Rothenburg ob der Tauber, simply called Rothenburg, is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Nestled in the heart of Bavaria along the Romantic Road, this town is famous for its picturesque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and historic charm.

Visiting this town is like stepping back in time. The town’s walls, the market square, half-timbered houses, and ancient towers create an enchanting setting, especially during the Christmas season.

As the holiday season approaches, Rothenburg transforms into a winter wonderland. Its twinkling lights, festive decorations, Christmas trees, and lively markets amplify its already charming medieval ambiance and fill the air with the joyous spirit of Christmas.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN
ROTHENBURG GERMANY

Fun Things to do at Christmas markets

The experience of simply being at the Christmas markets in Germany is forever memorable.  Taking in the atmosphere while strolling through the town is like a dream, but there are many other things to do during your visit to Rothenburg.  Here are a few:

Try the Local Food and Drinks

Don’t miss Glühwein, or mulled wine, often available in various flavors. Lebkuchen is a traditional, beautifully decorated German gingerbread. Bratwurst is a German sausage usually served in a bun.  Stollen is a festive fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar.

Shop for One-of-a-Kind Gifts

Rothenburg’s Christmas markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts and crafts. Look for handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and artisanal crafts.  You’ll find unique Christmas tree decorations, German Christmas pyramids, nativity scenes, and advent calendars.  And be sure to bring home some of the local specialties like honey, jams, and spices.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

There are many choirs, brass bands, and carolers performing holiday music.  You’ll see theater, puppet shows, and street performers like magicians, jugglers, and fire dancers.

Take in the Lights and Decorations

There are beautiful light displays and decorations at every turn. There are Advent celebrations, like lighting candles and singing carols. All of this is delightful when set against the historic buildings, town square, and surrounding streets.

Best Christmas Markets in
Rothenburg Germany

Reiterlesmarkt

Reiterlesmarkt is the centerpiece of Rothenburg’s Christmas celebrations.  This Rothenburg Christmas market is in the historic old town, primarily around the Marktplatz (market square) and the surrounding streets. It dates back to the 15th century and has over 70 beautifully decorated stalls selling traditional crafts, Christmas decorations, and local specialties. Taste some traditional treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted almonds, and mulled wine (Glühwein) while listening choirs, bands, and other performances while you shop.

Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village

This is a year-round Christmas shop, but it transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. It’s located at Herrngasse, a short distance from the Marktplatz, and is known for its exquisite Christmas decorations, ornaments, nutcrackers, and cuckoo clocks. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to bring a piece of Rothenburg’s Christmas spirit back home. Inside, you’ll find a small Christmas museum that displays historical ornaments and other festive items.

Advent in the Reichsstadt

This event includes a variety of festive activities and smaller markets throughout Rothenburg, creating a city-wide celebration.  It is located in various places throughout the town, including churches, museums, and public squares. You can find concerts, puppet shows, theatre performances, and carriage rides. The entire town gets involved, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

Medieval Christmas Market

Held at the Burggarten (Castle Garden), this market offers a unique medieval twist on the traditional Christmas market. It features medieval-style stalls and entertainment with vendors dressed in period costumes.  You’ll be able to shop for medieval-themed gifts, traditional crafts and specialty food items.  There is also medieval-themed performances and reenactments and activities such as medieval games, archery and blacksmith demonstrations.

Rothenburg Culinary Delights

Schneeballen (Snowballs)

Schneeballen is a Rothenburg specialty. They are deep-fried dough pastries shaped like balls and traditionally dusted with powdered sugar. They come in many flavors, including chocolate, caramel, nuts, and more.

Lebkuchen (Gingerbread)

Traditional German gingerbread is well-known around the world.  It is often spiced and sweetened with honey, comes in various shapes, and is decorated with icing or chocolate. Rothenburg’s gingerbread is particularly renowned.

Bratwurst

These German sausages are served in a bun, often with mustard or sauerkraut. They are a staple at any Christmas market and perfect for a delicious lunch or snack.

