Fränkische Weihnacht Bad Rodach

A Christmas in the Coburg Region

Bad Rodach is a spa town in the extreme north of Upper Franconia, on the border with Thuringia, about an hour away from Coburg. The town is known for its thermal baths and its listed old town with the market and castle square. Once a year, on the third Sunday of Advent, the historic town center becomes the venue for the Fränkische Weihnacht.

Nostalgic Wooden Huts as House Facades

The special feature of the Fränkische Weihnacht is the sales stands: not generic wooden huts, but lovingly built small Franconian house facades with imitation half-timbering and shingled roofs. This creates the impression of a complete, historically appearing Christmas street. Behind the facades, regional craftspeople offer gifts, nativity scenes, wood carvings, glass art, and sweets – including numerous Franconian specialties.

Ecumenical Service and Program

At 4 p.m., a service is held in the nearby Johanneskirche – a central program point for many regular visitors. In addition, there are musical performances by choirs and brass bands, a children's program, and readings from Christmas literature. The mulled wine, bratwurst from the charcoal grill, gingerbread, fresh Coburger Schmätzchen, and homemade punch give the market its culinary charm.

50th Anniversary Already Celebrated

The 50th edition of the Fränkische Weihnacht was celebrated in 2025 – a remarkable anniversary for a small-town Advent market. In 2026, it will take place for the 51st time and assert its position as one of the oldest and most popular Advent markets in the Coburg region.

Upper Franconia and the Coburg Region

Bad Rodach is located in the extreme north of Bavaria, on the border with Thuringia. Those traveling to the Fränkische Weihnacht can easily combine the visit with a trip to the Coburg Christmas Market, Callenberg Castle, or the thermal baths of Bad Rodach itself.