Name: Reichsstädter Advent Aalen 2026
Start: 2026-11-25T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-12-23T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Spritzenhausplatz Aalen

Reichsstädter Advent

About Reichsstädter Advent

From November 25th to December 23rd, 2026, the Reichsstädter Advent invites you to almost a month of pre-Christmas atmosphere on Spritzenhausplatz in the heart of Aalen. The former 'Aalener Weihnachtsmarkt' is rebranding as Reichsstädter Advent, harking back to Aalen's history as a Free Imperial City. Municipal stalls will be run by associations, schools, kindergartens, and local vendors – music and show program on stage, mulled wine, Christmas crafts, and Aalen's gastronomy. Free admission.

Dates 25 Nov — 23 Dec 2026

Venue Aalen (08136)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Reichsstädter Advent — edition 2026

The Reichsstädter Advent 2026 runs daily from November 25th to December 23rd on Aalen's Spritzenhausplatz. Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM. Municipal stalls by Aalen associations, schools, and kindergartens, stage program with Aalen choirs and bands, mulled wine, Christmas crafts, and Aalen's gastronomy. Free admission.

Reichsstädter Advent 2026

For almost a month, Spritzenhausplatz in Aalen's city center transforms into a winter Christmas market: from November 25th to December 23rd, 2026, open daily.

Municipal stalls are run by Aalen associations, schools, kindergartens, and local craftspeople. On the small stage, school choirs, kindergarten groups, brass bands, and student bands present their Advent programs. The Cultural and Press Office of the City of Aalen is responsible. Free admission.

Highlights Reichsstädter Advent 2026

Open daily for almost 5 weeks (Nov 25–Dec 23, 2026)
Community event with Aalen associations and schools
Stage program with choirs and bands
Free admission, central Spritzenhausplatz
New name since 2024: Reference to Aalen as a Free Imperial City

Programme Reichsstädter Advent 2026

Daily Opening Hours

Sunday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM

Stage Program

Live performances by Aalen school choirs, kindergarten groups, trombone choirs, brass bands, and student bands throughout the five Advent weeks. The detailed daily program will be published by the Cultural and Press Office approximately 4 weeks before the opening on aalen.de.

Exhibitor Groups

Aalen Associations (Sports, Carnival, Traditions)
Schools, Kindergartens, and Youth Groups
Local Craftspeople (Jewelry, Wood, Textiles, Ceramics)
Gastronomy from Aalen with Mulled Wine, Punch, and Street Food

Prices Reichsstädter Advent 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks at usual prices.

Practical information

Practical information — Reichsstädter Advent

Getting There

By train to Aalen Hauptbahnhof, 7 minutes' walk to Spritzenhausplatz. By car via B 19 / B 29, parking garages in the city center.

Opening Hours

Sunday to Wednesday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM. Open daily from November 25th to December 23rd, 2026.

Admission

Free admission. Food, drinks, and market goods at usual prices.

Aalen's Christmas Market in New Guise

The Reichsstädter Advent is the central Christmas market in the city of Aalen, located in the Ostalb district in Baden-Württemberg. What was simply known as the 'Aalener Weihnachtsmarkt' for decades has renewed its name, acknowledging Aalen's history as a former Free Imperial City. From November 25th to December 23rd, 2026, it opens daily on Spritzenhausplatz in the city center.

Spritzenhausplatz: Central and Atmospheric

Spritzenhausplatz is centrally located between the market square and the city center, easily accessible on foot and by public transport. During the Reichsstädter Advent, it is decorated, illuminated, and equipped with municipal wooden huts – all uniformly designed, operated by rotating exhibitor communities: associations from Aalen and its districts, schools, and kindergartens, local artists, and craftspeople.

Stage Program by Aalen's Associations

A small stage in the middle of the square will host a live program throughout the five weeks: school choirs, kindergarten performances, brass bands, trombone choirs, and student bands. The program is coordinated by the Cultural and Press Office of the City of Aalen in conjunction with the associations – a true community event, not a commercial mass market.

What You'll Find at the Market

Christmas crafts and gift ideas – wood carvings, candles, jewelry, textiles, gingerbread, regional honeys, straw and wooden stars. Plus Aalen's gastronomy with mulled wine, punch, bratwurst, chestnuts, candied almonds, crêpes, tarte flambée, and vegetarian specialties. Association stalls serve mulled wine for the benefit of charitable projects.

Aalen in the Ostalb District

With around 68,000 inhabitants, Aalen is the largest city in the Ostalb district, situated between the Swabian Jura and the Welzheimer Wald. The city was a Free Imperial City and is now home to a renowned University of Technology and Economics. Spritzenhausplatz is centrally located, perfect for an Advent stroll combined with a visit to the Limes Museum or the Tiefen Stollen (show mine).