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

The smell of warm, spiced red wine is heavenly.  Sometimes with a shot of rum or other spirits, it is a classic Christmas market beverage that helps keep you warm as you stroll through the markets.

Stollen

Stollen is a festive fruitcake made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a traditional Christmas treat in Germany.

Roasted Almonds

Another irresistible smell is the freshly roasted almonds coated in sugar and spices. These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect for snacking while exploring the market.

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

These crispy potato pancakes are often served with applesauce or sour cream. They are savory and delicious, making for a great comfort food option.

Pretzels

You’ll find soft, freshly baked pretzels, sometimes topped with coarse salt, cheese, or seeds, everywhere you go in this town. They are a classic German snack perfect for snacking as you stroll.

Marzipan Treats

These sweets are made from almond paste, often shaped into fruits or other decorative shapess. It is a popular confection during the holiday season.

Hot Chocolate

Who can resist a cup of creamy hot chocolate when it’s cold and festive? It is a comforting drink for cold wintery days, sometimes topped with whipped cream or flavored with spices like cinnamon or chili.

Chestnuts

What says Christmas like roasted chestnuts?  You’ll find them from many street vendors. They are sweet, warm, and nutty with a smell you just can’t pass up.

Waffles

Freshly made waffles are popular and are usually served with toppings like powdered sugar, fruit, or chocolate sauce. They are a sweet treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

How To Get Around Christmas Markets in Rothenburg

Rothenburg is quite compact and walkable, so getting around is easy.  

Walking

Walking is the best way to the markets, as they are all very close to each other. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. Just north of Marktplatz, there is a tourist information center where you can get a map showing the locations of the markets and attractions.

Public Transportation

While you won’t need public transportation once in town, if you take a train into town, you will arrive at Bahnhof Rothenburg, the main train station. You can walk to the city center from there or take a bus. Check the schedules ahead of time, as they are especially busy during the holidays and have different times.

Car

If you’re driving to Rothenburg, you’ll want to park outside the old town walls in parking lots P1 to P5 and walk to the town center.

Guided Tours

You can book a guided tour if you prefer someone to guide you through the markets.  You’ll see the highlights of the Christmas markets and learn about the town’s history.  Be sure to book in advance, as they fill up during the holiday season.

Shuttle Services

Some hotels offer shuttle services to and from the markets.  Check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer this service.

Day Trips

If you are visiting other Christmas markets, such as the Munich or Nuremberg Christmas market, you can easily take the train to the Bahnhof Rothenburg train station for a day trip.

Where To Stay

Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister

Quite a few hotels in Rothenburg are highly rated and close enough to provide easy access to the Christmas markets and the town’s historical landmarks. Here are a few:

Hotel Eisenhut – Located in the town center just steps away from Marktplatz where the main Christmas market is located

Hotel BurgGartenpalais – Located right next to Burggarten, close to the Medieval Christmas market

Hotel Herrnschloesschen – Located in the center of town, making it easy to visit the Christmas markets

Hotel Gotisches Haus – Located in the town center near Marktplatz and Reiterlesmarkt, the main Christmas market in Rothenburg

Romantik Hotel Markusturm – Located close by providing easy access to the main Christmas market

Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister – Located close to the center of the old town and all the Christmas markets

Hotel Altes Brauhaus – Located a short distance from Marktplatz

Villa Mittermeier – Located just outside the city walls with easy access to the old town center and the Christmas markets

Planning Tips

St Jacobs Church

Plan In Advance

Book accommodations, tours, trains, etc well in advance as the holiday season fills up early.

Dress Warmly

It will be cold during the holidays and many things will be outdoors, so bundle up.  Consider wearing layers in case you warm up too much while walking and need to remove some layers.

Have Cash

Be sure to carry some cash with you as not all vendors will accept credit cards.

Explore Other Attractions

While Christmas markets will be the highlight during the holidays, Rothenburg has other attractions you won’t want to miss like the Rothenburg Town Walls, St. Jacob’s Church, Plönlein, the Town Hall Tower, the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum, the Christmas Museum, the Night Watchman’s Tour, and Tauber Valley.