Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt (Thomas-Nast-Christmas-Market)
Certified accessible artisan market with over 50 stalls of handmade goods on Landau's Rathausplatz
About Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt
Thomas Nast and the Modern Santa Claus
The market is named after Thomas Nast, born in Landau in 1840. After emigrating to the USA, he became one of the most influential caricaturists of the 19th century. His drawings, created for Harper's Weekly magazine starting in 1863, shaped the modern image of Santa Claus: full-bearded, red-clad, with white fur trim and a friendly face. Nast is thus a direct precursor to the globally prevalent image of Santa Claus today. He died in 1902 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Strictly Artisanal
Unlike most German Christmas markets, the Landau market strictly limits itself to handmade goods. The over 50 stalls are curated by the organizer; industrially manufactured mass-produced items or imported goods are not permitted. This makes the market one of the few larger artisan markets in Germany with a clearly defined profile.
Certified "Festival for All"
The market is certified as a "Festival for All." This award signifies complete accessibility: wheelchair-accessible paths, barrier-free stalls, accessible sanitary facilities, and various assistive services for visitors with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments.
Christmas Carousel and Refreshments
At the heart of the market, the nostalgic Christmas carousel of the Hartmann family spins – a market trademark for years. Food stalls offer mulled wine, crêpes, gingerbread, bratwurst, and grilled specialties. The culinary selection remains manageable, with the focus on the artisan experience.
Four Weeks of Advent
With a duration of four weeks – from November 26th to December 21st – the market covers the entire Advent season before Christmas. Daily opening hours from 11 AM to 8 PM make a visit flexible.
Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt — edition 2026
The stalls are arranged in a circle around the Rathausplatz. The Christmas carousel spins in the center. Refreshment stands provide visitors with mulled wine, crêpes, gingerbread, bratwurst, and grilled specialties.
Programme Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt 2026
Thursday, November 26th, 2026
- Opening of the Nikolausmarkt
- First sales days
Advent Saturdays and Sundays
- Peak visitor days
- Extended stage program possible (see organizer)
Weekdays
- Daily 11 AM to 8 PM
- Tasting, shopping, lingering
Monday, December 21st, 2026
- Last market day
The 2026 stage and accompanying program, including visits from St. Nicholas, choir performances, and activities, will be published by the organizer in November. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.
Highlights Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt 2026
- Over 50 stalls exclusively of handmade goods
- Named after Thomas Nast – inventor of the modern Santa Claus
- Certified "Festival for All" – fully accessible
- Hartmann family Christmas carousel
- Four weeks daily 11 AM to 8 PM
Prices Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt 2026
Practical information — Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt
Location
Rathausplatz Landau, 76829 Landau in der Pfalz.
Opening Hours
From November 26th to December 21st, 2026, daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Admission
Free admission. Goods, mulled wine, and food at market prices.
Accessibility
Certified "Festival for All" – fully accessible.
Getting Here
The Rathausplatz is located in the center of Landau, a few minutes' walk from the main train station. Public transport connections with all city bus lines.
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