 date to follow
passauer-christkindlmarkt.de | More tips for Passau
Abensberg: Nicholas Market & Hundertwasser
Abensberg’s city centre is decorated like a fairytale. In the romantic castle garden, the St. Nicholas Market sets the mood for the Christmas season. The “St. Nicholas Donation” on Thursdays at 6.30 p.m. combines history with the present. It commemorates the brave knight of Abensberg, the legendary Count Niklas, and the donation to the poor that he introduced: Count and entourage distribute Niklas gingerbread to the children.
A supporting programme, from choirs to brass bands, provides entertainment. The Hundertwasser Tower of the Kuchlbauer brewery will also be spectacularly illuminated, and there will also be a Christmas market at the brewery's Kunsthaus.
When:
- Niklas Market 2024 date to follow
- Kuchlbauer's Turmweihnacht (Tower Market) 2024 date to follow
abensberg.de (only in German) | kuchlbauer.de
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Eging near Passau: It's Christmas Party!
German-American Christmas is the order of the day on Advent weekends in Pullman City in the southern Bavarian Forest between Deggendorf and Passau. The western town lights up, glitters and sparkles on every corner. Musical Country Christmas shows create an American atmosphere.
Children can get to know the western town on a torchlight walk. In the Mainstreet there are stalls selling mulled wine, punch, culinary delights and handicrafts. A light show with music will be performed on the Karl May stage from 8 pm.
When: 2024 date to follow
pullmancity.de
Guteneck Castle: Felt and Lace Makers
The Christmas market at Guteneck Castle near Nabburg in the Upper Palatinate takes you back to the Middle Ages. Guteneck originates from the 15th century. The complex was rebuilt in the 19th century.
The colourful market hustle and bustle includes traditional craftspeople such as felt makers, glass blowers, lace makers, pewterers and more. Gourmets are drawn to the castle café, the Waldschänke or the castle garden tavern.
When: 2024 date to follow
Christmas Markets in Upper Bavaria (South)
Munich: Traditional, Alternative or Queer?
Not far from the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, in front of St. Peter’s, the Kripperlmarkt takes place during Advent. From stable lanterns to the gifts of the Three Wise Men, you’ll find everything you need for an atmospheric nativity scene!
Artisans offer their products in the Christmas Village in the Residenz, at the Schwabing Christmas Market and at the Tollwood Winter Festival, among others. At the Tollwood Festival you can also enjoy delicious organic food! Pink Christmas in the Glockenbachviertel is also something special. The queer Christmas market with its funny shows and pink light design is an attractive meeting place, not only for the gay and lesbian scene.
Christkindlmarkt München | Tollwood-Festival | Weihnachtsdorf (only in German)| Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt | Pink Christmas
Tegernsee: Mythical Creatures and Alphorn Players
A romantic Christmas atmosphere can be experienced on the Advent weekends at Lake Tegernsee. Regional exhibitors welcome visitors under the glow of lights in Bad Wiessee, right next to the shipping pier. Alphorn players provide special moments, as do Perchten – alpine mythical creatures – or a romantic and cosy carriage ride. An Advent atmosphere fills the spa gardens (Kurpark) in Rottach-Egern, and in Tegernsee you will find Christmas stalls in front of the castle church (Schlosskirche).
When: On all four Advent weekends 2024
tegernsee.com/die-maerkte
Berchtesgaden: Brass and Firecrackers
The historic town centre with its Christmas market forms the backdrop for Berchtesgaden Advent. Daily shepherd and nativity plays create a Christmas atmosphere, as do historical market tours or the Christkindl shooting with firecrackers, every day during the week before Christmas Eve.
The tower musicians of the collegiate church (“Stiftskirche”) play traditional tunes on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30 p.m. The Emmaus circular walk, illuminated by handmade lanterns, is also atmospheric. With genuine folk music and customs, the Christmas story will be told at AlpenCongress Berchtesgaden on 9th and 10th December 2023.
When: 2024 date to follow
berchtesgadener-advent.de | More tips for Berchtesgaden
Ingolstadt: Fairy Tales and Nativity Scenes
Festive lighting makes the theatre square and the city centre in Ingolstadt shine. A fairytale path winds through its streets, following in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm, and on the parade ground in front of the New Castle, a large ice rink invites visitors to ice skate. Storytellers and artists entertain young and old on Carrara Square, the “Junge Theater” (young theatre) every afternoon on its workshop stage. A special tip are guided tours of the artistic nativity scenes.
