The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Bavarian Museums and Castles 2024

On Marienplatz in Munich , the 3,000 lights on the big Christmas tree light up at 5 p.m. on the dot on November 25th. In the city of Nuremberg, Christkind Nelli Lunkenheimer officially opens the Christkindlesmarkt on November 29th, but elsewhere the mulled wine stalls are already open!

18 November to 22 December 2024, Christmas village at the Munich Residence (external link, opens in a new window), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Totensonntag (Nov 24th))

The market looks like a small village: the stalls sell wood and stag horn carvings, felt shoulder bags, paper stars, nativity figures, hats, caps and scarves. Enjoy chocolate fruit, roasted almonds and other sweet treats and discover the enchanted world of the fairytale forest. 

Wednesday to Sunday from 27 November to 22 December 2024, Christmas market at the Chinese Tower (external link, opens in a new window) in Munich, Wed-Fri 11.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

The most atmospheric Christmas market in Munich is back! Enjoy regional handicrafts, freshly prepared delicacies, mulled wine and punch. The historic carousel, the nativity scene and St Nicholas are back this year as well.

Thursday to Sunday on the weekends from 21 November to 22 December 2024, Guteneck Castle (external link, opens in a new window), Thu/Fri 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed on Totensonntag (Nov 24th))

One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany is opening its doors again this year. On all four weekends leading up to Christmas, Count Beissel von Gymnich invites you to the Christmas market at Guteneck Castle. Visitors will feel like they're in a fairy tale as the park and castle are illuminated by a magical light installation by the University of Coburg. Every year, the Christkind, Christmas angels and Father Christmas pay a visit as well. 

Fairy lights, snow-covered trees and glittering snowflakes  create a magical atmosphere. There are more than 120 beautifully decorated stalls. At some of them, various old crafts such as torch making and pewter casting are demonstrated. Minstrels and night watchmen animate the grounds. You can marvel at knightly demonstrations in the medieval street and warm up in the heated Gutsstadl and the knights' cellar.

Thursday to Sunday on the weekends from 28 November to 22 December 2024, Granitweihnacht Granitzentrum Bayerischer Wald (external link, opens in a new window), (external link, opens in a new window) 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Granite Christmas is celebrated in the unique ambience of the old quarry in Hauzenberg in Lower Bavaria. On offer are handicrafts from the Bavarian Forest, the Mühlviertel and southern Bohemia and demonstrations of traditional handicraft techniques. Enjoy regional culinary specialities, live Christmas music and, of course, the market's highlight: the illuminated quarry!

22 November to 23 December 2024, Thurn und Taxis Palace Christmas Market (external link, opens in a new window)in Regensburg, Mon-Thu 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sat 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Totensonntag (Nov 24th))

The princely palace park and the festively illuminated palace courtyard open their gates for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. You can stroll through the festively decorated stalls, pick up beautiful handicrafts made of wood and glass for your Christmas tree and warm yourself by the open fires as you enjoy some mulled wine. The nostalgic rides in the enchanted children's forest will make your kids' eyes sparkle as the Christkind greets them from the magnificent balcony of St. Emmeram's Castle.

Tickets and more information online (external link, opens in a new window).

22 November to 23 December 2024, Dachau Christmas market, (external link, opens in a new window) Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., Sat/Sun 12 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Roasted chestnuts, nativity figures and Christmas carols: in front of the Dachau Town Hall you will find arts and crafts, Christmas tree decorations, handmade jewellery, candles, warm hats and gloves.

Don't miss Bavaria's largest Advent calendar: You just might take home a prize. The proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets are donated to charity.

The Gemäldegalerie Dachau (Dachau Art Gallery) is open Tue - Fri from 11 am to 5 pm and Sat/Sun from 1 pm to 5 pm. Current exhibition: Travelling the World, until 27 April 2025!

on 23/24 November 2024, Swabian Open-Air Museum Illerbeuren, Sat 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Old Museum Village will be a hive of activity: you can make lanterns, bind and decorate wreaths, bake biscuits and gingerbread, build nutcrackers, make beeswax candles, craft Christmas mobiles and sew cushions.

You can also look forward to horseshoe nail art, delicious baked apples and waffles, colourful pottery, punch, mulled wine and Father Christmas.

30 November and 1 December 2024, Geschichtspark Bärnau-Tachov (Bärnau-Tachov History Park), (external link, opens in a new window) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the history park, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday life in the Middle Ages and enjoy regional delicacies and drinks as you get answers to all your burning questions about Christmas. 

24 November 2024, Freilandmuseum Oberpfalz (Open Air Museum Upper Palatinate) in Neusath/Nabburg, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Before the museum near Neusath takes a well-deserved winter break until next spring, its gates will be opened one last time for the winter market. Traditional winter crafts from the past will be demonstrated throughout the grounds: Watch ropes being twisted, woodwork being done and biscuits being baked. 

29 November to 24 December 2024, Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (external link, opens in a new window), Mon-Sun 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, 18-year-old Nelli Lunkenheimer will once again be taking on the role of the Christkind at one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. It was first mentioned in 1628.

