Augsburg is a historic German city known for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. One of its annual highlights is the Augsburg Christmas Market, a long-standing tradition attracting both locals and tourists.
In this article, I’ll provide essential information such as the unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening hours, locations, and local specialties.
In Augsburg, the winter period is marked by a variety of holiday activities and traditions that locals and tourists alike can enjoy.
The city lights up with festive decorations, and music from live performances fills the streets, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Augsburg Christmas Market
At the heart of Augsburg, the Christkindlesmarkt stretches from Rathausplatz to Martin-Luther-Platz, encompassing nearby streets like Philippine-Welser-Straße and Maximilianstraße and extending up to the front of St. Moritz church.
This extensive layout accommodates a variety of Christmas chalets, attracting nearly a million visitors annually, both from Germany and abroad.
One unique aspect is the Engelsspiel, a special Angel Performance on the balcony of Augsburg Town Hall. The 24 angels represent an Advent calendar.
Families can also enjoy the area near Moritzplatz, a dedicated Children’s Christmas market.
Dates and Location
Augsburg Christmas Market dates: 26th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Rathausplatz and the surrounding streets.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm. Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9:30pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 26th November (unconfirmed).
Angel Performance: Friday to Sunday at 6pm.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The Angel Performance, historic “Engelesmarkt” stalls, traditional crafts; unique Children’s market.
Recommended tour: Augsburg walking tour with Fuggerei and Golden Hall entry.
Specialities: Zwetschgendatschi (cake), Augsburger brezen (pretzel), gingerbread hearts, regional mulled wine, traditional Swabian pastries, potato pancakes, sausages.
Where to stay: City Hotel Ost am Kö is a popular hotel, located 5 minutes from Rathausplatz.
Central Hotels
To be close to the Christmas market in Rathausplatz, consider staying in the central district around Maximilianstraße and Fuggerplatz. This area provides easy access to public transport and is within walking distance of the market.
For a reliable and well-located option, I recommend City Hotel Ost am Kö; it’s well-reviewed and conveniently close to the market.
Event Location
Recommended Tour
A city tour of Augsburg is an excellent way to discover the city’s extensive history and culture. With its significant landmarks, elegant structures, and rich past, Augsburg merits a visit at any time of the year.
I recommend this city tour of Augsburg, as it presents many of its highlights with a local guide at a reasonable cost. It’s particularly suitable for those new to Augsburg.
During a city tour, you’ll encounter Augsburg’s most distinguished sites and attractions, such as the eminent Fuggerei, the splendid Augsburg Town Hall, and the grand Augsburg Cathedral.
For a thorough insight into the best Christmas markets in Germany in 2024, I recommend checking out my guide, ensuring you experience the best of the festive season.
Christmas in Augsburg
Regional Specialties
Zwetschgendatschi: A plum cake special to Augsburg, zwetschgendatschi combines sweet, juicy plums with a light, fluffy dough. Often sprinkled with crumbled sugar, it strikes the perfect balance of fruit and pastry.
Augsburger Brezen: Different from regular pretzels, Augsburger Brezen are a bit doughier and are enjoyed with butter. A staple snack in Augsburg, they’re great for a quick bite while wandering the market.
Flammkuchen: Originating from the regions bordering Germany and France, flammkuchen is a thin-crust pizza topped with cream, onions, and bacon. For vegetarians, toppings like cheese and vegetables can replace the bacon.
Dambedei Figures are sweet, doughy figures traditionally made for St. Nicholas Day in Augsburg. Often shaped like little bishops, they symbolise Saint Nicholas and make for a festive treat.
Roasted chestnuts: Warm and comforting, roasted chestnuts are a market staple not just in Augsburg but all over Europe. Their nutty and slightly sweet flavour is comfort on chilly evenings.
Regional mulled wine: While mulled wine is found at Christmas markets across Europe, Augsburg has distinct regional variations, often infused with local spices and fruits.
Marzipan sweets: A confection primarily made from sugar or honey and almond meal, these sweets are moulded into various festive shapes and sometimes dipped in chocolate.
Kartoffelpuffer: These are crispy potato pancakes fried until golden brown. Typically served with apple sauce, they’re a good vegetarian option. Note these are sometimes cooked in lard.
Vegan sausages: Keeping up with the growing demand for plant-based options, many stalls now serve vegan sausages, offering a cruelty-free alternative to the traditional bratwurst.
