Stop Traveling to Overhyped German Christmas Markets: This Small Bavarian Town Is a Dream
Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Ingrid & Alex
We love Germany in every season, but I’m sure you’ll agree that winter is the best time to visit the country. Let’s forget about the cold for a second and focus on the most magical time of the year: Christmas.
Without any doubt, Germany has some of the most beautiful Christmas Markets you’ll ever experience. Sure, there are the big-city markets, such as those in Munich, Nuremberg, and even Cologne and Frankfurt. Everyone should visit those at least once in a lifetime.
However, Rothenburg ob der Tauber deserves a spot on your Germany-in-winter itinerary. This small Bavarian village looks torn out of a fairytale – or better yet, a real-life Christmas movie.
Basically, Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Christmas market is the holiday version of a warm hug – with alcohol, sugar, and fairy lights.
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Table of Contents
5 Reasons why you should see the Rothenburg Christmas Market
It’s basically stepping into a Christmas movie – but with better snacks.
We loved visiting the medieval village during summer, but seeing it before Christmas is something else.
The Rothenburg Christmas Market looks like Santa’s interior design team handcrafted it. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, twinkly lights everywhere – it’s so picturesque you’ll start doubting reality.
You’ll half expect an elf to pop out and offer you cookies.
The glühwein alone is worth the trip
If you love traveling to Germany as much as we do, I’m sure you have had your fair share of mulled wine.
Then you know that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling people talk about. Mulled wine is literally served in a mug across Germany.
Hot spiced wine, sometimes with a sneaky shot of rum that will make you forget all about the cold outside.
You’ll buy ornaments you didn’t know you needed
Rothenburg is famous for its year-round Christmas shop, called Käthe Wohlfahrt. Sure, you can buy them whenever you visit, but there’s something special about the holidays, right?
You’ll walk in thinking, “I’ll just browse,” and leave with a hand-carved nutcracker, a tiny wooden angel, and maybe mild financial regret. But it’s festive regret, so it’s fine.
The food will ruin your diet in the best way
What’s a German trip without overeating?
Think roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, gingerbread that tastes even better than childhood memories, and snowball pastries (Schneeballen) that are basically edible joy.
You’ll tell yourself, “Just one more,” about eight times.
It’s pure Christmas spirit, no filter needed
There’s music, laughter, mulled wine, steam curling through the air, and people who seem genuinely happier than average humans.
Even the grumpiest Scrooge would melt here. It’s impossible not to feel festive.
When does it take place in 2025?
If we’ve convinced you, here is the information you’ll need for planning your trip. Hurry up, we’re getting closer to the magical season.
Opening hours: November 21.11 – December 23.12.2025
Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 19 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 20 pm
What to see?
The Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt is THE Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and one of the most popular Advent markets in Germany.
Don’t miss the Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which traditionally opens on the market square on the Friday before the 1st Advent.