Ultimate Guide to the Reutlingen Christmas Market 2026

Interested in heading to the Reutlingen Christmas Markets? Then we have the perfect guide for you!

If you are looking for a low-key market with fewer crowds and a more local feel, then the Reutlingen Christmas Market is for you.

As one of the smallest markets that we visited while in Germany, it still offered a little of everything that makes the season special.

From festive stalls to yummy local treats, ice skating, and glittering lights, the market was pretty magical.

Want to learn more? Let me tell you all about what makes Reutlingen’s Christmas Markets so special and why they should be on your must-visit list this Christmas!

Where is the Reutlingen Christmas Market?

The Reutlingen Christmas Market is located in southern Germany, in the town of Reutlingen.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Me with animatronic Santa

It’s about 30 kilometres south of Stuttgart, making it an easy 30-40 minute drive or a quick train ride from the city.

The market is set up in the heart of Reutlingen’s historic center, so you know that you are getting an authentic festive experience.

Reutlingen Christmas Markets Maps

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Old Town Map — Map Credit – Weihnachtsmarkt-Reutlingen

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Reutlingen Christmas Market - Burgerpark Map — Map Credit – Weihnachtsmarkt-Reutlingen

When is the Reutlingen Christmas Market?

The Reutlingen Christmas Market typically runs from late November to just before Christmas.

The market is open daily, with extended evening hours to allow visitors to enjoy the lights and activities after sunset.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Reutlingen Tor

Reutlingen Christmas Market Dates

November 26 – December 22, 2025

Reutlingen Christmas Market Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

About the Reutlingen Christmas Market

The Reutlingen Christmas Market has been a holiday tradition for over 15 years. It first opened in 2005 and has been getting larger ever since.

The market typically features around 60 to 70 stalls, which are spread across several areas in the city’s historic center.

You will find the majority of the market located on Reutlingen’s main shopping street, Wilhelmstraße, as well as in nearby squares like Marktplatz and by the Marienkirche.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Boy with snowflake sculpture under Christmas tree

I liked that the spread-out design also allows you to admire more of Reutlingen’s historic buildings and holiday decorations as you stroll through the town.

The Reutlingen Christmas Market attracts approximately 100,000 visitors each season, making it one of the region’s popular holiday spots.

What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Reutlingen?

The Reutlingen Christmas market is spread across two main areas in the city. Each market has a different theme, so you will definitely want to see them both.

Old Town Christmas Market

The Old Town Christmas Market is the main market in Reutlingen.

The market begins at Marktplatz and winds along Wilhelmstrasse all the way to Metzgerstrasse.

The market also winds around the magnificent Marienkirche, located in the centre of town.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Food stall on Wilhelmstrasse

Reutlinger is a smaller, traditional market offering a nostalgic feel, with wooden stalls selling seasonal and locally made goods.

You won’t have any difficulty finding handcrafted items, festive decorations, and a range of foods made in the region, like hearty sausages, Glühwein, and Reutlingen’s unique holiday pastries.

For the kids, you will find a mini carousel, a place to take photos with Santa, and a Christmas Train ride through Reutlingen’s oldest streets.

Open: November 27 – December 22, 2024
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Bürgerpark / Christmas Park

The Bürgerpark Christmas Market, or “Christmas Park,” is located in Reutlingen’s Bürgerpark, just a short walk from the town center.

This market stands out with its open, park-like setting and a slightly different focus from the more traditional stalls in the Old Town.

Here, you’ll find an awesome mix of entertainment options and unique winter activities.

Christmas Park is especially family-friendly, offering an ice skating rink which also includes an ice bocce lane.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Ornament shaped chairs in front of the Stadthalle

There are also themed light installations and a small stage that hosts live performances, including music and dance.

The stalls in Bürgerpark tend to focus on festive foods and drinks—think roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and local German snacks—but you’ll also find some stalls with holiday gifts and decorations.

Bürgenpark is also home to the Riesenrad, a giant Advent Wreath, and a Gingerbread House.

Open: November 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Things to Do at the Reutlingen Christmas Markets

The Reutlingen Christmas Market offers plenty of activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Here are some of the best things to do while you explore the markets:

1. Sip Warm Glühwein

Enjoying a cup of warm Glühwein is a must at any German Christmas Market, and Reutlingen is no exception.

