Few places capture the enchantment of Christmas quite like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This medieval gem in the heart of Franconia, Germany, seems tailor-made for the festive season — a place where half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled lanes and glowing lanterns create a picture-book backdrop for one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets.
From 21 November to 23 December 2025, Rothenburg once again hosts its legendary Reiterlesmarkt — a tradition dating back to the 15th century. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a celebration steeped in legend, craftsmanship and old-world charm.
“Rothenburg at Christmas feels less like a destination and more like stepping into a snow globe come to life.”
The Legend of the Reiterle
The market takes its name from the “Rothenburg Reiterle”, a figure from ancient German folklore. Once feared as a spectral horseman who rode through winter skies collecting souls of the departed, the Reiterle has long since been transformed into a symbol of festive joy — a benevolent messenger heralding the start of Advent.
Each year, when the Reiterle appears at the market’s grand opening ceremony, the crowd falls silent before erupting into applause. It’s a moment that bridges the centuries, connecting Rothenburg’s medieval past to its enduring Christmas spirit.
A Market Woven into the Town
Unlike the sprawling urban Christmas markets of Munich or Nuremberg, Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarkt feels intimate, folded naturally into the rhythm of the old town. The market square and surrounding streets are lined with wooden chalets selling hand-crafted ornaments, candles, carved nativity figures, woollen scarves and local delicacies.
The air fills with the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine — or Glühwein, as it’s known here. Locals are particularly proud of their white Glühwein, a fragrant Franconian twist on the classic red version, made with local grapes and warming spices.
“Every corner glows with warmth — from candlelit shop windows to the flicker of torches beneath the Town Hall tower.”
Sounds, Sights and Seasonal Traditions
The Reiterlesmarkt is not just about shopping — it’s an experience woven together by music, light and time-honoured ritual. Each day brings its own rhythm: Santa Claus makes his rounds at 4:30 pm, brass bands perform from 5:30 pm, and at 5 pm an Advent calendar window is ceremoniously opened. After dark, the Night Watchman’s Tour leads small groups through the lamplit streets, recounting tales of Rothenburg’s medieval nights.
“Follow the Night Watchman by lantern light and you’ll feel the centuries close in around you.”
Culinary Delights in Franconian Style
Food is central to the Reiterlesmarkt experience. Alongside the comforting staples of sausages, pretzels and gingerbread, the market offers Franconian specialities worth seeking out.
The “Genießen ob der Tauber” initiative invites visitors to enjoy wine-tasting evenings and gourmet menus in six local restaurants, pairing regional dishes with crisp Franconian wines. For those seeking fine dining, the Michelin-starred Villa Mittermeier offers a modern twist on seasonal flavours. Don’t miss the Weihnachtsgarten at Hotel Reichsküchenmeister, where guests can warm their hands around steaming cups of mulled wine, and of course the Rothenburger Schneeballen — the town’s signature snowball-shaped pastry.
“The Schneeballen may be simple, but biting into one beneath the Christmas lights feels like pure nostalgia.”
Beyond the Market Stalls
The magic of Rothenburg extends well beyond the market square. Step inside Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village — a wonderland of ornaments, nutcrackers and hand-blown glass baubles. In the town’s churches, traditional nativity scenes are displayed, while museums such as the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and the Imperial City Museum host winter exhibitions.
From 12 to 23 December, the Winterglühen market at the Castle Garden offers an atmospheric alternative — smaller and quieter, with live music and views over the Tauber Valley.
Getting There
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is around a two-hour drive west of Nuremberg or two and a half hours from Munich. From the UK, travellers can fly into Nuremberg, Munich or Frankfurt, all offering frequent direct flights from London and regional airports. From there, regular train connections via Ansbach or Steinach bring visitors right into Rothenburg’s quaint station, just a short walk from the old town walls.
“The journey itself feels like a prelude to Christmas — through valleys, vineyards and snow-dusted villages.”
Plan Your Visit
The Reiterlesmarkt runs daily except on 23 November (Totensonntag). Opening hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday to Thursday and until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekdays and early evenings are quieter times to visit, while weekends bring a lively festive crowd. Accommodation within the old town ranges from boutique inns to cosy guesthouses — all brimming with Yuletide atmosphere.
For More Information
For detailed schedules, events, and festive tips, visit www.rothenburg.de/christmas-market — the official tourism website offering multilingual information, travel advice and downloadable maps.
“In Rothenburg, Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling — one that lingers long after the last lantern has dimmed.”