When: 2024 date to follow
christkindlmarkt-ingolstadt.de (only in German) | More tips for Ingolstadt
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Bad Tölz: Sweet Smell of Chestnuts
The famous Marktstraße with its historic facades smells of freshly roasted chestnuts. Craftsmen and artists present woodcarvings, ceramics and porcelain, hand-drawn candles, but also original Bavarian musical instruments and traditional Christmas decorations in the illuminated stalls.
Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted to see Baumkuchen cake “growing” right before their eyes, or the chocolate moulders bringing delicious Father Christmases to their sweet life under the gaze of visitors.
When: 22 November to 24 December 2024
bad-toelz.de
Burghausen: Chivalrous Christmas
Advent offers contemplative moments behind the defiant walls of the world’s longest castle in Burghausen. In the main castle and on Waffenplatz, traditional Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures, as well as handmade items made of wood, clay, leather, felt and lambskin, and jewellery is sold.
Delicacies are also provided for the palate. Christmas songs and melodies entertain the visitors, a “Liachtlanzünder” tells stories about the Christmas season and fairy tales with shadow plays are told for the little ones. In addition to concerts, a service of the word is also held in the Elisabeth Chapel.
When: 2024 date to follow
visit-burghausen.com
Christmas in Allgaeu /
Bavarian-Swabia (West)
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Augsburg: Beautiful Renaissance Scenery
Augsburg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, with its beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance town hall and Perlachturm tower. The popular Engelesspiel (Angel performance), performed by young Augsburg girls with the help of the mountain rescue team on the facade of the town hall, takes place at 6 p.m. every Friday through Sunday as well as on the opening and closing days.
The Augsburg Puppet Box plays "How the little donkey looked for the Christ Child" from 8th December.
When: 2024 date to follow
augsburgerchristkindlesmarkt.com | More tips for Augsburg
Nördlingen: Christmas Tower Tour
The medieval-romantic town of Nördlingen is bathed in an atmospheric glow of lights. The Christmas market shines with more than seventy stalls, a children’s carousel and delicious delicacies.
Attractions include an evening climb up the tower of Daniel – the 90-metre-high tower of the Gothic St George’s Church is the town’s landmark – with a view of the illuminated old town, as well as a nativity scene trail, a nativity scene exhibition, Advent town tours, concerts and more.
When: 2024 date to follow
noerdlingen.de (only in German) | More tips for Nördlingen
Lindau: Harbour Christmas
A highlight in the city’s calendar of events is the Lindauer Hafenweihnacht, the Christmas market along the lakeside promenade with the Mangturm tower at its centre. From Thursday to Sunday, a stage programme entertains the guests.
For children, for example, there is a hand puppet show, and in the afternoon and evening there is music, sometimes modern, sometimes traditional with alphorn or bagpipes. From Friday to Sunday, an Advent boat connects the Christmas markets of Lindau and Bregenz. You can explore Lindau on foot with special Advent city tours.
When: 28 November to 22 December 2024
Thursday to Sunday
lindau.de | More tips for Lindau
Rain Castle Christmas: Fairytale Tent
This Christmas market takes place against the backdrop of the Electoral Palace in the Donau-Ries district. Artistic and handicraft works are offered in the decorated stalls. The castle hall shows a lovingly designed nativity scene exhibition. Young visitors can look forward to exciting tales in the fairytale tent and the popular children’s straw camp.
When: 12 to 15 December 2024
rain.de (only in German)
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Füssen: Advent in the Monastery Courtyard
The Advent market in Füssen is small but beautiful, with a romantic backdrop: The baroque courtyard of the St. Mang monastery is transformed into a land of lights. The decorated stalls are modelled on the medieval house facades of Füssen. They offer Christmas decorations, wood carvings, handmade soaps, gifts from the kitchen and much more.
When: 1st and 2nd Advent weekend 2024
fuessen.de
Kempten: Long, Not Silent Night
Kempten's Christmas market takes place in the middle of the old town in front of the festively lit town hall. At the various wooden huts there are handmade gift ideas, regional specialities and different varieties of mulled wine. A colourful supporting programme accompanies the experience with alphorn blowers, fire shows and choir singing.
The Kempten shopping night on the first Saturday in Advent offers a special shopping experience: shops and the Christmas market are open until 11 pm. A special night bus service helps people to avoid using their cars.
When: 27 November to 22 December 2024
kempten-tourismus.de | More tips for Kempten
