Bavaria’s Enchanting Christmas Markets: A Feast for the Senses

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Bavaria as Christmas markets grace its cities, towns, and villages with more than just bratwurst and mulled wine. Each market possesses a unique charm, whether nestled lakeside in the mountains or within the grandeur of a princely castle.

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Step into the festively adorned medieval alleys of the “Reiterlesmarkt” in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Culinary delights and white mulled wine beckon at the Marktplatz, Kirchplatz, and Grüner Markt. Artisans showcase their crafts, while the legendary “Rothenburger Reiterle” takes center stage, harkening back to pre-Christian times. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum offers insights into Advent traditions and Christmas customs, with brass and church concerts and guided historic town tours completing the enchanting experience.
2. Coburg: Enjoy Christmas delights at the historic market square of Coburg in Franconia. The area between the historic town hall and the old ducal chancellery transforms into a winter wonderland, with traders adorning their stalls with festive greenery, twinkling lights, and Christmas figurines. Savor mulled wine, punch, sweets, and the famed Coburg bratwurst, grilled on dried pine cones. The Prince Albert Monument and its canopy of lights invite you to linger. Nostalgic children’s carousels and visits from the “Christkind” on Sundays add to the festive atmosphere, with artists, choirs, and bands providing musical entertainment in the evenings.
3. Regensburg:St. Emmeram Castle, the ancestral seat of the Thurn and Taxis family, sets the scene for the “Romantic Christmas Market.” The inner courtyard, bathed in the soft glow of candles, lanterns, and torches, nestles under the protective facade of the imposing castle. The decorated Budendorf features a towering Christmas tree, and artisans showcase their wares in the castle garden. Take a serene stroll in the decorated Schlosspark as you immerse yourself in the princely ambiance.
4. Burghausen: Experience a chivalrous Christmas within the fortified walls of the world’s longest castle. Explore the main castle and Waffenplatz, where traditional Christmas ornaments, nativity figures, handcrafted wood, clay, leather, felt, and lambskin items, as well as jewelry, await. Delight your taste buds with seasonal delicacies while enjoying Christmas songs and melodies. A “Liachtlanzünder” shares stories of the Christmas season, and shadow plays enchant young visitors. The Elisabeth Chapel hosts concerts and a service of the word, adding a spiritual touch to the festivities.
5. Nördlingen: The medieval-romantic town of Nördlingen shimmers with the warm glow of lights during the holiday season. The Christmas market boasts over seventy stalls, a children’s carousel, and delectable treats. Visitors can embark on an evening climb up the 90-meter-high tower of Daniel, the Gothic St George’s Church’s iconic landmark, for panoramic views of the illuminated old town. Explore a nativity scene trail, exhibition, and enjoy Advent town tours, concerts, and more.
6. Tegernsee: Experience a magical Christmas ambiance on Advent weekends at Lake Tegernsee. Regional exhibitors welcome visitors in Bad Wiessee, near the shipping pier, under the soft glow of lights. Alphorn players provide special moments, as do Perchten, alpine mythical creatures. Enjoy a romantic carriage ride or soak in the Advent atmosphere in the spa gardens (Kurpark) in Rottach-Egern. In Tegernsee, Christmas stalls adorn the castle church (Schlosskirche).
7. Füssen: Revel in the holiday spirit at the Füssen Advent market, set against the picturesque backdrop of the baroque courtyard of the St. Mang monastery. Modeled after medieval house facades, the decorated stalls offer Christmas decorations, wood carvings, handmade soaps, kitchen gifts, and more. In this cozy and romantic setting, Füssen’s Advent market is a small but beautiful gem of the season.