Ultimate Guide to the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market 2025

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market was at the top of my bucket list when we were planning our trip to Germany for Christmas.

Not only is this one of my favourite places to visit in Germany, but this town is absolutely GORGEOUS no matter what time of year you go.

With its cobblestone streets, charming half-timbered houses, cute cafes and awesome little boutiques, you couldn’t ask for more.

And trust me when I tell you, the twinkling lights of the market make it just that much more magical and romantic!

Want to learn more? Let’s dive right in!

Where is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market?

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market, also called the “Reiterlesmarkt,” is located in the heart of the old town.

The main market is set up in front of the town hall in the Marktplatz (Market Square).

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Marktplatz Christmas Tree and Glockenspiel

You’ll also find stands spilling into the nearby Grüner Markt and around St. Jakob’s Church. There are even a few stalls located in the atrium of the Rathaus.

What I really love about Rothenburg’s Market, is that all these areas are within walking distance, so it’s easy to explore everything.

When is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market typically opens at the end of November and runs until just before Christmas. The market is open daily.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Dates

November 21 – December 23, 2025

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 7 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm

About the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market dates back over 500 years.

It started in the Middle Ages, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany.

The market isn’t huge compared to others in Germany, but it fits perfectly with the town’s intimate medieval setting.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Marktplatz during Christmas Market

There are usually around 54 stalls spread across the market, selling traditional holiday goods like ornaments, candles, and handmade gifts.

Local food and drink are also a big part of the market. And one we look forward to the most!

You’ll find mulled wine (Glühwein), grilled sausages, roasted almonds, and one of Rothenburg’s specialties, schneeballen (more on these later).

The Rothenburg Market draws in a jaw-dropping 500,000 people annually, which is incredible for such a small market.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Christmas stalls away from Main Market

But most people don’t just come for the market itself.

Rothenburg’s atmosphere, with its preserved medieval walls and half-timbered houses, truly makes you feel like you are inside a Christmas postcard.

Things to Do at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

1. Sip Warm Glühwein

You can’t visit a German Christmas Market without indulging in at least one cup of Glühwein!

Glühwein, a spiced mulled wine, is available in either red or white wine variations. I really like the white wine version, which is actually exceptional in Rothenburg.

Another great thing about purchasing a mug of Glühwein in the market is the collector’s mug it comes in. It’s a perfect souvenir!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Market in front of St Jakobs Church

If you want to keep the mug, which is dated and specific to each market, then just take it home! If not, return the mug to the stall for a refund of the small deposit (Pfand).

I was a little disappointed when I couldn’t get a current mug during my visit. Instead, I took home a mug from a previous year.

And if you don’t drink alcohol, the Kinderpunsch is quite nice as well! It’s all the spiced goodness, without the kick!

2. See the Market from Above

Located on the west side of the Marktplatz and the main area of the Market, the Rathaus is a pretty impressive building.

And climbing the Rathaus Tower is one of the best ways to see the town.

But just a heads up, there are 220 steps to the top, and it actually gets pretty narrow and steep near the top.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - View from the top of the Rathaus tower

My youngest son and I were huffing and puffing when we got to the top! Quite the workout when you’re wearing boots and a winter coat!

Not to mention, the last staircase to get out on the narrow observation deck was more of a ladder than stairs.

Rothenburg - View of St James Church from Rathaus Tower in winter

However, the views from the top were incredible! Especially since we had just had a light dusting of snow.

Not only can you see the twinkling lights of the market, but also beyond the wall to the Tauber River and valley.

One piece of advice, we would not recommend this for families with younger kids.

3. Shop for Unique Gifts and Souvenirs

While I am typically not a shopper (seriously! John will confirm this), I love shopping at Christmas Markets.

Not only are the stalls themselves gorgeous, but the vendors offer everything from handmade Christmas ornaments to wooden toys and other local products.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Christmas Market Stall

My favourite is always the Christmas ornaments. They make the perfect keepsake from the markets. The kids usually look for a magnet to add to their collection.

And while Rothenburg is home to a huge, year-round Christmas Store, I would recommend buying local from a small vendor at one of the stalls.

4. Attend a Christmas Concert

During the market, Rothenburg hosts several Christmas concerts inside St. Jakob’s Church.

Listening to choirs or classical music in the stunning medieval church is a sure-fire way to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Inside of St Jacobs Church

It’s also a great way to warm up and rest your feet for a bit!

You will also find brass groups from the Rothenburg region that play daily on the stage in the Green Market.

5. Try a Schneeball

You really can’t visit Rothenburg without trying a Schneeball (‘snowball’).

This local specialty is made up of a ball of fried pastry, coated in icing sugar, chocolate, or other fun toppings, and sometimes filled with marzipan.

