Advent in Bayern
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria 2023
Steaming mulled wine or punch, festive star decorations, delicious gingerbread and all this in the midst of a magnificent sea of lights - you can only enjoy this at a Christmas market. We present you the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria, which you can reach comfortably and easily by train. And - the mulled wine tastes especially good when you know that you can simply get back on the train for the journey home.
One important piece of information in advance: before your visit, please check the websites of the Christmas markets for the respective Corona regulations. 3G rules apply at most markets, which means it is imperative that you bring your appropriate documents to gain entry. In addition, Christmas markets are closed on Totensonntag (November 26).
Regensburg
Discover the Christmas markets in the old town illuminated by the sea of lights.
(closest train station: Regensburg Hauptbahnhof).
🌟 Christmas market at Thurn und Taxis Castle.
Where? In front of St. Emmeram Castle
When? From Nov. 24 - Dec. 23, 2022, Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Regensburg has many wonderful Christmas markets spread throughout the city. Be sure to visit the romantic Christmas market at Schloss Thurn und Taxis. The Christmas spectacle, which Countess Gloria personally hosts in the historic castle courtyard, is magical and ensures pure Advent spirit: thousands of lights illuminate the Christmas market in front of the picturesque backdrop of St. Emmeram Castle.
🌟 Advent market at St. Katharinen's Hospital
Where? In the garden of the St. Katharinenspital
When? From Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, 2022, Monday to Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Also the Advent market at St. Katharinenspital (27.11.-23.12.) at the foot of the Stone Bridge is well worth a visit: here you can enjoy not only the classic delicacies but also the magnificent view over the Danube and of Regensburg Cathedral. Christmas atmosphere is provided not only by the festive lighting but also by a colorful program of music and artists. Treat yourself to one of the many palate pleasers of the Christmas season, such as the Spital Glühbier, and let the individual stalls inspire you with gift ideas. By the way, the small market is powered by 100% green electricity.
🌟 Lucrezia Market
Where? At Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt
When? Dec. 01 - Dec. 23, 2022, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This is where the hearts of arts and crafts fans beat faster: The Lucrezia Markt,
which takes place in the heart of Regensburg's old town, first opened its doors in 1982 and is known far beyond Regensburg's borders for its diverse, lovingly crafted handicraft products. From candles to sculptures to jewelry made of silver, gold or precious stones: At one of the Christmas decorated booths you will definitely find unique gifts for the loved ones at home. A number of organically certified, vegan and vegetarian stalls will cater for your physical well-being, where you can enjoy a sustainable feast to your heart's content, while the extensive cultural program on two stages will provide entertainment.
Our tip: Regensburg has a lot to offer! So combine your Christmas market trip to the cathedral city with other activities:
München
The diversity of the Christmas season in Munich - from the Christmas Village to a large winter festival and Pink Christmas.
(nearest train station: Munich Hauptbahnhof)
Christmas variety: Munich's Christmas markets are characterized by an abundance of the most diverse festive offerings - more than 20 Christmas markets take place in the Bavarian capital. These three are sure to delight you:
🌟 Christmas Village in the Residenz.
Where? In the Kaiserhof of the Residenz, directly in Odeonsplatz.
When? Nov 23 - Dec 23, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
At Weihnachtsdorf in der Residenz im Kaiserhof comes fairy-tale atmosphere: The stalls are arranged like a small peasant village. There is a huge Christmas pyramid with moving Christmas figures and - especially exciting for children - a life-size nativity scene and a fairytale forest with talking figures.
🌟 Tollwood Winterfestival
Where? On the edge of the Theresienwiese (within easy walking distance of the main train station).
When? Nov 23 - Dec 23, Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Somewhat larger in scale is the Tollwood Winterfestival at the Theresienwiese. The winter festival is described by the organizers as an alternative Christmas market, with organic gastronomy, sustainably produced products and an annually changing sustainability motto. This year, light painting and a large fire theater create a unique atmosphere. In addition, there is a mysterious magic forest for children, curling rinks for adults and, of course, plenty of stalls for sustainable and fair-trade Christmas gifts.
🌟 Pink Christmas
Where? On Stephansplatz, near the Sendlinger Gate
When? Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 14 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Also colorful is the Pink Christmas Market at Stephansplatz near the Sendlinger Tor. This Christmas market is initiated by Munich's queer community and of course welcomes all visitors regardless of their sexual orientation. Instead of wooden stalls, there are chic pagoda tents. Various artists entertain the guests, so that an exuberant mood is guaranteed every evening.
Our tip: Combine your trip to one of the beautiful Christmas markets in Munich with other activities in the state capital. We have put together some tips for you here.
🌟 Winterrausch im Hexenhaus
Where? Kulturcafé Gans woanders, Pilgersheimerstr. 13, 81543 München
When? Nov 23 – Dec 31, Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas at one of Munich's most charming Christmas markets. The Winterrausch Weihnachtsmarkt im Hexenhaus offers a diverse program: from local musicians, exciting readings, Christmas workshops, spectacular fire shows and a colorful children's program to breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Visitors can look forward to the smell of gingerbread, delicious mulled wine and Christmas cookies. Artistic craft stalls invite you to browse and buy, while fire bowls provide warmth and coziness. The Winterrausch Christmas market takes place in and around the Hexenhaus and is a very special experience during the Advent season. Admission is free.
