Large Christmas market between Theaterplatz and Rathausplatz
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The complete daily program will be published by the City of Ingolstadt in good time before the market begins. Structurally recurring elements include:
Free admission. Food and drinks at usual Christmas market prices, rides on the Christmas train extra.
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 to the Christkindlmarkt is free. Food, drinks, and rides on the Christmas train are subject to a charge.
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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Theaterplatz und Rathausplatz Ingolstadt
Theaterplatz, 85049 Ingolstadt