Romantic Christmas Market Thurn und Taxis Palace Regensburg
One of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets in the historic courtyard of the Thurn und Taxis princely family
About Romantic Christmas Market
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A Palace as a Backdrop
The Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace has been one of Germany's most renowned Christmas markets since the 1990s. The setting is unique: the courtyard of St. Emmeram Palace in Regensburg — the residence of the Thurn und Taxis princely family and part of a baroque palace complex with over 500 rooms. When thousands of candles are lit on a November evening, the palace courtyard is bathed in warm light, and the Princely Christ Child opens the market from the grand balcony, it becomes one of the iconic images of the Bavarian pre-Christmas season.
Candles, Handicrafts, and Children's Magic Forest
The focus is on handmade goods from regional male and female artisans — from nativity figures, wood carvings, and glassblowing to jewelry and textiles. In the Children's Magic Forest, young visitors experience a self-contained fantasy world with nostalgic rides: a small steam train, a swing boat, a historic Ferris wheel, and a children's circus. Between the market stalls, music groups perform daily — ensembles like the Moosbach Brass Ensemble, 'Altbairisch Blech,' or soloists like Martina Rauscher are part of the regular cultural program.
The Princely Christ Child
A special feature that distinguishes the market from many others: The Princely Christ Child appears daily throughout the market season at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM on the grand balcony of the palace courtyard, addressing visitors directly. The opening on the first market day is celebrated by the Christ Child — a theatrically staged appearance that has since achieved cult status.
Atmospheric Themed Evenings
Over the five market weeks, several themed evenings take place — the most famous being the Romantic Night of Lights, where the entire palace courtyard shines in special candlelight. Family Sunday, with reduced family admission and a special children's program, is also a regular feature.
Regensburg — UNESCO World Heritage on the Danube
The market is set within one of Germany's most beautiful old towns: Regensburg, the episcopal and university city in Lower Bavaria with its UNESCO World Heritage old town, St. Peter's Cathedral, and the historic Stone Bridge. Visitors to the Romantic Christmas Market often combine it with the Christkindlmarkt on Neupfarrplatz, the Lucrezia Market in the courtyard of the Thon-Dittmer Palais, and a stroll through the medieval alleys — one of Bavaria's most concentrated pre-Christmas scenes.
A Tradition with a Palace Courtyard Myth
The Romantic Christmas Market requires an admission fee — which distinguishes it from classic city Christmas markets. This protects the intimate atmosphere of the palace courtyard from overcrowding and allows for the elaborate staging and cultural program. With several hundred thousand visitors annually from all over Germany and Europe, it is one of the most visited paid Christmas markets in the country.
Romantic Christmas Market — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace runs from Friday, November 20, 2026, to Wednesday, December 23, 2026. After a day of rest on Totensonntag (November 22), the palace courtyard will reopen on Monday, November 23.
Around 100 market stalls will feature regional artisans presenting handmade goods — nativity figures, glassblowing, wood carvings, jewelry, textiles, and food items. In the Children's Magic Forest, the Ferris wheel, swing boat, and steam train will operate as in previous years. The Princely Christ Child will appear daily at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM on the grand balcony. Over the five weeks, several themed evenings and cultural events with local artists will take place.
The official opening will be on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM by the Princely Christ Child 2026.
Programme Romantic Christmas Market 2026
Program Structure 2026
Opening
- Friday, Nov 20, 2026, 6:00 PM — Official opening by the Princely Christ Child 2026 on the grand balcony of the palace courtyard
Daily Highlights
- 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM — Appearance of the Princely Christ Child on the grand balcony
- Handicraft stalls by regional vendors throughout the palace courtyard
- Live music with changing ensembles (brass ensembles, vocal soloists, Bavarian folk music)
- Children's Magic Forest with steam train, swing boat, historic Ferris wheel, children's circus
Special Themed Evenings
- Romantic Night of Lights — the palace courtyard in special candlelight
- Family Sundays with free admission for children up to 16 years old
- Concerts with the Altbairisch Blech ensemble, Moosbach Brass Ensemble, Martina Rauscher, and others
Day of Rest
- Sunday, Nov 22, 2026 (Totensonntag) — Market closed
Detailed daily program: wm-tut.de/programm
Highlights Romantic Christmas Market 2026
- UNESCO World Heritage Regensburg as a backdrop
- St. Emmeram Palace courtyard of the Thurn und Taxis princely family
- Princely Christ Child 2026 with three daily appearances
- Romantic Night of Lights with thousands of candles
- Children's Magic Forest: steam train, historic Ferris wheel, children's circus
- High-quality handicrafts by regional artists
- Bavarian folk music program
Prices Romantic Christmas Market 2026
Market with admission fee — prices vary by weekday (weekday/weekend) and category:
- Adults Monday–Thursday: approx. €6.50–€8
- Adults Friday: approx. €9.50–€10
- Adults Saturday/Sunday: approx. €13.50
- Seniors (65+) on Mondays: approx. €5.50
- People with disabilities daily: approx. €5.50
- Children up to 6 years: free at all times
- Children up to 16 years on Sundays (Family Day): free
- Groups of 10+ people: 9+1 (one free ticket)
- Early bird tickets (April–August): approx. €6.50 (plus booking fees)
Tickets online at wm-tut.de/tickets or at the on-site box office.
Practical information — Romantic Christmas Market
Getting There
By train to Regensburg Hauptbahnhof (ICE/regional connections from Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin, Vienna), then a 10-minute walk to the palace. By car via the A3 or A93, parking is available in city center parking garages (Parkhaus Ernst-Reuter-Platz, Schwanenplatz). Public transport is highly recommended — parking space in the old town is scarce.
Admission
The market requires an admission fee. Sample prices (2025/2026): Adults Monday approx. €6.50, Saturday approx. €13.50. Seniors aged 65+ on Mondays approx. €5.50. Children up to 16 years old have free admission on Sundays (Family Day); children under 6 are always free. People with disabilities pay €5.50 daily. Groups (10 people) receive one free ticket (9+1). Early bird tickets (April–August) are available.
Opening Hours
Monday–Thursday 3:00 PM–9:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM–10:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM–9:00 PM. Closed on Totensonntag (November 22, 2026).
Accommodation
Hotels in Regensburg in all price ranges, from boutique hotels in the old town to chain hotels at the main train station. Reservations are highly recommended on Advent weekends.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Romantic Christmas Market
Schlosshof Thurn und Taxis (Schloss St. Emmeram)
Emmeramsplatz 5, 93047 Regensburg