Großer Tuttlinger Weihnachtsmarkt im Rittergarten 2026

A Christmas Market for Creatives in the Kulturhaus

The Großer Tuttlinger Weihnachtsmarkt im Rittergarten differs from classic city center markets through its very special setting: it takes place in the Kulturhaus am Bürgerpark — the former Old Crematorium, which is now used as a cultural center. This gives the event an intimate, almost gallery-like atmosphere, in which exhibitors can present their work in a dignified setting.

Artisans and Hobby Artists in Focus

The focus is on hobby artists and creative artisans: potters, jewelry designers, painters, textile designers, candle makers, wood sculptors. Unlike many commercial markets, almost everything here is handmade and available as a unique piece. On the ground floor and in the upper rooms, a cozy café also opens — in-house catering with hot drinks and sweet and savory snacks.

Opening on Friday Evening

The market opens on Friday, December 4th, 2026, in the late afternoon. The official opening takes place in the early evening, followed by a live program: music students or regional music associations provide the festive start, traditionally also a visit from St. Nicholas for the little ones. Later in the evening, the atmosphere is particularly atmospheric, with open-air catering in the illuminated outdoor area.

Family Program on Saturday

On Saturday, December 5th, 2026, the market opens in the early afternoon and offers an extended family program: trumpet or flute ensembles, organ performances in the Kulturhaus, a reading in the Advent reading corner. In the evening, a larger band or a cover artist traditionally joins — the range extends from folk to pop to classic Christmas programs.

Rittergarten — the "Association for Playing and Participating"

Behind the market stands the Rittergarten e.V., a Tuttlingen cultural association dedicated to medieval culture, role-playing games, and the preservation of historical customs — hence the characteristic name. In partnership with Heimat-Forum e.V., it opens its Kulturhaus for the Christmas market to the general public of Tuttlingen. This dual character — medieval association plus classic heritage association — makes the program unique: creative handicrafts in a dignified setting with warm club catering.

Tuttlingen as the Source of the Danube

Tuttlingen, with around 38,000 inhabitants, is the district town of the Tuttlingen district in southern Baden-Württemberg, located on the upper reaches of the Danube in the Swabian Jura. The city has a reputation as the "world center of medical technology" (over 600 medical companies worldwide have their headquarters or roots here). In Advent, it offers several Christmas markets — the Rittergarten market is one of the most intimate and popular.