Altötting Christmas Market

Altötting — Bavaria's Pilgrimage Metropolis

Altötting, in the Upper Bavarian district of Altötting, has been Germany's most important Marian pilgrimage site since the 13th century. The Gnadenkapelle with the famous “Black Madonna” attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. This spiritual density gives the Altötting Christmas Market a very special character — it is not a tourist market, but is embedded in the religious and cultural identity of the place.

Over 50 Years of Tradition

The market looks back on more than half a century of history and is now considered “one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany” (self-proclaimed, but quite justified). The town of Altötting hosts the market, whose charm comes from the careful curation of stallholders: no run-of-the-mill mulled wine stands, but genuine crafts, regional handicrafts, and traditional Advent specialties.

Kapellplatz as a Festive Backdrop

The market spreads across the wide Kapellplatz, framed by baroque buildings. At its center is the small Gnadenkapelle, whose spiritual aura shapes the festive atmosphere. Around 80 wooden huts form a circuit, along which visitors stroll, shop, drink mulled wine, enjoy the lights — and repeatedly cast a glance at the chapel.

Nativity Scene Exhibitions — Altötting's Specialty

A special feature of the Altötting Christmas Market is the nativity scene exhibitions. As a pilgrimage site, Altötting has traditionally been closely associated with nativity scene culture, and during the market, several exhibitions showcase historical, regional, and international Christmas nativity scenes. These treasures can be discovered on a nativity trail through the market and surrounding shops — a unique program element that no other market in the region offers.

St. Nicholas Daily at 5 p.m.

While other markets only feature St. Nicholas on December 6th, in Altötting he comes daily at 5 p.m. to give gifts to the children. On weekends, he is accompanied by the Altötting Angels — a tradition that makes the market a special experience for families.

Advent Concerts and Forum

The market is accompanied by a concert series in Altötting's churches — the Advent concerts featuring choirs, brass ensembles, and classical ensembles. Concerts and cultural events also take place in the Forum Altötting. The town officially kicks off the market with a ceremony on November 27th at 5:30 p.m. in front of the town hall.

The Tradition of the Living Nativity Scene

Among the unforgettable program highlights is the Living Nativity scene during Advent — a reenactment of the Christmas story with real animals and actors, set against the festive market backdrop.

Economic and Spiritual

Unlike many commercialized large markets, the Altötting Christmas Market has maintained its balance between folk festival, commerce, and spiritual Advent experience. Anyone who wants to experience Advent in its original Upper Bavarian form will find it here.