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One of the best preserved medieval towns of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its charming cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.
Rothenburg transforms into a winter fairy tale every year during Christmas time and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
The tradition of the Christmas market in Rothenburg began in the 15th century, presenting over 500 years of culture and history.
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. In this blog, you'll find a guide about Christmas Market in Rothenburg.
What to eat 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.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Guide:
1. Reiterlesmarkt:
The Reiterlesmarkt is one of the oldest German Christmas market and take back to 500 years ago and it's a sign of joy and celebration and offers a glimpse into the past.
2. Christmas Market at Marktplatz:
The Rothenburg town's narrow streets are lit up with lights and it's fully crowded with tourists. The town within the city defense wall and gates look so wonderful and mesmerizing during Christmas.
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.
There is also a small passage in Town Hall, which turns into a Christmas Market and sells Christmas specialties.
The Marktplatz was fully packed with locals and tourists, and they were enjoying the music and festivity of the Market.
3. Christmas Market at Grüner Markt:
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.
The famous cobblestone streets of Rothenburg, like Spitalgasse and Obere Schiedgasse, are decorated with lights.
We would also like to recommend to walk on the town wall for panoramic views of the town.
4. 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.
5. Tour to Christmas Museum and Christmas Souvenir shopping:
Rothenburg is undoubtedly home to the German Christmas Museum (Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum), and it’s famous for its year-round celebration of Christmas.
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, but Käthe Wohlfahrt, which is closely associated with the Christmas Museum, is highly recommended for purchasing Christmas souvenirs.
It's famous for selling beautiful souvenirs, Christmas tree ornaments, cravings, decorations, etc.
6. Rothenburg Old Town tour on Christmas theme cart:
Another specialty of the Rothenburg Christmas Market is that you can explore the old town on a Christmas theme cart which offers tourists a tour of the town and Christmas market.
7. Organ Concert at St. Jakob's Church:
St.Jakob is one of the masterpieces from the 14th century and it's famous for its seasonal organ concerts held during Advent.
Tips for Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
Book Accommodation:
Rothenburg is a very small town and it's famous for its Christmas season so the hotels fill up quickly during the Christmas season and it's also a bit expensive. so, we would like to suggest you stay in the nearby big cities like Nuremberg.
Dress Warmly:
The winter in Bavarian is quite cold, especially in the evening, so it's highlight recommended to layer up and keep the scarf, hat, and gloves with you.
Best time to visit:
During the season, the Saturdays are very crowded. If you want to avoid the rush - you should visit the market in week days.
Bring Cash:
Not all the vendors accept card payment, so it's suggested to have cash if you want to purchase things from the christmas stalls.
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 also highly recommended to spend some time exploring the town.
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