Rothenburg-Schneeballen-in-Diller-Schneeballentraume-Shop

These cookie-like treats have been around in Rothenburg for over 400 years, and we thought they were fantastic!

We tried the classic icing sugar Schneeball (my favourite) and one covered in chocolate.

Just a tip—grab some napkins! They were a bit messy to eat, but tasty and filling.

We recommend sharing one, which worked well for us.

You can find Scneeballen sold in the Christmas Market as well as in shops all over town.

6. Admire the Lifesize Nativity

The Christmas Nativity is an iconic fixture that you will find at EVERY German Christmas Market.

While this is the case, each market’s Nativity is different. They are all uniquely decorated and come in different sizes, with some even having live animals as part of the scene.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Nativity Scene

I just love looking at them!

In Rothenburg, the Nativity scene can be found in the Atrium of the Rathaus.

While the Nativity is behind glass, it is beautiful to look at.

7. Try Traditional German Food

If you can make it through a German Christmas Market without indulging in at least one treat, you must have superhuman willpower!

For me, it’s always the smell of roasted and candied nuts that pulls me in.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Käsespätzle at the Christmas Market

Like other markets, you’ll find classics like Bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and Lebkuchen, along with some unique local specialties here.

The kids couldn’t pass up trying a big serving of Käsespätzle (the German version of mac and cheese).

8. Get into the Christmas Spirit at Kathe Wohlfahrt’s Rothenburg Christmas Store and Museum

No matter when you visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit quite like a trip to the German Christmas Museum and Christmas Store!

Located just around the corner from the Marktplatz, the museum takes you on a journey through the history of Christmas, showing how holiday traditions and decorations have evolved over the years.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Kathe Wohlfahrt Store - outside

And the store is definitely a Christmas wonderland! I was in heaven!!

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a burst of Christmas decorations, ornaments, nutcrackers, and even a 16-foot-tall revolving Christmas tree!

It’s truly a sight to see! My tip—grab a basket for your purchases because you’re bound to find something you love!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Huge Tree in Kathe Wohlfahrt Store

The museum is affordable and won’t take too much time to visit. You can even opt for a guided tour.

Entry to the Christmas store is free, so you can shop for souvenirs, ornaments, and unique Christmas decor without having to pay an entry fee.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Kathe Wohlfahrt Store - Inside

Both the museum and the store are open year-round and are in the same building.

10. Ride the Carousel in the Green Market

If you are travelling with younger kids, then you need to head over to the Green Market (Grüner Markt) to hop on the vintage carousel.

Rothenburg - Carousel at Christmas Market

This classic holiday activity adds just a little bit of nostalgia to the Christmas vibes.

And while this particular carousel is not large enough for adults to ride, the kids will have a ton of fun!

11. Take a Stroll Through Town

One of the best things to do in Rothenburg is to simply take a stroll through the town.

The medieval streets are beautifully lit, with Christmas lights and festive decorations creating the perfect holiday atmosphere.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - One of the Towers on Town

As you wander, you’ll pass historic half-timbered houses, shops with charming holiday displays, and little alleys that feel like they’ve been frozen in time.

Window shopping is also wonderful in this town! You can find some wonderful treasures in the little boutiques.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Shop window in town

Where to Stay Near the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

We would definitely recommend spending the night in Rothenburg.

This is something I totally regret not doing while visiting the Christmas Market here.

You will get to enjoy so much more of what the city has to offer and see the twinkling lights of the market, all without the crowds.

While there are a ton of options for accommodations, we would recommend staying within the city walls.

One word of advice: be sure to make your hotel reservations in advance, as the best guesthouses are small and fill up quickly around Christmas time!

Luxury

Gästehaus Edelzimmer

This top-rated guesthouse has elegantly furnished rooms in a historic building. It’s located in the heart of Rothenburg, just a short walk from the market square.

Hotel Herrnschlösschen

This hotel is set in an 11th-century building and offers an intimate experience with just eight rooms. It features a beautiful baroque garden and a fine dining restaurant.

Moderate

Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus

This historic hotel has unique, old-world charm and offers comfortable rooms with Gothic-style decor. It’s located right in the heart of Rothenburg, close to all the main sights.

This comfortable hotel provides spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a garden terrace. It’s located near the Castle Gardens and only a short walk from the central market square in Rothenburg.

Budget

Hotel Eisenhut

Situated in the heart of Rothenburg, this hotel provides rooms with traditional decor, modern amenities, a garden and free WiFi.

Klosterstüble

This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant serving regional dishes. It’s located near the Castle Gardens, just a few minutes walk from Rothenburg’s main square.

How to Get to the Christmas Market

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located near the centre of Germany, in northern Bavaria.

It is considered a popular day trip from Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Nuremberg.

There are several different ways to get to the Christmas Market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Son in front of Plönlein

By Train

The most common way to reach Rothenburg is by train.

