Nikolausmarkt Neustadt bei Coburg

Three Days of Pre-Christmas Atmosphere on the Market Square

The Nikolausmarkt in Neustadt bei Coburg is one of the coziest pre-Christmas markets in Upper Franconia. From December 4th to 6th, 2026, the historic market square with its half-timbered ensemble will transform into a stage for around 30 stalls: regional specialties, mulled wine and bratwurst, arts and crafts, and above all glass and Christmas tree ornaments that shape the local character of this market.

Doll Town and Glass Tradition

Neustadt bei Coburg proudly bears the nickname 'World Capital of Dolls' — the town was the center of German doll production in the 19th and 20th centuries (brands like Cuno & Otto Dressel, Catterfelder Puppenfabrik). Today, this tradition is documented in the German Toy Museum. At the same time, due to its proximity to Lauscha (Thuringian Forest), the town is closely linked to glass production and the tradition of Christmas baubles. Both legacies — dolls and glass — are present at the market stalls during the Nikolausmarkt.

Music, Performances, and Children's Program

Christmas music accompanies the market — from brass bands to string ensembles and children's choirs. The family-friendly program includes performances by local clubs, school, and kindergarten choirs, as well as traditional encounters with St. Nicholas. The market is generally small and manageable — this very character makes it attractive for families from the Coburg region and the adjacent Thuringian region.

Neustadt bei Coburg in the Coburg District

Neustadt bei Coburg is a large district town with around 14,800 inhabitants in the Coburg district, Upper Franconia administrative region, Bavaria state. It is located directly on the border with Thuringia, north of the district town of Coburg, on the edge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The historic old town with its half-timbered houses and the market square form the natural setting for the Nikolausmarkt.