This spiced mulled wine is served hot and is the perfect drink to keep you warm while you explore. This was especially true for the chilly evening that we visited the market!

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Glühwein Stand in front of the Marienkirche

You’ll find Glühwein in both red and white varieties, as well as a non-alcoholic version (Kinderpusch).

While most markets have Glühwein stands in a Christmas Pyramid, Reutlingen takes it up a notch!

Their Glühwein stand is actually made to look like an antique carousel! That alone would make me want to grab a drink and a selfie!

2. Take a Spin on the Riesenrad

The Reutlingen Christmas Market features a Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) that stands 30 meters tall, offering great views of the festive market and town.

You’ll find the Riesenrad in Bürgerpark.

The gondolas are fully enclosed, making it comfortable for riders even on chilly December nights.

It’s a great spot to relax while getting a bird’s-eye view of the market lights and decorations.

3. Have Some Fun Ice Skating

While the kids really wanted to go ice skating at the Reutlingen Christmas Market, we were all way too tired from our day at the Ritter Sport Chocolate Museum! Christmas Park.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Glice Skating Rink

The rink, which featured eco-friendly “Glice” (synthetic ice), seemed to be quite popular. There was also a skate rental booth next to the rink, making it convenient to skate even if you didn’t bring your own.

‘And while we have skated at a variety of Christmas Markets in Germany, Reutlinger’s rink was the first to have a dedicated lane for ice bocce!

That attraction was even busier than the skating rink!

Reutlingen Christmas Market - People playing Ice Bocce

4. Warm Up with Some Delicious Christmas Market Fare

One of the great joys for this foodie family is to enjoy some classic German Christmas Market fare.

German Christmas Market Foods - Flammlachs

The Reutlingen market is full of delicious options to keep you warm, from steaming bowls of goulash to hearty sausages fresh off the grill.

While John and our son typically reach for the classic Bratwurst, we are always game for trying something new!

The Flammlachs (fire-grilled salmon) stand even had the cutest seating area. They were ski lift gondolas!!

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Flammlachs stand with Ski gondola seating

5. Admire the Live Nativity Scene

The Reutlingen Christmas Market is home to a gorgeous life-sized nativity scene that even has live animals.

You’ll find sheep and goats, and sometimes a donkey, which all help to bring the classic nativity story to life.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Nativity with live goat

Kids love it, no matter how old they are. We noticed many families stopping for a closer look and to take photos.

While every German Christmas Market has a Nativity Scene, we only found a few with live animals. I think it really makes it more special.

And yes… the animals are always well cared for!

6. See the Giant Advent Wreath

One of the unique displays that we saw in Reutlingen was the giant Advent Wreath.

Located in Bürgerpark, the entire Stadthalle (Civic Centre) is transformed into an Advent Wreath of sorts.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Stadhalle Advent Wreath

Each weekend of Advent, another candle is “lit”.

I thought it was a really unique and modern way to mark Advent.

Not to mention, with the festive seats that they had set up in front of the Stadhalle, it was the perfect place to grab a photo for the ‘Gram.

7. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

At the Reutlingen Christmas Market, you’ll find plenty of local sweets to satisfy your cravings.

We made sure to try Alb butter cookies, Spritzkuchen and Reutlinger Mutscheln, a star-shaped bread sprinkled with sugar, which is especially popular during the holidays.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Spritzkuchen

They were both pretty good and not something that we had seen in other markets.

You’ll also find stands selling Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread), both staples at German Christmas markets.

8. Shop for Christmas Gifts and Souvenirs

The Reutlingen Christmas Market has a variety of stalls offering unique gifts and souvenirs.

If you are looking for handmade ornaments, candles, wooden toys, and seasonal decorations, then you will definitely find it here.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Hand made items in stalls by the Marienkirch

Many of the stalls, especially those around the Marienkirche, focus on locally crafted products, including woollen scarves, leather goods, and traditional German pottery.

The more commercial gifts like ornaments and Christmas decor can be found all along Wilhelmstrasse, and even at Bürgerpark.

