Tauberbischofsheim Castle Christmas

Castle Square as an Advent Stage

Tauberbischofsheim, the administrative center of the Main-Tauber district with almost 13,000 inhabitants, maintains a long tradition of pre-Christmas markets. The Tauberbischofsheim Castle Christmas takes place on the first two Advent weekends (2nd and 3rd Advent) — thus from December 4th to 13th in 2026. The venue is the castle square with the Kurmainzische Castle and its striking Türmersturm tower. The Tauberfranken Landscape Museum is now housed in the castle and offers its own Advent program during the Castle Christmas. The fountain in the square features a Riemenschneider figure, one of the many connections to the master sculptor who worked in the region.

Two Advent Weekends

With eight market days over two weekends, the Tauberbischofsheim Castle Christmas is one of the longest Advent markets in the Main-Tauber district. The first weekend (December 4th–6th) is for the 2nd Advent — opening on Friday evening, family day on Sunday. The second weekend (December 11th–13th) is for the 3rd Advent — with the traditional appearance of St. Nicholas on the last day and an atmospheric closing concert on the castle square. Those who visit both weekends will experience the festival in two different atmospheres — the first more family-oriented and opening, the second more festive and intense.

Stalls and Crafts

Around 40 festively decorated stalls are spread across the castle square and the adjacent alleys. Classically divided between arts and crafts and culinary delights: wood carvings from the Spessart, felt work, candles from regional manufacturers, Advent decorations, knitwear, glasswork, jewelry from the Tauberfranken region. On the culinary side: mulled wine from the Tauberfranken Winzer-Genossenschaftshof Beckstein, children's punch, roasted almonds, gingerbread from Würzburg, crêpes, bratwurst, Maultaschen, Schäufele, and sweet Tauber wine specialties.

Music and Riemenschneider Connection

Regional choirs, brass bands, and schools present a classic Advent program on a small stage in the castle courtyard. The Tauberbischofsheim Brass Choir traditionally plays on Sunday afternoons, and Advent concerts are held in the St. Martin city parish church on several evenings. A cultural highlight is the themed guided tours through the Tauberfranken Landscape Museum — the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider, who worked in Würzburg, also shaped the Tauber region with numerous works; his style is omnipresent in the region.

Tauberbischofsheim as an Advent Destination

With the Castle Christmas, Tauberbischofsheim has established itself as an Advent destination in the Franconian-Baden border area. Tourists from all over the Maintal valley and the Rhine-Main region often combine their visit with the Romantic Road — Tauberbischofsheim is located directly on this well-known travel route. The historic town center with its half-timbered houses, the Tauberfranken Landscape Museum, and the castle form an atmospheric ensemble together with the Christmas market. Those who visit the market in the late afternoon and surrender to the encroaching dusk with a glass of mulled wine will experience a special Advent moment.