Lebkuchen: These are German gingerbread cookies, soft and perfectly spiced. Often heart-shaped, they come beautifully decorated and are both a treat to the eyes and palate.
Schmalzkuchen: Mini doughnut-like treats, these deep-fried morsels are dusted with powdered sugar. Bite-sized and delicious, they’re an easy snack to enjoy on the go.
Apple strudel: A pastry filled with tart cooking apples, raisins, and cinnamon, apple strudel is a comforting dessert. Best enjoyed warm, it’s a mix of crunchy pastry and soft apple filling.
Hot chocolate with whipped cream: The hot chocolate at the market is rich and creamy for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, it warms you up instantly.
Eierpunsch: An egg-based alcoholic drink, Eierpunsch is similar to eggnog but with a German twist. It’s made by mixing egg yolk, sugar, white wine, and vanilla and is a creamy drink for those looking to try something different.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Hand-carved wooden ornaments: Augsburg has a tradition of intricate woodworking. Many stalls showcase these ornaments, displaying craftsmanship with details ranging from festive symbols to local Augsburg landmarks. They make for timeless keepsakes or gifts that reflect the city’s heritage.
Augsburg-themed ceramics: Unique to Bavaria, these ceramics often depict scenes of Augsburg’s historical buildings and events. Each piece, whether a mug or plate, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and the artisan’s dedication.
Hand-blown glass decorations: Skilled artisans demonstrate the art of glass blowing and crafting delicate and beautiful Christmas tree decorations. The shimmering ornaments often catch the winter light, making trees sparkle with various colours.
Traditional Bavarian trinkets: Reflecting the broader Bavarian culture, you can find items like miniature beer steins, lederhosen and dirndl keychains. These playful gifts give a nod to the region’s iconic traditions and are popular amongst visitors.
Augsburg’s historical books: For the history enthusiast, vendors often sell books that dive deep into Augsburg’s past. Ranging from pictorial guides to detailed narratives, they make a thoughtful gift for those intrigued by the city’s chronicles.
Bavarian beer sets: Celebrating Germany’s renowned beer culture, many stalls offer specially curated beer sets. Featuring local Augsburg brews, these sets often come with unique glassware, making for a complete tasting experience.
Augsburg calendars: Capturing the essence of the city, these calendars often feature photographs of Augsburg throughout the seasons. They offer a monthly reminder of the market’s charm and the city’s beauty.
Locally made toys: Drawing from the region’s toy-making traditions, stalls often feature wooden toys or hand-sewn dolls. Not only are they entertaining for the little ones, but they also carry a touch of Augsburg’s artisan spirit.
Things to Do in Winter
For up-to-date events and winter activities in the city, I suggest checking out the Augsburg Torismus official website; it’s a reliable resource for visitors.
Sustainability Tips
Here’s how you can embrace responsible travel in Augsburg this Christmas:
Eco-friendly accommodation: Augsburg has several hotels committed to green initiatives. Look for accommodations that employ renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. They often also implement water-saving measures and prioritise waste reduction, ensuring your stay treads lightly on the environment.
Conscious dining: While indulging in the variety of foods at the Christmas market, consider portion sizes to reduce potential waste. Many stalls are receptive to you using your own containers or reusable cutlery, so don’t hesitate to bring them along. Furthermore, opting for local ingredients supports regional farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport.
Ethical shopping choices: When wandering through Augsburg’s festive stalls, purchasing many souvenirs and gifts is tempting. However, think about the longevity and usability of items before buying. Choose products that have a clear purpose or can be used for years to come, and remember to support local artisans whose crafts reflect the city’s culture.
Incorporating sustainable diets: Alongside classic Christmas treats, Augsburg offers a variety of vegetarian and plant-based options. Consuming fewer animal products, especially meat, can significantly lower your carbon footprint. By choosing these options, you’re savouring delicious local food and making an eco-friendly choice.
Opting for sustainable transport: Augsburg’s public transport system is efficient and environmentally conscious. Buses and trams often run on clean energy, and the city encourages cycling with numerous bike lanes. When exploring the city, consider walking or cycling to nearby destinations and use public transport for longer distances. This approach reduces emissions and gives you a closer look at Augsburg’s festive streets.
If you would like to leave a review of Augsburg Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Augsburg, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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