9. Ride the Carousel

The Reutlingen Christmas Market has 2 traditional carousels that are quite popular with kids and families.

The first is located in Marktplatz near the entrance of the market.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Carousel at Bürgerpark

While not nearly as big as the one we rode in Frankfurt’s Market, it was still pretty cute.

The second carousel that we found was in Bürgerpark. It was roughly the same size as the one in Marktplatz.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Carousel in Marktplatz

The cost to ride either carousel is only a few Euros, so definitely reasonable for the kids to take a few spins.

10. Admire the Gingerbread House

Another unique attraction at the Reutlingen Christmas Market was the giant gingerbread house in Bürgerpark.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Gingerbread house

The old hospital building is transformed into a giant gingerbread house using lights that are projected onto the building.

It was pretty cool looking and a great spot for some family photos.

Where to Stay Near the Reutlingen Christmas Market

If you are planning on spending the night in Reitlingen, there are plenty of options close to the Markets to suit every budget.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Decorated building on main shopping street

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Württemberger Hof

Hotel Württemberger Hof offers comfortable rooms just minutes from Reutlingen’s Christmas Market and shopping streets. Guests enjoy classic accommodations and an on-site restaurant with local German dishes.

DORMERO Hotel Reutlingen

DORMERO Hotel Reutlingen provides guests with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, a fitness center, and an on-site bar. Known for its stylish rooms and comfortable bedding, the hotel also offers adjustable lighting options and complimentary refreshments.

Moderate Hotels

Aspire Elements Reutlingen

Aspire Elements Reutlingen offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, and a well-equipped fitness center. Guests enjoy the hotel’s minimalist design, comfortable bedding, and convenient on-site parking, ideal for a relaxing stay.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Glühwein stand on the roadway

RiKu HOTEL Reutlingen

RiKu HOTEL Reutlingen features modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and an on-site restaurant, making it a comfortable choice for travellers. Guests appreciate the hotel’s stylish design, convenient parking, and easy access to both leisure and business facilities.

Budget Hotels

Hotel Filderhof Reutlingen

Hotel Filderhof Reutlingen offers great accommodations with essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary parking. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a daily breakfast buffet, and friendly service.

City Hotel Fortuna Reutlingen

City Hotel Fortuna Reutlingen features spacious rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a minibar. Guests enjoy the on-site wellness area with a sauna, fitness center, and a daily breakfast buffet.

How to Get to the Reutlingen Christmas Market

Getting to the Reutlingen Christmas Markets is simple, with several options available:

By Air

If you are travelling by air, the closest airport to the Reutlingen Christmas Market is Stuttgart Airport (STR).

From the airport, you can get to Reutlingen in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Train

Reutlingen is well-connected by regional trains from Stuttgart, making it a quick and easy journey.

From Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main station), you can catch a direct train to Reutlingen in about 30-40 minutes.

Once at Reutlingen Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short walk to the market, which is set up along the main shopping street.

This was the route that we took, and found it quite easy… until our return train was cancelled and we had to figure out a new route back!

By Bus

Several regional buses also connect Reutlingen with Stuttgart and surrounding towns.

The main bus station in Reutlingen is close to the market, making it another convenient option.

By Car

If you’re driving, Reutlingen is about a 30-minute drive south of Stuttgart. Follow the B27 highway, which will take you most of the way.

Parking

Parking in the city center can get busy during the holiday season.

While there are public parking garages nearby, such as Parkhaus Stadtmitte and Parkhaus Rathaus, they can get busy during the holiday season..

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Market entrance

When is the Best Time to Visit the Christmas Market?

The best time to visit the Reutlingen Christmas Market is during the early evenings, especially in the first week or two after it opens.

Visiting around 5-7 p.m. lets you see the market fully lit up. This is also when the market comes alive with festive lights, music, and the smells of delicious foods wafting through the air (and calling my name).

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Christmas Tree with kids

For families, early afternoon on weekdays can be ideal, as it’s quieter and easier to explore with children.

We visited on a Wednesday evening during the last week of the market. We didn’t find the market to be too crowded at all.

Are There Public Toilets at the Market?

Yes, there are public toilets available at the Reutlingen Christmas Market.