Discover Munich's sights: culture, tradition and Bavarian humour
Versatile theatre art, the home of renowned poets and thinkers - and all this with tradition, heart, style and a good dose of Bavarian humour! See for yourself and start your day trip with DB Regio Bayern to discover Munich's sights!München Hbf (Munich main station)
Nürnberg
Visit the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt and taste the world's largest Feuerzangenbowle (fire tongs punch).
(nearest train station: Nuremberg main station)
🌟 Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
Where? Around the city center
When? Dec 01 - Dec 24, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In the Franconian metropolis, a visit to the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarktes a must, of course. After a two-year break, this classic event is once again taking place centrally on the main market square: Just let yourself drift and stroll between the various red and white stalls and enjoy the Christmas ambience. A fried sausage sandwich here, a gingerbread there - there are so many delicious reasons to wander from stall to stall in the Christmas city. For children, there is the Children's Christmas on Hans-Sachs-Platz and a children's cultural program in the Sternenhaus. At the end of the day, adults can warm up with a steaming cup of coffee at the biggest Feuerzangenbowle in the world
(25.11.-31.12.). It is brewed in a specially made kettle with a diameter of 2.5 meters, a height of 3.4 meters and a capacity of up to 9,000 liters at the Fleischbrücke and was already enjoyed 200 years ago.
Our tip: Get to know Nuremberg from different sides before visiting the Christkindlesmarkt. We have put together a whole day trip for you in the Franconian metropolis.
Nuremberg and its sights: On a city tour through Bavaria's second largest city
The Franconian metropolis of Nuremberg has much more to offer than the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt. Join us on a city adventure through Bavaria's second largest city and discover Nuremberg's sights. Here, the old town, shaped by the Middle Ages, meets urban trendy districts. Discover Nuremberg by train now!Nürnberg Hbf (Nuremberg main station)
Ingolstadt
Experience the festive atmosphere at the Christmas market in Ingolstadt's old town.
(nearest train station: Ingolstadt Hauptbahnhof)
🌟 The Ingolstädter Altstadt Christkindlmarkt
Where? Theatervorplatz, in the city centre of Ingolstadt
When? From Nov 22 to Nov 23, Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Ingolstädter Altstadt Christkindlmarkt
is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, with its origins dating back to 1570. Over 50 wooden huts decorated for Christmas spread the scent of baked apples, roasted almonds and mulled wine. A special attraction is the arts and crafts market "Klein aber fein", which is set against the backdrop of the Old Palace. Here, artists and craftspeople exhibit their handmade treasures in decoratively designed huts. The so-called "Christmas Trail" leads through the pedestrian zone and is enriched by stalls from the twin towns and fairytale huts. Visitors can skate on the ice rink on Paradeplatz, while the winter lounge in the arcades of the historic town hall invites you to linger in a cozy atmosphere.
Our tip: Not only is the Christmas market in Ingolstadt worth a visit, but the charming city itself also offers numerous discoveries - let yourself be inspired!
Ingolstadt: a historic treasure in the heart of Bavaria
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The whole of Rothenburg is transformed into a magical Christmas town for the Advent season
(nearest train station: Rothenburg ob der Tauber train station)
🌟 Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt
Where? In the old town
When? Dec. 01 - Dec. 23, 2022, Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The most famous Christmas market in the town of Rothenburg is the Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt in the center of the old town. On the Market Square, Green Market and Church Square you can expect many Christmas delicacies and the products of regional craftsmen, for example, decorative items or clothing. During the Reiterlesmarkt, the Fairy Tale Stroll (3.11.-31.12.) also takes place. Here, young and old can be carried away into the mysterious world of fairy tales and (re)discover them in an entertaining way. To crown it all, you can now enjoy the Weihnachtsmuseum of Käthe Wohlfahrt
(open all year round) in Herrngasse. There, not only children make big eyes when they discover the origins of Christmas traditions and track down the difference between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas.
Our tip: Be enchanted not only by the Christmas market in Rothenburg, but also by the rest of the romantic town!
Time travel in the old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Let yourself be enchanted by the historic flair of the old town on a walk through Rothenburg: the town centre attracts its visitors:inside with narrow half-timbered houses and numerous towers like something out of a fairytale.Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Bad Wörishofen
Spend contemplative hours at the Christmas market in Bad Wörishofen
(nearest train station: Bad Wörishofen train station)
🌟 Weihnachtsmarkt in Bad Wörishofen
Where? Around the Kurhaus and Kurtheater
When? Dec. 8 - 10 - 11 and Dec. 15 - 17 from 1 to 8 p.m. each day, Fridays 5 to 9 p.m.
