Ingolstädter Christkindlmarkt
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Folk traditions Folklore

Ingolstädter Christkindlmarkt

Large Christmas market between Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz

Ingolstadt — Kreisfreie Stadt Ingolstadt (09161)
Dates 25 Nov — 23 Dec 2026
Venue Ingolstadt (09161)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt

From late November until just before Christmas, the Ingolstädter Christkindlmarkt transforms Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz into the traditional Christmas heart of the Upper Bavarian metropolis. Mulled wine, arts and crafts, regional specialties, a fairy tale trail, and the nostalgic Christmas train make it particularly family-friendly. The "Klein und Fein" (Small and Fine) arts and crafts market and performances from Ingolstadt's partner cities give the market its international yet unmistakably Bavarian flair.

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The Christkindlmarkt in the Heart of Ingolstadt

With around 145,000 inhabitants, Ingolstadt is the largest city in western Upper Bavaria and one of the economic engines of the Free State. During Advent, the historic old town around Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz becomes a festive Christmas mile – for several weeks, the Christkindlmarkt shapes the cityscape between the Liebfrauenmünster and the Danube.

Classic Christmas Market Atmosphere

Wooden stalls, fairy lights, the scent of fir trees – the Christkindlmarkt is a classic Bavarian production. Hot drinks from mulled wine to children's punch, gingerbread from Franconia, bratwurst from Upper Bavaria, Lángos from Hungary (via a partner city), and sweet specialties from chocolate fruits to chocolate-covered fruit round off the culinary offerings. In addition, the market is thematically divided into a large Christkindlmarkt area at Theaterplatz and the "Klein und Fein" area with an emphasis on arts and crafts.

Fairy Tale Trail and Christmas Train

Families are particularly drawn to the fairy tale trail, a decorative walk-through with scenes from classic fairy tales, and the nostalgic Christmas train that runs through the market. Both are among the fixed attractions for families from Ingolstadt and the region. Nativity scenes and figures also shape the image.

Partner Cities and Internationality

A hallmark of the Ingolstädter Christkindlmarkt is the presence of its partner cities. Ingolstadt maintains partnerships with Murska Sobota (Slovenia), Carrara (Italy), Grasse (France), and other cities worldwide – they are represented at the market with their own stalls, specialties, and cultural programs. The motto "Openness to the World Rooted in Tradition" aptly summarizes this mix.

Upper Bavaria and Wittelsbach Tradition

In the 16th century, Ingolstadt was a university city and remained a garrison and Wittelsbach residence city for centuries. This is also evident at the Christkindlmarkt: the historic backdrop with the town hall, cathedral, and city theater makes the market one of the most beautiful in the region.

Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt — edition 2026

The Ingolstädter Christkindlmarkt 2026 opens from November 25 to December 23, 2026, on Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz. Over four weeks of Advent with mulled wine, regional specialties, the "Klein und Fein" arts and crafts market, a fairy tale trail, the nostalgic Christmas train, and performances from Ingolstadt's partner cities.

Four weeks of Advent in Ingolstadt: From Wednesday, November 25, to Wednesday, December 23, 2026, the Christkindlmarkt opens its wooden stalls daily between Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz. The organizer is the City of Ingolstadt via the Cultural Office.

The usual experience includes the separate "Klein und Fein" arts and crafts market, the decorative fairy tale trail, the nostalgic Christmas train for children, a diverse stage program, and culinary stands from Ingolstadt's partner cities. Free admission.

Programme Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt 2026

Market Period November 25 – December 23, 2026

The complete daily program will be published by the City of Ingolstadt in good time before the market begins. Structurally recurring elements include:

  • Opening Day (November 25, 2026) – festive opening by the Lord Mayor, first live performances
  • Theaterplatz – main market with over 60 wooden stalls: mulled wine, gingerbread, bratwurst, Lángos, regional specialties
  • Rathausplatz – "Klein und Fein" arts and crafts market with handmade gifts, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles
  • Fairy Tale Trail – decoratively staged scenes from classic fairy tales
  • Nostalgic Christmas Train – small train for children through the market
  • Partner Cities Program – own stalls and performances from Murska Sobota, Carrara, Grasse, etc.
  • Stage Program – Advent choirs, brass bands, school orchestras, dance performances
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) – usually closed or open for reduced hours

Highlights Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt 2026

  • "Klein und Fein" arts and crafts market on Rathausplatz
  • Fairy tale trail with decoratively staged fairy tale scenes
  • Nostalgic Christmas train as a family highlight
  • Partner cities from Slovenia, Italy, and France with their own stalls

Prices Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks at usual Christmas market prices, rides on the Christmas train extra.

Practical information — Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt

Getting There

By car via the A 9 (exit Ingolstadt-Nord or -Süd) and the city center parking garages. By train to Ingolstadt Hauptbahnhof, from there take a bus or walk 15 minutes to the old town.

Admission

Admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free. Food, drinks, and rides on the Christmas train are subject to a charge.

Opening Hours

Usually daily from 11 a.m., open until approx. 9 p.m., shorter hours on Christmas Eve. Current times at christkindlmarkt-ingolstadt.de.

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Where it takes place Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt

Theaterplatz und Rathausplatz Ingolstadt

Theaterplatz, 85049 Ingolstadt

Contact Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt

Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt at a glance

Gastronomy Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Art crafts Crafts Outdoor International Kreisfreie Stadt Ingolstadt

History of Christkindlmarkt Ingolstadt