Facilities can typically be found near the main market areas, especially around Marktplatz and in Bürgerpark.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Wilhelmstrasse

Some nearby shopping centers may also have restroom access, though they most likely will require a small fee or a purchase.

We used the washrooms in one of the shopping malls, and it was only a couple of Euros.

What is the Weather Like in Reutlingen, German,y in December?

In December, Reutlingen’s weather is typically cold, with temperatures ranging from around -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F).

Snow is possible, but rain is more common, so it’s good to dress warmly and be prepared for wet weather.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Fountain by the Marienkirche

Evenings are especially chilly, and the wind can add to the cold, so warm coats, scarves, and gloves are recommended for staying comfortable while exploring the market.

This was definitely the case in Bürgerpark, where you are out in the open and the wind gets especially chilly.

Reutlingen Christmas Market Tips

Here are a few of our best tips when visiting the Christmas Markets:

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Treat stall on Wilhelmstrasse

Visit on weekdays: If possible, go during the week to avoid weekend crowds. Early evenings on weekdays offer a great atmosphere with fewer people, making it easier to explore the stalls.
Dress warmly: December is cold, and it can get windy. Layer up with warm clothing, and bring gloves, a scarf, and a hat for extra warmth.
Bring cash: Many vendors may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to bring euros in smaller denominations.
Use public transport: Parking can be difficult to find and expensive.
Explore Nearby Markets: If you’re up for more holiday cheer, Stuttgart and Tübingen also have beautiful Christmas markets nearby. Reutlingen’s market pairs well with a visit to these other spots.
Check the weather forecast: December weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you go, and bring an umbrella or rain jacket if needed.

What to Wear to the Christmas Markets

When visiting the Reutlingen Christmas Markets, it’s important to dress warmly and comfortably, as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Here’s what to wear:

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Red Man statue with daughter

Layer Up: Start with a thermal base layer, add a warm sweater, and top it with a good winter coat. Layers keep you warm and allow for flexibility if you go indoors.
Waterproof Outerwear: A waterproof or water-resistant jacket is helpful in case of rain or snow. Some markets have minimal shelter, so staying dry is key.
Warm Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Markets are often windy and open-air, so these make a big difference.
Comfortable Shoes: Go for sturdy, waterproof boots with good insulation and grip, as you’ll likely be walking and standing on cold, sometimes slippery ground.
Backpack or Crossbody Bag: A small bag helps you keep essentials close and your hands free for food and drinks. A backpack or crossbody bag is a good choice.
Extra Warmers: Consider pocket hand warmers or thermal socks if you get cold easily.

Reutlingen Christmas Markets – FAQs

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Market stalls by the Marienkirche

Are Dogs Allowed at the Market?

Yes, dogs are allowed at the Reutlingen Christmas Market, but they should be on a leash.

Is the Market Accessible for Wheelchairs and Strollers?

Most areas of the Reutlingen Christmas Market are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, it’s good to note that some parts of the historic streets may be cobblestoned, which can make navigation slightly challenging. There are ramps in some locations to help with access.

Are There Places to Sit and Rest?

Seating can be limited at the market, but there are some benches and seating areas around the main streets and squares. Many visitors also take a break inside nearby cafes and restaurants, especially if they need a longer rest from the cold.

Do vendors accept credit cards?

Most vendors are cash-only, so it’s best to bring cash for purchases. ATMs are located nearby if needed.

Can You Take Photos at the Market?

Yes, photography is allowed, and many people enjoy capturing the festive atmosphere. However, some vendors may prefer not to have their stalls photographed, so it’s courteous to ask before snapping close-up shots of specific items.

Reutlingen Christmas Market - Ski gondola seating area

Final Thoughts

While the Reutlingen Christmas Market was not our favourite, it was definitely a smaller and more intimate experience than some of the larger markets that we have visited.

We only needed a few hours to go through the entire market (but we didn’t go on rides or go skating), making it a great choice if you are pressed for time.

With all of the unique activities, foods to try and festive stalls to shop at, the Reutlinger Christmas Market has something for everyone.

It’s also a great way to experience German holiday traditions and get into the Christmas spirit.