Bad Wörishofen also wraps itself in a Christmas robe of lights during Advent. With its long tradition, the Weihnachtsmarkt in Bad Wörishofen Kurhaus and in the Kurtheater foyer popular with both spa guests and locals. Delightfully designed stalls and atmospheric background music conjure up a cozy atmosphere. Also a highlight is the Bad Wörishofer Krippenweg
(25.11. - 06.01.2024). Here you follow the bright yellow tail star through the city center and can marvel at richly detailed nativity scenes. The Nativity Trail is a total of 2.4 kilometers long and along the way there are over 85 representations of the Holy Night from all eras and species in the windows of stores and institutions. You should not miss this festive event.
Our tip: Before or after your visit to the Christmas market in Bad Wörishofen, get to know the history of the Kneipp town in more detail. A visit to the Kneipp Museum is the perfect way to do this:
The Kneipp Museum in Bad Wörishofen
The Kneipp Museum in Bad Wörishofen takes visitors on a journey of discovery into the life and work of Sebastian Kneipp.Bad Wörishofen
Lindau
Immerse yourself in the Christmas magic on the shores of Lake Constance
(nearest train station: Lindau-Insel)
🌟 Lindauer Hafenweihnacht
Where? At the Uferpromenade
When? Nov. 23 - Dec. 17, 2022, Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Lindauer Hafenweihnacht (24.11. - 18.12.) is definitely worth a visit, because thanks to its unique location on the lakeside promenade, you can let your gaze glide over the snow-dusted Alpine peaks and the lake, in which a thousand twinkling lights are reflected, while sipping mulled wine. If you still want to browse for Christmas gifts, the small but fine market stalls with fair trade goods and regional products invite you to store. On Advent days, this is even accompanied by different artists on the harbor stage. On the nearby Zeughausmarkt (01. - 03.12.) you can continue your shopping right away and look for artistic gifts at interesting exhibitors.
Our tip: Get a panoramic view in Lindau and get to know the city on Lake Constance better.
Lindau: the Bavarian riviera on the Swabian sea
The island town of Lindau owes its reputation as Bavaria's riviera to its blend of Art Nouveau buildings and Italian ambiance. Surrounded by Lake Constance, or the "Swabian sea" as it is sometimes called, it effortlessly conjures up a holiday atmosphere.Lindau Hbf (main station)
Augsburg
A magical Christmas hustle and bustle on the town hall square of the city
(nearest train station: Augsburg main station)
🌟 Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt
Where? In the Augsburger Innenstadt
When? Nov. 27 - Dec. 24, 2022, Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt calls itself "Swabia's most beautiful Christmas market". It is one of the oldest Christmas markets in all of Germany and its origins date back to the 15th century. The Christkindlesmarkt stretches across the Rathausplatz, Martin-Luther-Platz, along Philippine-Welser-Strasse, Maximilianstrasse and in front of the Moritzkirche, and the festively illuminated stalls exert a very special attraction.
Our tip: Augsburg is definitely worth a whole day trip. We have already drawn up a plan for you:
Seeing the sights of Augsburg
A visit to Bavaria's third-largest city is like travelling back in time to the Renaissance, largely thanks to the work of master builder Elias Holl. Inspired by his travels in Italy, he turned Augsburg into a northern outpost of Italian architecture. Explore the sights of Augsburg and enjoy an unforgettable day in this city of a hundred faces.Augsburg Hbf (main station)
Bad Kissingen
The city center of Bad Kissingen appears at Christmas time in a magnificent glow of lights
(nearest train station: Bad Kissingen train station)
Click here for travel information!
🌟 Bad Kissinger Lichterglanz
Where? Downtown Bad Kissing
When? Nov. 28 - Dec. 26, Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pleasure for eyes and palate offers the Bad Kissinger Lichterglanz.
True to its name, the market square and pedestrian zone of the UNESCO heritage city shine in festive splendor. Stroll through the beautifully decorated city center and enjoy the extensive gastronomic offer of the market traders, or look around for presents at the handicraft huts. A rich supporting program with music and various performances will ensure the perfect Christmas atmosphere.
Our tip: Round off your visit to the Christmas market in Bad Kissingen with some time out at the KissSalis spa:
A minibreak at the KissSalis spa
7,000 m2 of relaxation: the KissSalis spa was designed to make you feel better than you every thought possible, physically and mentally.Bad Kissingen
Würzburg
Christmas ambience at the foot of the Gothic Chapel of Our Lady
(nearest train station: Würzburg Hauptbahnhof)
🌟 Weihnachtsmarkt Würzburg
Where? Upper and Lower Market Square Würzburg
When? Dec. 01 - Dec. 23, 2022, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m, Sundays 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
The historical backdrop of the Falcon House, the Gothic Lady Chapel and the market square let on the Würzburger Weihnachtsmarkt
devotional mood arises when the city is bathed in a warm festive light at Advent time. In addition to the classic wooden huts with Christmas treats and hot drinks, a diverse range of spices, carvings and countless other gift ideas from the regional craftsmanship beckons. If you've had enough of strolling through the market, you can still enjoy a ride with Santa Claus on the Christmas Express.
Our tip: Be sure to plan other activities in addition to your visit to the Christmas market in Würzburg. We have compiled some tips for you here: