Bamberg Christmas Market 2024: Visit Medieval Germany

Located in the Upper Franconia region, Bamberg is one of the most beautiful small cities in Bavaria. It’s known for its historic architecture and can easily be visited in a day or two.

In this guide, I share information for organising your visit, including dates for the Bamburg Christmas Market and smaller events around the city.

Bamberg Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Bamberg Christmas Market dates: 28th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office website, available here.

Note: Maximiliansplatz is the main winter market. Scroll down for details on the other markets.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Maximiliansplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 9:30am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 9:30am to 9pm.
Sunday: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: The most popular guided walking tour in Bamberg.
Public transport: Intercity trains regularly stop at Bamberg Train Station. From there, it’s a 5 minute walk to the historic centre.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tip: Bamberg is less than one hour from Nuremberg and can easily be visited on a day trip.
Where to stay: Le Baldinger Hotel is 5 minutes to Maximiliansplatz, 3 minutes to the Old Town Hall and 8 minutes to Bamberg Cathedral.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to Visit: Franconian half-timbered houses, unique nativity scenes, UNESCO-listed site.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Freshly baked lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

Bamberg is a compact city with sights and attractions concentrated in a small area. It makes sense to stay somewhere central near the main market at Maximiliansplatz.

On my last visit, I stayed a little out of the city centre. The hotel was ok, but due to its location, I think Le Baldinger Hotel would be a better option.

There are plenty of other nice places to stay in the Old Town. Click here to see the list of hotels in Bamberg I recommend.

Of course, there are many other amazing places to visit in the region. For more information on where to go, my German Christmas Markets List has plenty of ideas.

Event Location

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

List of Other Markets

Don Bosco

Set against the backdrop of Jakobsberg Hill, the Don Bosco Christmas Market is held over two days. The meticulously adorned market stalls showcase the works of artists and craftspeople.

Dates: 9th to 10th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Jakobsplatz on Jakobsberg Hill.
Opening times:
Saturday: 1pm to 8pm.
Sunday: 11am to 7pm.

Advent Market in the Sand

This traditional medieval market, located in front of the historic Elisabethenkirche on Obere Sandstraße, features approximately 30 stalls specialising in regional products.

Dates: 29th November to 1st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Elisabethenkirche (St Elisabeth’s Church).
Opening times:
Friday: 4pm to 8:30pm.
Saturday: 11am to 8:30pm.
Sunday: 11am to 6pm.

Art Market in the Historical Museum

A unique combination of an art exhibition and a sales fair. This event upholds the utmost standards in design and craftsmanship, showcasing high-quality contemporary work from designers across Germany.

Note: This may not be going ahead in 2024.

Dates: 7th to 8th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Domplatz (Cathedral Square).
Opening times:
Friday: 5pm to 9pm.
Saturday: 10am to 7pm.
Sunday: 10am to 5pm.

Intercultural Crafts Market

In the beautifully restored St Johannes Chapel on Stephansberg Hill, global makers showcase cultural diversity, traditions and customs through their work.

Dates: 14th to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: St Johannes Chapel on Stephansberg Hill.
Opening times:
Saturday: 1pm to 7pm.
Sunday: 11am to 7pm.

Advent Magic in Schlüsselfeld

Not far outside of Bamberg, the Christmas Village in the Town Hall courtyard has stage performances, food stalls, handcrafted woodwork and honey products, among other diverse items. The proceeds contribute to the community foundation and local development.

Dates: 30th November to 1st December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Im Rathaushof (Town Hall courtyard).
Opening times:
Saturday: 5pm to 10pm.
Sunday: 3pm to 6pm.

What to Expect

This popular market will once again take place on Maximiliansplatz, the large square in the heart of Bamberg’s old town.

Expect to find handmade toys, decorations and gifts perfect for the holidays. Food stalls will serve traditional foods, including bratwurst, roasted nuts and gingerbread.

An interesting feature of this market is the nativity scene, which is refreshed and altered each week during Advent.

Having visited Bamberg a few years ago, I can say it’s an experience not to be missed if you get the chance. It’s so well-organised, there are many interesting stalls and there’s a warm atmosphere that’s welcome on cold days.

Things to do in Winter

• At the heart of Bamberg, you’ll find the Old Bridge Town Hall, a standout landmark with its ornate architecture dramatically poised in the middle of the Regnitz River. This should be your first stop, as it’s the city’s iconic symbol.
• The Old Court is a complex of historical buildings, including a chapel and timber-framed houses. You can wander through its archways and courtyards.
• Altenburg Castle is another interesting site. Although a bit of a trek, the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
• Next on your itinerary should be the Bamberg Cathedral, an impressive 13th-century Gothic masterpiece with four imposing towers. Spend some time admiring its beautiful interior and the Tomb of Emperor Henry II.
• Follow up with a visit to St Michael’s Monastery. This former Benedictine abbey is now a museum and is home to a stunning library and a terraced garden.
• Lastly, make sure to visit the New Residence, a lavish 17th-century palace. Explore its 40 rooms filled with tapestries, furniture, and paintings, which reveal the opulence of the former prince-bishops of Bamberg.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Eco-friendly hotels: Look for accommodation that runs on renewable energy.
• Minimise Food Waste: It’s easy to get carried away with the abundance of delicious food, but try to be mindful of your consumption. Buy only what you’re certain you’ll eat, and ask for smaller portions if necessary.
• Ethically Made Gifts: Prioritise locally made gifts that support the local economy and avoid mass-produced items.
• Follow a Sustainable Diet: Try vegetarian or plant-based versions of traditional dishes.
• Transport: One of Bamberg’s charms is its compact size, making it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. The city’s public transport system is also efficient and a great alternative for longer distances.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.