The best Christmas Markets in Bavaria are some of the most exciting places to visit during the festive holiday. I love the ambiance, the food, the carols, the twinkling lights… Bavaria just gets it right each time.
If you are heading to Munich or the Alps this Christmas and are in need of some travel inspiration when it comes to the markets, I’ve got you covered with this post. Read on ahead to discover the very best markets that Bavaria has to offer.
The Best Christmas Markets in Bavaria
Christmas Markets in the Cities
Some of the best Christmas markets in Bavaria are in the cities and towns. Some of them are massive and take up a large part of even the biggest places, whereas others are smaller and are a bit more ‘traditional’. I would say that both have their draws and you should definitely explore to see which ones you prefer. Here are the main ones that you might come across.
Nuremberg
Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Germany, and is found within one of the most famous cities in Germany. If you visit at the start at of December don’t miss the iconic Christkind, a young angelic figure who opens the market with a heart-warming speech. In 2024 the Opening Ceremony is at 5.30pm on 1 December. I love the Christmas charm of Nuremberg and get ready to taste some of the very best Glühwein you’ve ever had.
Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 9pm, Christmas Eve from 10am to 2pm
29 November to 24 December 2024
Munich
Munich’s Christmas Markets are some of my favourites. We visited last year and had one f the most magical Christmas experiences. Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz and the medieval-themed market at Wittelsbacherplatz are two of the best places to get started. Make sure that you indulge yourself on some roasted chestnuts, or even a classic Bavarian sausage. You could even try one of my all-time favourites; a delicious Lebkuchen cookie! For more festive fun, check out this guide to what to do in Munich at Christmas and discover the best food at the Munich Christmas markets for a truly merry experience.
25 November to 24 December 2024
Regensburg
Regensburg’s Christmas markets offer a magical experience in the heart of a stunning medieval city. The traditional markets are found in the jaw-dropping backdrop of Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Neupfarrplatz market is, in my opinion, a blend of traditional German culture alongside plenty of festive fun. Of course, you’ll find all of your favourite Christmas Market accessories here, such as handcrafted gifts and tasty food.
25 November to 23 December 2024
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Christmas market is like stepping into a fairy tale. The Reiterlesmarkt does an incredible job of transforming the town square into a winter “wunderland”. The town’s well-preserved and classical medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and all of the usual festive senses make it a truly magical market to visit. Whilst you are here, make sure that you visit the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt store. This sells beautiful and unique ornaments and is well worth a visit.
29 November to 23 December 2024
Würzburg
Würzburg’s Christmas markets can be found in the shadow of the Würzburg Residence and the Alte Mainbrücke. The main market in the Old Town is usually transformed into a treasure trove of traditional holiday goods, and is filled with all of the festive fun you would expect. The food and drink is classical Bavarian, so expect plenty of bratwurst, spätzle and roasted chestnuts. Delicious and, usually, less-crowded and cheaper than the bigger one in Munich.
29 November to 23 December 2024
Augsburg
This time, we are off to Augsburg. Here the Christmas markets sit beside the picturesque Fuggerei and the Town Hall, giving an impressive and classical German ambiance. Once more, try this charming town as an alternative to the ever-popular Munich markets. You’ll find a lot of similar things and produce.
25 November to 24 December 2024
Bamberg
Bamberg’s Christmas markets are one of the must-see markets found in the heart of another UNESCO World Heritage town. You can find these markets in Bamberg’s Old Town and can stumble across all the usual German treats such as gingerbread and bratwurst. What I love is that this market is on the smaller side of things with plenty of local traditions. Also, there is never any traffic noise here, which helps with the overall ambiance.
Open Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 9pm, Sunday from 11am to 8pm
28 November to 23 December 2024
Passau
Another festive escape to another Bavarian town now , and we are off to Passau, a town is known for its stunning baroque architecture. If you wonder up to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Danube River, you can find the main market at Rathausplatz. The atmosphere of the market is really warm and inviting and. again, it is on the smaller and quieter side.
26 November to 22 December 2024
Coburg
Coburg is found in the heart of Bavaria and the markets are renowned for being magical whilst capturing the traditional charm. transforms into a festive wonderland during its magical Christmas markets. I love the medieval architecture here and it makes Coburg’s atmosphere truly enchanting, especially as a winter escape.
Open from 11am to 8pm
29 November to 23 December 2024
Berchtesgaden
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, the Berchtesgaden Christmas markets offer an almost typical Christmas experience. The market, located in the heart of this picturesque alpine town, features the same traditional stalls that you could expect in any Bavarian town or city. Without a doubt, this is one lesser-known market that will really surprise you.
22 November to 3 January 2025
In Castles…
It’s not only the Bavarian towns and cities that offer excellent Christmas Markets. From Schloss Guteneck to Neuschwanstein, you’ll find markets combining historic charm with festive traditions. The run times of these can vary as some of the castles (schlosses) are still private homes, so some are only around for a few days. Here are some of the best ones in Bavaria.
Stadtschloss in Treuchtlingen
Stadtschloss is a bit of a hidden gem for festive cheer. Despite only being around for a few days each year, this is a lovely alternative to a bigger market in a town. It is also perfect for families, or anyone seeking that authentic German holiday experience in the backdrop of a castle looking straight out of Disney.
Open 6-8 December and 13-15 December 2024
Schloss Guteneck, near Nabburg
Schloss Guteneck has plenty of fairytale charm and is open for most of the Christmas period. The market is set within the castle’s enchanting grounds and combines historical charm with festive traditions. Once again, it is a classical Bavarian atmosphere and one that is a must-see when in the area. Nothing quite says Bavarian Christmas market like a castle.
Open between 21 November and 22 December 2024
Check the website for specific information: schloss-guteneck.de
Final Thoughts – The Best Christmas Markets in Bavaria [2024]
That’s all from me folks and I hope that this post has helped you plan your festive Bavarian getaway. Without a doubt, these are my favourite markets in all of Germany and are must-see. Plus, I personally think that the food in Bavaria is the best, especially from a traditional market. If you are looking for other alternatives though, check out my blog posts on the Christmas markets in Berlin, as well as the Christmas markets in Vienna. Both of these are also excellent and well worth a visit.
