Rothenburg’s Christmas market, the Reiterlesmarkt, is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Germany. Its roots go back to the 15th century, and its name comes from the Reiterle — a mysterious rider figure from local folklore said to travel with the souls of the dead in the dark days before Christmas, later reinterpreted as a friendly messenger bringing gifts.
From the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent until 23 December, wooden stalls line the Market Square, the Grüner Markt and the square around St. Jakob’s Church. With the Town Hall lit up, a tall Christmas tree, brass music, mulled wine and the smell of roasted almonds, it is the image of a German Christmas that many visitors have carried in their heads since childhood.
Top things to do: Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market
Drink Glühwein from a souvenir mug
Every year the market has its own collectible mug. You pay a deposit with your first mulled wine and either return the mug or keep it as a souvenir.
Eat your way round the stalls
Franconian bratwurst in a roll, potato pancakes, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and, of course, Schneeballen — Rothenburg’s shortcrust “snowballs”, dusted with icing sugar or dipped in chocolate.
See it after dark
The market is lovely by day but magical at dusk, when the lights come on around the square. Combine it with the Night Watchman tour for a perfect December evening.
How to get there
- By train: Rothenburg is reached via Steinach; expect extra passengers on Advent weekends. See getting to Rothenburg.
- By tour: seasonal Christmas market day trips run from Munich, Frankfurt and the region.
- By car: the car parks outside the walls fill up quickly on Saturdays and Sundays in Advent — arrive before 10:00.
Insider tips
- Weekdays are far calmer than weekends. If you can, visit Monday to Thursday.
- Book your hotel months ahead for December — rooms inside the walls sell out, especially on weekends.
- Dress for the cold: temperatures often hover around freezing in December, and the cobbles can be icy.
- Market hours are roughly late morning to early evening, a little longer on weekends; confirm the current year’s dates and times with the tourist office.
Best tours & tickets: Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market and the rest of Rothenburg:
Seasonal walk from €235 per group Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Private Christmas Market Tour
A private stroll through one of Germany’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Your guide explains the legend of the Reiterle, where the Advent traditions come from and which stalls are worth your money, then leaves you with a mug of mulled wine in hand.
- The Reiterlesmarkt with a local who knows every stall
- Advent traditions, Christmas history and local treats
- A private group of up to 15 people
Seasonal day trip from €108 Rothenburg & Würzburg: Romantic Christmas Moments
An Advent special that pairs Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarkt with the Christmas market in Würzburg. You travel by modern coach with a guide, and have time in both towns to shop, eat and warm up with mulled wine.
- The Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg
- Würzburg’s Christmas market below the Marienkapelle
- Coach transport with a German/English guide