In 1948, the market was re-established in the completely destroyed Old Town. From 1948 to 1969, actresses played the Christkind. Since 1969, a woman between the ages of 16 and 19 is chosen as the Christkind every two years.

This year, the Nuremberg Children's Christmas (external link, opens in a new window)on Hans-Sachs-Platz runs from November 29th to December 30th. It has been an integral part of the "Christmas City of Nuremberg" since 1999. 

Friday to Sunday on the 1st and 2nd Advent weekends, 29 November to 1 December and 6 to 8 December 2024, Advent at the Fürstenfeldbruck Monastery (external link, opens in a new window), Fri 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sat/Sun 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Christmas treats, art and music will get you into the festive spirit on the monastery grounds. Browse through the colourful assortment of decorations and gift ideas offered by around 60 exhibitors and be sure to include a visit to the monastery church. There you can marvel at the beautiful nativity scene by renowned sculptor Sebastian Osterrieder. St Nicholas and the Brucker Pärchen will also be waiting for you in Fürstenfeldbruck.

28 November to 23 December 2024, Fuggerei Augsburg, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The traditional Fuggerei Christmas tree market will open on November 28th this year. Need a Christmas tree? You can choose from local firs, spruces and pines in all sizes. You can also look forward to Christmas activities on the Advent weekends.

Good to know: The trees come from the Christmas tree plantations of the Fugger Foundations and are therefore transported over short distances. The proceeds from the Christmas tree sale go directly towards the preservation of the Fuggerei.

29 November to 1 December 2024, Glentleiten Open-Air Museum, Fri/Sat 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On the first weekend of Advent, 80 stalls with handmade products from the region, live music (in heated parlours), exciting demonstrations and a Christmas creative workshop for children await you in a very special atmosphere at the Glentleiten Open-Air Museum.

On Saturday you can watch the Perchtenlauf of the Penzberger Beaschd'n from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday St Nicholas will be visting the market at 2 p.m.

29 November to 23 December 2024, Reiterlesmarkt Rothenburg ob der Tauber (external link, opens in a new window), Mon-Thu 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri-Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber traditionally opens on the Friday before the first Advent. The "Reiterle" arrives on horseback and greets those waiting. The "Reiterle" has its historical origins in the distant past. It was regarded as an emissary from another world, who floated through the air with the souls of the deceased in winter. Over the centuries, however, the reputation of this mythical figure has changed. Today, young and old alike look forward to his appearance.

Our tip: The Christmas trees are never taken down at the Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum (German Christmas Museum) in Rothenburg.

30 November/1 December 2024, Cadolzburg Advent market (external link, opens in a new window), 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The later Hohenzollern castle was first mentioned in documents in 1157. At that time, the counts of Nuremberg still called themselves Zollern for short. In the 14th century, they moved their seat of power here after increasing confrontations with the citizens of the imperial city of Nuremberg. In the following years, the Zollerns were among the seven royal electors and held a prominent position in the Old Empire. In the late Middle Ages, Berlin was ruled from Cadolzburg and Ansbach.

At the Advent market on the first weekend of Advent, you can enjoy the castle's historical ambience with a hot cup of mulled wine and delicious sausages.

5 to 15 December 2024, Stadtmuseum im Fembo-Haus (City Museum in Fembo House) Nuremberg, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Every year since 1978, artisans have been presenting their handmade creations - ranging from jewellery to sculptures - at the artisan market in the former Bürger- und Kaufmannshaus just in time for Christmas. If you are looking for a unique gift, the Fembo House is the right place for you!

6 to 8 December 2024, Thurnau Castle Christmas pottery market (external link, opens in a new window), Fri/Sat 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Christmas pottery market in the medieval castle is something very special: you won't find the usual mulled wine stalls here. Instead, you can marvel at ceramic art from 60 craftsmen from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain.

This year, you will find a special exhibition on African smoke-fired ceramics in the former stables of Thurnau Castle, where ceramists from a missionary school in Uganda present their works.

from 1 December 2024, Fränkisches Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Christmas atmosphere in Franconian parlours: live music, theatre, mulled wine and a hands-on craft programme await you. The Advent bakery is open on the first three Advent weekends.

You can also marvel at Leonian Christmas tree decorations and contemporary works of art in the Christmas exhibition "Glänzende Zeiten" in the Church in Franconia Museum until 6 January 2025.

from 5 to 8 December 2024, Blutenburger Weihnacht (external link, opens in a new window), Thu/Fri 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On the second weekend of Advent, it gets festive in the courtyard of Blutenburg Castle in Obermenzing: stalls with treats and gifts, carol singing and readings await you here.

6 to 8 December 2024, Christmas art market KunstLANDing Aschaffenburg, Fri from 6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Over 30 artists present their creations at KunstLANDing: Paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, textile art, works on paper and much more. The pop-up café of the Neuer Kunstverein will offer Christmas delicacies and mulled wine.

