Many people, young and old, love the weeks leading up to Christmas. Because the contemplative time begins on the first weekend in Advent. From the end of November until Christmas, the wonderful scent of mulled wine, gingerbread and Christmas stollen wafts between the decorated and festively lit market stalls. All sorts of beautiful handicrafts can be admired and bought, such as Christmas decorations, candle arches, pyramids, nativity scenes with carved figures, Christmas tree decorations, candles and beautiful gifts for young and old.
The happy faces of children who are sipping hot apple juice or a cup of children’s punch are reflected in the shiny Christmas baubles. Here you can meet friends and acquaintances, with whom you can chat about news and interesting events of the year that is about to end, while enjoying an aromatic mulled wine or a mug of Feuerzangenbowle.
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More InformationAdvent and Christmas markets
Advent and Christmas markets have a long tradition in the towns and communities along the Romantic Road. They can mostly be found in the alleys and on the market squares of the historical city centres. Together with the medieval houses and churches, they offer a romantic backdrop that radiates an atmospheric, pre-Christmas mood, especially in the twilight hour. If there is still snow on the paths and roofs, the visit is a unique and very romantic experience for people from near and far.
Impressions from some markets on the Romantic Road
Many Christmas markets on the Romantic Road are known throughout Germany, such as the Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt or the Augsburg Christkindles Markt. Other markets have become insider tips for Christmas market fans.
Würzburg
In front of the historic backdrop of the Marienkapelle and Falkenhaus, there are stalls selling arts and crafts and gifts. The artists’ Christmas market in the historic inner courtyard of the Ratskeller is wonderful. The supporting program offers theater performances, concerts, exhibitions, wine cellar tours and wine tasting.
Wertheim
The offerings at the Wertheim Winterzauber are diverse. Arts and crafts, creative gift ideas, delicious specialties, Christmas cookies, chestnuts, nuts, dried fruit and sweets leave nothing to be desired for visitors to the market.
Bad Mergentheim
In the run-up to Christmas, Bad Mergentheim’s town center slips into its festive dress. The garlands decorated with colorful lights on the fronts of the houses, the decorated fountains in the city center and the atmospherically illuminated stalls are the magnificent backdrop for a particularly romantic Christmas market.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Embedded in the picturesque scenery between the town hall and the church, the Reiterlesmarkt is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria. And it has a centuries-old tradition, as the name suggests. The “Reiterle” is taken from the Germanic world of legends, a figure that brings good luck and makes people happy when it visits.
Dinkelsbühl
Under the motto “Your children are coming” Dinkelsbühl invites you to its atmospheric Christmas market. Amidst the historical backdrop, a stroll through the Budengasse is a very special experience. Lovingly designed stalls, Franconian delicacies related to bratwurst and Christmas handicrafts leave room for contemplative moments.
Augsburg
The Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. The Renaissance architecture of the town hall and the Perlach Tower form a unique backdrop for this. The market can be traced back to the year 1498. At that time it was still called “Gingerbread Market” and served as a sales area for “Lebzelter” (gingerbread bakers) who offered their goods for sale here.
Friedberg
The Friedberg Christmas market shines with its extraordinary flair around the parish church of St. Jakob and in the adjacent archive courtyard. Here, visitors enjoy the pre-Christmas season with art, music and singing. At this “Christmas market with atmosphere”, only selected, high-quality handcrafted goods are on offer. Interesting cultural events round off the “Friedberger Advent”.
Landsberg am Lech
Thousands of visitors look forward to the romantic “Christmas stalls” in the middle of the old town year after year. On the weekends, numerous bands and choirs from the city and district enchant visitors with their musical performances. The Christmas market and the extensive supporting program guarantee a contemplative, Christmas atmosphere in the unique ambience of the historic old town.
Schongau
The beautiful Schongau Christmas market creates a pre-Christmas atmosphere in the historic old town. It transforms the town center into a romantic backdrop. Nestled between the town wall with its striking entrance gates, surrounded by old town houses, the historic Ballenhaus and the baroque Mariae Himmelfahrt parish church, it is a cozy and homely market.
Füssen
Romanticism is also very important in Füssen during the Advent season. The Füssen Christmas market in the inner courtyard of the former St. Mang monastery also lives up to the slogan “The romantic soul of Bavaria”: framed by the magnificently decorated baroque facades, lovingly designed stalls with all kinds of decorations, crafts and treats can be found below the High Castle.
Of course there are atmospheric Advent and Christmas markets in many places along the Romantic Road. A large number of events, such as concerts with Christmas music performed by choirs and orchestras, form the contemplative supporting program. Information can be found on the pages of the towns.
