Name: Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt 2026
Start: 2026-11-20T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-12-23T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Marktplatz, Grüner Markt & Kirchplatz

Reiterlesmarkt

About Reiterlesmarkt

The Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most romantic Christmas markets in Germany. In the perfectly preserved medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 61 festively decorated stalls unfold their Christmas splendour between the market square, the Green Market, and the church square. The tradition dates back to the 15th century. The namesake and symbol is the mysterious 'Reiterle', who rides majestically on horseback across the market square at the opening to greet visitors.

Dates 20 Nov — 23 Dec 2026

Venue Rothenburg ob der Tauber (09571)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Reiterlesmarkt — edition 2026

The Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt 2026 will take place from November 20 to December 23 in the medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. 61 festively decorated stalls between the Market Square, Green Market, and Church Square, daily brass music, and the traditional opening with the Reiterle on horseback.

The Reiterlesmarkt 2026 runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; on Totensonntag (November 22), the market remains closed or opens only in the afternoon.

At the opening, the Reiterle rides majestically on horseback across the market square to greet visitors, and the mayor lights the large Christmas tree. Between the Market Square, Green Market, Church Square, and the Town Hall's courtyard of light, 61 stalls offer Christmas decorations, Schneeballen, gingerbread, handicrafts, and mulled wine.

Highlights Reiterlesmarkt 2026

One of Germany's oldest Christmas markets (since the 15th century)
Arrival of the legendary Reiterle on horseback
61 stalls in a medieval setting
Rothenburg Schneeballen and mulled wine
Daily brass music at the Green Market

Programme Reiterlesmarkt 2026

Highlights 2026

November 20 — Opening with festive address and the Reiterle's arrival
Daily brass ensembles from the region on the stage at the Green Market
Daily changing Advent windows in the Town Hall, designed by school classes and youth groups
Illumination of the entire old town during Advent
61 stalls between the Market Square, Green Market, and Church Square

Prices Reiterlesmarkt 2026

Admission to the Reiterlesmarkt is free. Food, drinks, and goods are sold at the stalls.

Practical information

Practical information — Reiterlesmarkt

Getting There

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located on the Romantic Road in the Ansbach district. Arrive by train via Steinach (near Rothenburg ob der Tauber) with a connecting service; arrive by car via the A7 motorway (Rothenburg exit). Parking is available outside the town walls; the old town is pedestrian-only.

Opening Hours

Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Closed on Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead).

Admission

Admission to the Reiterlesmarkt is free.

A Christmas Market with Over 500 Years of History

The Alt-Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany – its origins date back to the 15th century. The setting is the world-famous, perfectly preserved medieval old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the Ansbach district of Middle Franconia, Bavaria. During Advent, the entire old town is festively illuminated.

The Legend of the Reiterle

The market is named after the 'Reiterle' – a mysterious rider figure from ancient Germanic sagas. Once considered a sinister messenger between worlds, over the centuries it transformed into a friendly figure of light, who rides majestically on horseback across the market square at the market's opening to welcome visitors.

61 Stalls in a Historic Setting

Between the Market Square, Green Market, Church Square, and the Town Hall's courtyard of light, 61 stalls offer Christmas decorations, handicrafts, gingerbread, the famous Rothenburg 'Schneeballen' (snowballs), and mulled wine. Brass ensembles from the region play daily on the stage at the Green Market. School classes and youth groups showcase ever-changing Advent windows in the Town Hall daily.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber at Advent

The town on the Romantic Road is one of Bavaria's most visited destinations. During Advent, the old town, enclosed by its town walls and towers, transforms into a fairytale backdrop that attracts visitors from all over the world annually.