Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market 2026
Last updated · How we compile this guide
When is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market in 2026?
Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt (Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market) on Marktpl. ran 21 Nov – 23 Dec 2025 last season. We haven't confirmed the 2026 dates yet; markets usually keep a similar pattern. Entry is free. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 is 29 Nov 2026.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber looks like a Christmas card all year round, and its Reiterlesmarkt — named after a mythical rider of the winter sky — fills the market square and the lanes around St James's Church. Walk the medieval walls, try a Schneeball pastry and visit the German Christmas Museum.
21 NovOpened (2025)
23 Dec 2025Closed
Dates, location and website
Dates shown are from the 2025–26 season unless 2026 dates are marked — check the official website before you go.
Plan your visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Getting there
Rothenburg is reached by regional train with a change at Steinach; from Nuremberg the journey takes around 1½ hours. By car it's a stop on the Romantic Road.
Make a day of it
Walk the medieval town walls, photograph the Plönlein, join the evening night watchman's tour and visit the German Christmas Museum. Day-trippers leave by late afternoon, so stay the night if you can.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market 2026?
Last season Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt (Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market) ran from 21 Nov 2025 to 23 Dec 2025. Expect similar timing in 2026 — the first Sunday of Advent is 29 Nov 2026 — and confirm the dates on the official website before you book.
Is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market open after Christmas?
No — last season it closed on 23 Dec 2025, so plan your visit before Christmas Day.
Is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market free?
Yes, entry is free — you only pay for food, drinks and gifts.