You’ll likely need to transfer at least once, usually in the nearby town of Steinach. From there, you can catch a local train directly to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

If you’re coming from:

Frankfurt: About 2.5 to 3 hours with one or two transfers.
Munich: Around 3 hours with at least one transfer.
Nuremberg: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with a transfer in Ansbach or Steinach.

You can find the best train routes available on the Deutsche Bahn website.

By Car

Driving to Rothenburg is by far the easiest option. The town is well-connected via the A7 motorway.

It’s about a 2-hour drive from Frankfurt or Munich and just over an hour from Nuremberg.

The problem is parking once you have arrived. More on that later.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - One of the entrances to the Turmweg

By Bus

Several tour operators offer bus trips to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg.

This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate train schedules or drive yourself.

Many of these tours take care of everything from meals to attraction tickets, depending on the tour.

Click on the links below to find all the details you need to book your tour:

Or check out even more Rothenburg, Germany day tour options.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - On the bus leaving Rothenburg

By Air

The closest airports to Rothenburg are Nuremberg Airport (NUE) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA). From either airport, you can continue your journey by train or rent a car.

Public parking in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Unfortunately, the Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is mostly pedestrian-only.

This can make staying overnight a bit tricky, as you may need to drop off your luggage at your hotel and then drive outside the town to park.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Cars parked roadside

The good news is that there are plenty of public parking lots just outside the city walls. They’re easy to find, and parking fees are reasonable.

The ticket machines accept both cards and coins, so paying for parking is simple and convenient.

Is the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Rothenburg Christmas Market is DEFINITELY worth visiting.

With its unique setting in a medieval old town, you really feel like you are in a true Christmas village.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Christmas Tree in Green Market

The market has a cozy, traditional vibe with festive stalls, local treats, and plenty of holiday spirit.

The only downside is its popularity—expect some crowds, especially during the day and on weekends.

But if you’re prepared for that, the charm of the market and the town itself makes it a worthwhile stop during the holiday season.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Christmas Market?

The best time to visit the Rothenburg Christmas Market is during the late afternoon or early evening.

This is my favourite time to visit the markets. You get to enjoy some daylight, but then get to see the market come alive with twinkling lights.

And nothing is more festive than a Christmas Market fully lit up!

Unlike other markets that are busier in the evenings, this is not really the case in Rothenburg.

During the day, the town gets inundated with tour buses full of tourists. The buses usually leave by late afternoon.

Once they leave, the market is less crowded, making it easier to explore the stalls and enjoy the food.

Weeknights are generally quieter than weekends as well, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, or are travelling with younger kids, aim for then.

Are There Public Toilets at the Market?

Yes, there are public toilets available at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market.

You’ll find them near the Marktplatz.

They are clearly marked, and some may require a small fee, so it’s a good idea to have some change on hand.

What is the Weather Like in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in December?

In December, the weather in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is typically cold and can be quite crisp.

Temperatures usually range between 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), though it can drop below freezing, especially at night.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - View of town from top of Rathaus Tower

Snow is possible but not guaranteed, adding to the town’s festive feel if you’re lucky enough to catch it.

Be sure to dress warmly with layers, as it can feel even colder when you’re outside exploring the Christmas market for long periods.

Rothenburg Christmas Market Tips

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

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Crowded Streets

Visit during the week to avoid heavy crowds. Evenings are best when the market is beautifully lit and tour groups have left the town.
Bring cash, as many stalls don’t accept cards.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be outside and walking a lot.
Start at Marktplatz for the main market, then explore other areas like the Green Market and near St. Jakob’s Church.
Try the local specialties like Schneeballen and white Glühwein.
Keep your mug—many stalls serve Glühwein in souvenir mugs that you can take home for a small deposit.
Check event schedules, especially if you’re bringing kids, for special activities like the carousel.

What to Wear to the Christmas Market

When visiting the Rothenburg Christmas Market, it’s important to dress warmly and comfortably.

Since you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, layers are key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Me and my son at Plöenlein

Warm winter coat – Opt for something insulated to keep you comfortable in cold weather.
Layers – Wear a thermal shirt or sweater underneath your coat for extra warmth.
Comfortable, waterproof boots – You’ll be on your feet, and wet weather is possible.
Hat, scarf, and gloves – Essential to protect against the wind and cold temperatures.
Thick socks – Consider wearing extra layers if it’s particularly cold.
Small backpack – Handy for storing purchases, snacks, or anything else you may need during your visit.
Hand Warmers: We found these warm packets to be invaluable, especially in the evenings.

Final Thoughts

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market is a magical experience that should be on everyone’s German bucket list.

The market combines the festive spirit of the holiday season with the charm of a medieval town.

Whether you’re exploring the market stalls, enjoying local treats, or taking in the beautiful decorations throughout the old town, Rothenburg is the perfect place to celebrate the season.