WHY IT RATES: Whether on the lakeside in the mountains or in a princely castle – every Christmas market has its own magic. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor

Christmas markets in Bavaria bring the special holiday spirit to its many cities, towns and villages. Every year, the Bavarian Christmas markets can do more than bratwurst and mulled wine! These Christmas markets have a special flair. Whether on the lakeside in the mountains or in a princely castle – every market has its own magic!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: When the Little Horserider Comes...

Festively decorated medieval alleys make the “Reiterlesmarkt” (horserider's market) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber an experience. Culinary delights and white mulled wine await guests at the Marktplatz, Kirchplatz and Grüner Markt. Artisans offer their products. Highlights are the performances of the “Rothenburger Reiterle”, a mythical figure from pre-Christian times. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum provides information about Advent traditions and Christmas customs. Brass concerts, church concerts and guided tours through the historic old town round off Rothenburg’s Advent.

Coburg: Historic Market Square

Christmas delights at the historic market square of Coburg in Franconia! Between the historic town hall and the old ducal chancellery, traders decorate their stalls with fir greenery, twinkling lights and Christmas figures. Mulled wine, punch, sweets and above all the Coburg bratwurst, grilled on dried pine cones, whet your appetite for a stroll. The sky of lights around the Prince Albert Monument invites you to linger. For the little ones, there is a nostalgic children’s carousel, and on Sundays, the “Christkind” (German for “Christ-child”, the traditional Christmas gift-bringer) comes to visit and hand out presents. Artists, choirs and bands provide musical entertainment in the evening hours.

Regensburg: Princely Advent

St. Emmeram Castle, ancestral seat of the Thurn and Taxis family, lends the “Romantic Christmas
Market” a particularly atmospheric ambiance. Under the protection of the imposing castle façade, the inner courtyard glows in the light of candles, lanterns and torches. A decorated Christmas tree towers into the sky in the middle of the decorated Budendorf. Artisans present their products in the castle garden. The decorated Schlosspark invites you to take a stroll.

Burghausen: Chivalrous Christmas

Advent offers contemplative moments behind the defiant walls of the world’s longest castle. In the main castle and on Waffenplatz, traditional Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures, as well as handmade items made of wood, clay, leather, felt and lambskin and jewelry are sold. Delicacies are also provided for the palate. Christmas songs and melodies entertain the visitors, a “Liachtlanzünder” tells stories about the Christmas season and fairy tales with shadow plays are told for the little ones. In addition to concerts, a service of the word is also held in the Elisabeth Chapel.

Nördlingen: Christmas Tower Tour

The medieval-romantic town of Nördlingen is bathed in an atmospheric glow of lights. The Christmas market shines with more than seventy stalls, a children’s carousel and delicious delicacies. Attractions include an evening climb up the tower of Daniel – the 90-meter-high tower of the Gothic St George’s Church is the town’s landmark – with a view of the illuminated old town, as well as a nativity scene trail, a nativity scene exhibition, Advent town tours, concerts and more. Tegernsee: Mythical Creatures and Alphorn Players A romantic Christmas atmosphere can be experienced on the Advent weekends at Lake Tegernsee.

Regional exhibitors welcome visitors under the glow of lights in Bad Wiessee, right next to the shipping pier. Alphorn players provide special moments, as do Perchten – alpine mythical creatures – or a romantic and cozy carriage ride. An Advent atmosphere fills the spa gardens (Kurpark) in Rottach-Egern, and in Tegernsee you will find Christmas stalls in front of the castle church (Schlosskirche).

Füssen: Advent in the Monastery Courtyard

The Advent market in Füssen is small but beautiful, with a romantic backdrop: The baroque courtyard of the St. Mang monastery is transformed into a land of lights. The decorated stalls are modeled on the medieval house facades of Füssen. They offer Christmas decorations, wood carvings, handmade soaps, gifts from the kitchen and much more.

SOURCE: Bavaria Tourism press release.