Ehinger Weihnachtsmarkt

Ehinger Weihnachtsmarkt — Advent in the Danube Town

Ehingen an der Donau, a charming small town 25 kilometers west of Ulm, presents one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the region starting December 12th, 2026. For ten days — until December 21st — the historic market square transforms into a festive Advent mile. Over 20 decorated stalls offer Swabian-Danubian crafts, regional specialties, and the typical Advent atmosphere of a Swabian small-town market. The market is a member of the "Kleinstadtperlen" network — a Baden-Württemberg initiative that brings together the most beautiful Advent markets in medium-sized and small towns.

Official Opening with Mayor Baumann

The official opening takes place on Friday, December 12th, 2026, at 5:30 PM by Ehingen's Mayor Alexander Baumann. With a ceremonial act — the traditional welcome of the market vendors, an address, and musical accompaniment by the municipal brass choir — the market is opened. Afterwards, the festive lighting will illuminate for the first time, and market operations will begin.

Over 20 Stalls with Swabian-Danubian Variety

The over 20 decorated stalls are operated by Ehingen clubs, artisans, regional producers, and retailers. You'll find handmade wood carvings from the Swabian Jura, felt wool products, regionally distilled schnapps, honey, and candles from Ehingen beekeepers, and Christmas tree ornaments in the traditional Swabian-Danubian style. Culinary delights are dominated by regional specialties: Swabian Maultaschen in broth, Spätzle with mushroom cream sauce, bratwurst from a charcoal grill, crêpes, and Swabian fried pastries like Hutzelbrot. To warm up, there's Ehingen mulled wine, hot apple juice, punch, and dark beer on tap from the local brewery.

Daily Stage Program

Throughout the ten market days, there is a diverse stage program: regional choirs (from children's choirs to men's choirs), music clubs, brass choirs, school ensembles, and occasionally jazz combos. The program is curated by the city's cultural office and offers live music every evening from 5 PM. Additionally, there are regular guest appearances by St. Nicholas, who distributes gifts to children.

X-Mas Party on December 20th

The highlight of the market is the X-Mas Party on December 20th, 2026. On this Saturday evening, the market character transitions into party mode: extended opening hours, a DJ or live band on stage, special drink offers, and a particularly exuberant atmosphere. This is the date when younger Ehingen residents and students from nearby Ulm also come to the market in larger numbers.

Ehingen — Small Town Between the Swabian Jura and the Danube Valley

Ehingen, with around 27,000 inhabitants, is a central town in the Alb-Donau district, located in the Danube valley, between the Swabian Jura to the north and the Upper Swabian Hill Country to the south. Worth seeing are the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the old town with its half-timbered houses, and the market square itself — the venue for the market. In summer, Ehingen is a starting point for Danube bike tours, hikes in the Swabian Jura, and excursions to the Federsee lake area. In December, the Christmas market offers the most beautiful opportunity to experience the small-town flair of the Danube region — manageable, charming, and personal.