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Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

Updated: Nov 20, 2022

One of the best preserved medieval towns of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

transforms into a winter fairy tale every year at Christmas time.

The Christmas market’s tradition started in Rothenburg in the 15th Century, presenting 500 years of tradition and culture.

Grüner Market in Rothenburg
Grüner Market, Rothenburg

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.

Carousel ride at Rothenburg Christmas Market
Carousel ride at Rothenburg Christmas Market

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.

Marktplatz Town hall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Marktplatz Town hall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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.

Christmas stall at Rothenburg
Christmas stall at Rothenburg

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.

Rothenburg Christmas festivity
Rothenburg Christmas festivity

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:


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 Market at Marktplatz Town hall, Rothenburg
Christmas Market at Marktplatz Town hall, 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.

Christmas Market at Marktplatz Town hall, Rothenburg
Christmas souvenirs store in Rothenburg

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.

Christmas Museum, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Christmas Museum, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Another specialty of the town is its Christmas theme cars which offer tourists a tour of the town.


Christmas Market, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Christmas Market, Rothenburg ob der Tauber


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