Kempten Christmas Market

Advent Magic in the Heart of Kempten

The Kempten Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Allgäu and southern Bavaria. From November 27 to December 23, 2026, the Rathausplatz, in the shadow of the baroque Kempten Town Hall, will be transformed into an illuminated Advent landscape with traditional wooden huts, Christmas trees, and fairy lights. With over 2,000 years of city history, Kempten is one of Germany's oldest cities — the market celebrates this heritage with a baroque and festive staging in the state of Bavaria.

Opening with the Kempten Christkind

The festive opening takes place on Friday, November 27, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. The Mayor will welcome guests together with the Kempten Christkind, who will return for numerous appearances at the market in the following Advent weeks. The Christkind is a firmly established tradition in the Allgäu — the annually re-elected young woman in golden robes is one of the symbolic figureheads of the Kempten Christmas.

Nativity Scene Culture and Children's Hut

A special feature of the market is the hand-carved larch wood nativity scene on the east side of the town hall, whose almost life-sized figures are presented throughout the Advent season. A nativity path leads through the festively lit arcades, and a nativity exhibition by the Kempten Nativity Friends completes the offering in the town hall foyer. For children, the market has set up its own children's hut with craft activities, a wish letter mailbox to the Christkind, a carousel, and treats like cotton candy and candied almonds.

Craft Market in the Schrannenhalle

On the last market weekend, the craft market will also open in the Schrannenhalle of the town hall. Allgäu artisans will present handmade gift items — from ceramics, felt art, and wood carvings to precious metal works. The market thus complements the hut offerings on the Rathausplatz and is considered a valuable source for high-quality gifts from the Allgäu.