Kempten Christmas market: crafts and Nativity scenes

When countless lights twinkle like a starry sky above Rathausplatz and the scent of roasted almonds, punch and hearty Allgäu specialities drifts through the city centre, the Christmas market season begins in Kempten. Against the historic backdrop of the town hall, festively decorated wooden stalls invite you to browse, indulge and linger.

At the stalls, local craftspeople present distinctive gift ideas. The selection ranges from jewellery and ceramics to wooden toys and accessories for Nativity scenes. In between, you can enjoy sweet treats such as roasted almonds, Schneeballen pastries and Baumstriezel, alongside savoury specialities and hot drinks.

Families will find a children’s hut offering a changing programme of crafts and games. Children can post their wish lists in a special letterbox, while a carousel provides cheerful rides. Music groups, choirs and brass bands accompany the Advent festivities with a varied programme.

Kempten’s Christmas train and Nativity scenes

During the Christmas market, the Kempten Christmas train travels through the festively decorated city centre. During the free ride, you can learn interesting facts about Kempten. Donations support a charitable cause. As the train may be cancelled due to adverse weather, check the latest information before your visit.

Around the town hall, you can also discover Kempten’s Nativity displays. Almost life-sized figures carved from Swiss pine decorate the historic town hall, while further Nativity scenes are exhibited in its foyer. In the crypt of the Basilica of St Lawrence, the Bründl Nativity scene features more than 200 figures and animals.

The Kempten Christmas market brings together arts and crafts, seasonal food and Christmas traditions against the historic backdrop of Rathausplatz. Check the current opening hours and programme before your visit.

Travelling to Kempten Christmas market by rail

Travel by rail to Kempten (Allgäu) Hauptbahnhof. From there, take a local bus to the central “Zentrum” stop. Kempten Christmas market on Rathausplatz is then within easy walking distance.