Rottenburg St. Nicholas Market

Market Square and Zehntscheuer in Advent Light

Rottenburg am Neckar — the former free imperial city at the foot of the Swabian Jura — cherishes a long tradition of pre-Christmas markets. The Rottenburg St. Nicholas Market traditionally takes place on the second Advent weekend, from December 4th to 6th, 2026. Over 80 festively decorated wooden stalls will line the historic Market Square and the Zehntscheuer, a former 16th-century warehouse that now serves as a cultural center. The festive lighting of the old town with its half-timbered facades, bay windows, and cobblestone alleys makes the market shine like a theater backdrop.

Daily St. Nicholas Visits

The namesake highlight: On each of the three market days, St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht visit the market — together, in full regalia, and accompanied by little angels distributing gifts to the children. The times are scheduled so that both morning and afternoon visitors can experience the St. Nicholas appearances. Multiple appearances each day allow children to speak personally with St. Nicholas. Parents have the opportunity beforehand to leave a small gift bag at the local heritage association's stand.

Live Nativity Scene

Another hallmark is the live nativity scene in the courtyard of the Zehntscheuer. Real animals — sheep, donkeys, goats — are kept there throughout the weekend, complemented by actors from Rottenburg's traditional costume and nativity play associations. Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, and the Three Wise Men are depicted in various constellations. Children are allowed to pet and feed the animals — a special experience that draws many families back year after year.

Arts and Crafts and Specialties

The 80 wooden stalls are evenly distributed between arts and crafts and culinary offerings. The craft stalls feature regional artists from the Neckar-Alb region with wood carvings, candles, felt work, jewelry, and glass products. On the culinary side, there's mulled wine from the Rottenburg winery, children's punch, candied almonds, lard pastries, gingerbread, bratwurst, chestnuts, crêpes, and Swabian Schupfnudeln. Local restaurateurs operate their own stands — for example, offering Maultaschen, Käsespätzle, or mulled wine variations with cinnamon and star anise.

Music Associations and Choirs

Local music associations, brass bands, choirs, and bands perform alternately on the central stage at the Market Square. Advent songs, gospel, and classical Christmas music alternate. On Saturday evening, a concert traditionally takes place in the Sülchengasse Chapel — a special acoustic experience. Sunday morning is reserved for a church service before the market, followed by a vesper with mulled wine on the Market Square.