Altdorf Christmas Market at Wichernhaus
Historic Advent Market in the Courtyard of the Former University
About Altdorf Christmas Market
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altdorf Christmas Market al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
A Christmas Market within Historic Walls
Altdorf near Nuremberg, a small town of just under 16,000 inhabitants in the Nuremberg region, was home to the renowned Altdorf University – Nuremberg's only imperial university – from 1622 to 1809. After the university was dissolved by King Maximilian I of Bavaria, the venerable buildings in the town center were used for other purposes. Today, the ensemble houses the Wichernhaus, a diaconal center, and provides the most picturesque backdrop imaginable for a Christmas market during Advent.
Three Advent Weekends in Silbergasse
Unlike the large commercial markets in Nuremberg or Munich, the Altdorf Christmas Market deliberately remains small and atmospheric. It is only open on three Advent weekends – Saturday and Sunday, in the afternoons and evenings. The wooden stalls in the courtyard illuminate the visitors' paths between the old sandstone walls, while music from local choirs and ensembles now echoes from the former lecture halls.
Stick Bread, Mulled Wine, and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
The program has a distinct family character: there's stick bread for children by the campfire, a dedicated children's Christmas area offers fairy tales and stories, and St. Nicholas himself visits the market on St. Nicholas Day (December 7). On the third Advent weekend, horse-drawn carriage rides through the old town create a special atmosphere. Culinary delights include: mulled wine, children's punch, bratwurst rolls, crêpes, gingerbread, apple turnovers, and regional cookies.
Altdorf as an Imperial Ensemble
Altdorf boasts one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Middle Franconia. The former city gates, the market square, the town hall, and, of course, the historic university complex form an architectural ensemble that appears even more impressive during the Advent season. Visitors to the Christmas market should definitely plan a stroll through the old town – the Altdorf Wallenstein Festival in the summer is another testament to the cultural richness of this small university town.
Altdorf Christmas Market — edition 2026
The Altdorf Christmas Market 2026 follows the established format: the courtyard of the Wichernhaus will be open on Saturdays and Sundays for three Advent weekends. The festively illuminated sandstone walls of the former Altdorf University provide a unique backdrop for wooden stalls offering handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, wool products, and regional delicacies.
Highlights include the visit of St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 6, 2026, a dedicated children's Christmas area with fairy tales and stories, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the old town on the third Advent weekend. Stick bread by the open fire and live performances by local choirs and music groups complete the family-friendly program.
Programme Altdorf Christmas Market 2026
Altdorf Christmas Market 2026 — Wichernhaus, Silbergasse 2
1st Advent Weekend — November 28 + 29, 2026
- Saturday, Nov 28, 2026: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Market opening with mulled wine and bratwurst
- Sunday, Nov 29, 2026: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Performances by local choirs and music groups
2nd Advent Weekend — December 5 + 6, 2026
- Saturday, Dec 5, 2026: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Festive program
- Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 (St. Nicholas Day): 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Visit from St. Nicholas, traditionally around 5:00 PM in the courtyard
3rd Advent Weekend — December 12 + 13, 2026
- Saturday, Dec 12, 2026: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Horse-drawn carriage rides through Altdorf's old town
- Sunday, Dec 13, 2026: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Market closing with carriage rides and music
Ongoing Attractions
- Wooden stalls with nativity scenes, Christmas decorations, handmade jewelry, wool products, care products, and specialties
- Children's Christmas area with fairy tales and stories
- Stick bread by the open fire
- Bratwurst rolls, crêpes, mulled wine, children's punch, gingerbread, apple turnovers
Further information on the official city website: altdorf.de.
Highlights Altdorf Christmas Market 2026
Prices Altdorf Christmas Market 2026
Practical information — Altdorf Christmas Market
Getting There
Altdorf near Nuremberg is located about 25 km east of Nuremberg, accessible via the A6 motorway (Altdorf exit). By train: Take the S-Bahn line S1 from Nuremberg Central Station to Altdorf b. Nürnberg (approx. 30 minutes). From the station, it's about a 10-minute walk to Silbergasse 2. Parking is available on the outskirts of town; access to the old town is restricted.
Opening Hours
Saturdays 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sundays 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (on the first three Advent weekends). Free admission.
Tips
Don't forget warm shoes and a hat – the courtyard is open and can be breezy. The visit from St. Nicholas on December 6 (Sunday) is particularly popular with families; arrive early. Combining the visit with a walk through the historic old town is recommended.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altdorf Christmas Market al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Altdorf Christmas Market
Innenhof der ehemaligen Universität — Wichernhaus
Silbergasse 2, 90518 Altdorf b.Nürnberg