One of the best preserved medieval towns of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
transforms into a winter fairy tale every year during Christmas time.
The Christmas market’s tradition started in Rothenburg in the 15th Century, presenting 500 years of tradition and culture.
The small town with timbered framed houses and cobblestone streets looks magical during the Christmas festivity.
The Christmas Market of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also called Reiterlesmarkt due to the town's Medieval history.
Normally, the Christmas Market starts every year on the last Friday of November. This year, it starts on 1st December until 23rd December 2023.
In this blog, you'll find a guide about Christmas Market in Rothenburg.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Guide:
The town's narrow streets are lit up and fully crowded with tourists. The town within the defense towers and gates looks so wonderful and mesmerizing during Christmas.
The famous cobblestone streets of Rothenburg, like Spitalgasse and Obere Schiedgasse, are decorated with lights.
The main Christmas Market was set up in Marktplatz in front of the Town hall. The tall Christmas tree was placed in the center of the market and surrounded by stalls offering traditional Christmas snacks like Mandels, Wurst, Pommes, Schneeballs, Crepes, and Glühwein.
There were also a few stalls selling Christmas Souvenirs, wooden carved decors, and winter specialties like wooden socks, scarfs, Shawls, and caps. The Marktplatz was fully packed with locals and tourists, and they were enjoying the music and festivity of the Market.
There is also a small passage in Town Hall, which turns into a Christmas Market and sells Christmas specialties.
We highly suggest walking to the Grüner Markt from Marktplatz to explore another Christmas Market in Rothenburg. It’s just a few miles away.
The Christmas Market at Grüner Markt is small compared to the main Christmas market. It has more food stalls with live performances.
More German Christmas Markets Travel Blogs:
Rothenburg Christmas Market for Kids:
The third Christmas Market of Rothenburg is set up in Kirchplatz. The market is also a favorite among kids as they have their favorite carousel ride set up over there.
Christmas Souvenir shopping at Rothenburg:
Rothenburg is also the best place to buy lovely handmade Christmas souvenirs and decorations. You can find these shops on every street in Rothenburg's old town. The town offers an incredible shopping experience for Christmas as well.
It has famous shops like Käthe Wohlfahrt selling beautiful souvenirs, Christmas tree ornaments, cravings, decors, etc. The Käthe Wohlfahrt also has a Christmas Museum inside the store, which is highly recommended.
Rothenburg Old Town tour:
Another specialty of the Rothenburg Christmas Market is that you can explore the old town on Christmas theme cars which offer tourists a tour of the town and Christmas market.
Must try things at Rothenburg Christmas Market:
Schneeballen:
The German "snowballs" are made by deep-frying shortcrust pastry, resulting in a crispy exterior and a flaky interior.
Stollen:
Stollen is a rich and dense German Christmas bread filled with a delightful mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Lebkuchen:
Lebkuchen is a spiced gingerbread cookie popular during German holiday celebrations.
Kartoffelpuffer:
It's a German potato pancake with a crispy exterior and a tender, grated potato interior and it is served with applesauce or sour cream.
Bratwurst:
Bratwurst is a flavorful German sausage which Grilled or pan-fried.
Maronen:
Maronen is a roasted chestnut synonymous with German autumn and winter feasts.
Pretzels:
Pretzels is a twisted treat with a chewy interior and a golden-brown exterior. Often sprinkled with salt.
Waffles:
German-style Waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Ending Note:
Rothenburg is one of the best-preserved towns in Germany which takes you back into the Medieval times. Apart from the Christmas Market, it's worth spending some time exploring the town.