Dillinger Christkindlesmarkt

Sparkling Christmas World in the Castle Ensemble

The Dillinger Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Swabian Danube Valley. In 2026, it will open its doors from December 13th to 15th in the castle courtyard and castle garden of the former bishop's residence in Dillingen.

Program and Opening Hours

Following the tried-and-tested choreography of previous years, guests can expect:

• Friday – Opening 6:00 PM, Official Opening 7:00 PM by Mayor Frank Kunz and the Christ-Kind. Market open until 9:00 PM.
• Saturday – 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, main visitor day with stage program, nativity scene exhibition, and castle illumination
• Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Family Day with carousel and meeting the Christ-Kind

Over 70 Exhibitors

More than 70 exhibitors – craftspeople, associations, regional producers – are spread across the castle courtyard and castle garden. The offerings range from handmade candles, wood crafts, and jewelry to regional gifts and winter delicacies: sweet crepes and candied almonds, hearty specialties like bratwurst, fish burgers, accompanied by mulled wine and punch.

Nativity Scene Exhibition in the Castle Chapel

A special feature of the Dillinger Christkindlesmarkt is the nativity scene exhibition in the castle chapel – with numerous private and club collections of nativity scenes. It symbolically represents the market's religious roots in the former episcopal city of Dillingen.

Dillingen — "Swabian Rome"

Dillingen a.d.Donau is located on the Bavarian-Swabian banks of the Danube in the district of Dillingen a.d.Donau. The former residence city of the Augsburg bishops and old university city (1551–1804) bears the nickname "Swabian Rome" – due to the numerous sacred buildings and the baroque splendor of the city center. The magnificent castle on the banks of the Danube is now home to various schools and cultural institutions and provides the ideal backdrop for the Christkindlesmarkt.

Free Admission, Castle Atmosphere Included

Admission is free on all festival days. Access is via the castle gate on Schlossstraße. Behind the walls, an almost intimate Christmas world awaits, its charm significantly shaped by the castle architecture – an experience away from the large, often commercialized big-city Christmas markets.