Rothenburg Christmas Market 2025 & Town Hall Advent Window

Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s medieval streets and timber-framed houses create a unique setting for the Reiterlesmarkt, its Christmas market.

Read on for the confirmed schedule and what to expect.

Rothenburg Christmas Market at the Town Hall – Don’t Miss the Decorated Tree and the Advent Window

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Rothenburg dates: 21st November to 23rd December 2025 (confirmed with the tourist office).
Location: Reiterlesmarkt at Marktplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
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, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Most of the city centre is car-free but there are several large car parks just outside of the city walls.
Reason to visit: Pretty medieval ambience in a historicy small town.
Recommended tour: Old Town private walking tour.
Specialities: Traditional schneeballen pastry and flaky apple strudel.
Where to stay: Hotel Herrnschloesschen is a popular hotel, 2-minutes from Marktplatz.

Convenient Hotels

Reiterlesmarkt is in the main market square, Marktplatz. Enter through the city gates to get there. This town centre is where you’ll find the historic sights, half-timbered houses and pretty shops.

The Hotel Herrnschloesschen is an excellent hotel choice within this area.

Recommended Tours

This popular and highly rated Rothenburg city tour takes you to iconic landmarks, including the historic town walls, Rathaus (Town Hall) and St Jakob’s Church.

Read our German Christmas Markets List to find more destinations to add to your winter itinerary.

Event Location

What to Expect

The traditional Advent market in Rothenburg, known as the Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century.

It’s named after the ‘Reiterle’, a character from local legends who has transformed from a feared spectre to a beloved symbol of the holiday season.

As you wander the market, you’ll find handcrafted items, from traditional German decorations to glass ornaments. Enjoy local delicacies like the ‘Schneeballen’, a unique, snowball-shaped pastry.

Flanked by half-timbered houses, the market’s setting in the charming medieval town square only adds charm and allure.

Regional Specialties

Schneeballen: A unique Rothenburg pastry that takes its name from its snowball-like shape. It’s made by cutting rolled-out dough into strips, shaping them into balls, and then deep-frying until golden. It’s often dusted with powdered sugar or coated with chocolate. They are completely overrated, in my opinion, but to each their own.
Stollen: A fruit bread with dried fruit, nuts, and spices, covered with icing sugar.
Lebkuchen: Hailing from the nearby city of Nuremberg, but popular throughout Germany.
Kartoffelpuffer: These are savoury potato pancakes, made from grated potatoes and fried to a crisp. Traditionally served with apple sauce.
Bratwurst: A popular grilled snack in Germany.
Glühwein: A classic winter drink.

At the Food Stalls

Pretzels: Usually sprinkled with coarse salt, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Reibekuchen: Also known as potato fritters, reibekuchen are delicious.
Feuerzangenbowle: A dramatic and festive drink where a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine.
Waffles: Made fresh, often with a dusting of icing sugar and toppings.
Bratkartoffeln: These are German-style fried potatoes, usually cooked with onions and bacon.
Flammkuchen: This Alsatian ‘fire cake’ is akin to a thin-crust pizza. Topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon.
Schokofrüchte: Fresh fruits such as strawberries or bananas dipped in melted chocolate and left to harden.

What to Buy

Käthe Wohlfahrt Ornaments: This well-known German brand specialises in ornaments and decorations. Its flagship store in Rothenburg is open year-round.
Handcrafted Wooden Items: Toy figurines, decorative wall hangings, and carved kitchen utensils.
Cuckoo Clocks: Ranging from simple designs to detailed carvings depicting scenes from nature or local life.
Gingerbread Moulds: Wooden cookie moulds come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Local Wines and Spirits: Rothenburg and the surrounding region produce some excellent wines and distinctive Franconian schnapps.
Snow Globes: Depicting iconic scenes of Rothenburg.
Handblown Glass: Many styles available.

Half-timbered houses in Rothenburg, Germany.

Sustainability Tips

Renewable Energy: Several hotels and guesthouses in Rothenburg utilise renewable energy sources. By choosing to stay at such places, you’re supporting sustainable practices.
Reducing Food Waste: Avoid overordering. Enjoy what you can, and remember, leftover pretzels and gingerbread make great snacks for later!
Ethical Consumption: Stick to locally produced items to support the regional economy.
Sustainable Diets: Many food vendors at the market offer vegetarian and vegan options, which have a lower environmental impact.
Transport: Rothenburg is a compact town, and walking is the best way to get around. Not only is it a zero-emission option, but it also gives you a chance to discover hidden corners of the town. If you’re travelling to Rothenburg from further away, consider train travel instead of driving or flying. Germany has an extensive, efficient railway network that can bring you right to the town’s doorstep.

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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.