6 to 8 and 13 to 15 December 2024, Neuburg Castle Christmas (external link, opens in a new window), Neuburg on the Danube, Fri 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On the second and third weekends of Advent, the fairytale castle on the Danube has been hosting a wonderful Christmas market since 2012. Look forward to hot chestnuts, falafel, mulled wine and much more. And of course there are also beautiful handicrafts to marvel at.

7/8 December 2024, Advent market in the Schafhof Freising (external link, opens in a new window), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Around 50 artisans from the region and beyond will be presenting their masterful work at the Schafhof. The sculpture garden will also be festively illuminated until January 6th!

Our tip: The fairytale hour for families on Sunday at 3 p.m.!

 7 December 2024, Jexhof Christmas market (external link, opens in a new window), 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Step right into the inner courtyard and historic buildings of the Jexhof: freshly baked bread, chestnuts, baked apples and sausages and mulled wine await you. The Perchten (Krampus-like figures) are up to mischief. Fortunately, the forest sheep and Pepe the donkey are not disturbed easily. Regional music and a visit from Father Christmas complete the magical experience at Jexhof. 

13 to 15 December 2024, Burghausen Castle Christmas (external link, opens in a new window), Fri 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat/Sun 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Christmas spirit at the world's longest castle: a "Liachtlanzünder" tells stories about the festive season, Christmas songs and carols are sung and children are invited to listen to fairy tales told by shadow puppets. In addition to Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures, you will also find works of art made of wood, clay, leather, felt and lambskin as well as jewellery. Concerts will take place in St Elisabeth's Chapel.

14/15 December 2024, Wolframs-Eschenbacher Sternlesmarkt (external link, opens in a new window), Sat 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Christmas gifts and many culinary delicacies are on offer at the stalls in the churchyard. The Wolframs-Eschenbach Sternlesmarkt will be opened on Saturday by the Christkind. Visitors can look forward to a varied musical programme on both days. Highlights for children include the "living nativity scene" in the vault under the museum and the visits from St. Nicholas and the Christkind. The nativity scene trail along the main street is also worth a visit during the Sternlesmarkt weekend, where over 130 local and international nativity scenes will be on display from December 1st until December 22nd. Don't miss the fireworks display on Saturday at 8.30 pm!

The Museum Wolfram von Eschenbach (Museum Wolfram von Eschenbach ) is open on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.!

In many towns, churches and museums all over Bavaria, nativity scene trails and nativity scenes from all over the world are set up during the Christmas season.

Munich banker Max Schmederer (1854-1917) bequeathed this beautiful collection of 60 nativity scenes with well over 2000 figures, animals and buildings from Bavaria and the Alpine region to the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum).

The Swabian Krippenmuseum (Nativity Museum) was redesigned in 2019. It has an extensive collection of regional nativity scenes from five centuries. The highlight of the collection is the world's oldest Christkind from the year 1300 (pictured here). It is open all year round. 

Wood, bronze, bread dough, papier-mâché, pumpkins and so on ... The materials used are as varied as the countries of origin: over 85 of them. The largest collection of nativity scenes in northern Bavaria - comprising around 1500 examples from the 17th to the 21st century - is housed in a half-timbered house dating from around 1735. The 450 nativity scenes on display illustrate how strongly the depiction of Christmas in folk art is characterised by the artist's respective culture.

30 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, 24th Christmas exhibition, Krippenmuseum (Nativity Museum) Bamberg (external link, opens in a new window)

The 24th Christmas exhibition will showcase a large selection of historical nativity scenes made from a wide variety of materials. The collection ranges from the largest Bohemian glass nativity scene in the world to examples of Bamberg nativity scene art and numerous objects from all over the world. 

Nativity scenes from all over the world have been presented here for 20 years. This year you can admire magical nativity scenes from South America, which are complemented by a special exhibition on "Angels - Heavenly Messengers" and "Nativity scenes from the Franconian homeland".

The beautiful nativity scene, which was built by the deaf master saddler Johann Georg Schmiedeler, can be admired throughout the year at the AlpenStadtMuseum (Alpine Town Museum) in Sonthofen. Around 170 figures were carefully restored for the reopening of the museum in 2023.

The Plößberg nativity scenes do not just focus on the traditional Christmas story. Instead, you can discover everything from the story of Adam and Eve to everyday tavern scenes.

Until the world's largest nativity scene show opens its doors in November 2026, you can experience the nativity panorama (external link, opens in a new window) virtually...

from 1 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, Stadtmuseum Schwandorf (City Museum Schwandorf)

The City Museum is showing a selection from the large nativity scene collection of Friedrich Graf from Riedenburg, who has been collecting figures and nativity scenes made of a wide variety of materials for 50 years.

30 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, Antonierhaus, Tue-Sun 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The historic Antonierhaus in Memmingen is home to a life-size nativity scene and beautiful Christmas paintings by Memmingen artist Josef Madlener (1881 - 1967).

22 November to 12 January 2025, Stadtmuseum Amberg (Amberg City Museum)

To mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Krippenfreunde Amberg e.V., a large selection of both traditional and modern nativity scenes will be presented in the Amberg City Museum.