Wangener Weihnachtsmarkt

Advent magic in the medieval old town

The Wangener Weihnachtsmarkt takes place every year on the four Advent Saturdays in the historic old town of Wangen im Allgäu – one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Southern Germany in the district of Ravensburg (state of Baden-Württemberg). Wangen lies on the western edge of the Allgäu region, not far from Lake Constance, and is famous for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, its crenellated city gates (Frauentor, Ravensburger Tor), and its picturesque cobblestone streets.

Four Advent Saturdays

Unlike many Christmas markets that are open continuously for four weeks, the Wangener Weihnachtsmarkt focuses on four selected market days – always on Saturdays on the four Advent dates. This has an advantage: the exhibitors change from week to week, making multiple visits worthwhile. Those who visit the market only once will see only a part of it; those who attend all four dates will experience a continuously changing selection.

Market Offerings

On the market square and in the surrounding streets, over 50 exhibitors present lovingly crafted specialties on each market day:

• Handicrafts — wood carvings, nativity figures, candles, ceramics
• Textile gifts — hand-knitted socks, scarves, hats
• Sweet specialties — pralines, gingerbread, stollen, roasted almonds
• Allgäu cheese and sausage specialties
• Charitable associations with donation stands
• Mulled wine, punch, hot chocolate – at several mulled wine huts

Mood and Atmosphere

What makes the Wangen market special is its intimate atmosphere: the medieval city gates and the town wall create a protected space where the festive lighting of the half-timbered houses has a particularly intense effect. In the background, trombone choirs often play from the tower of the Catholic parish church of St. Martin – a classic Southern German Advent soundscape.

Free Admission

The market is free to enter. Only food, drinks, and market goods are paid for.

Wangen — the medieval Allgäu

Wangen im Allgäu (approx. 28,000 inhabitants) is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Southern Germany. The historic old town with its market square, Frauentor, Ravensburger Tor, and patrician houses forms an almost unchanged urban ensemble from the 14th to 17th centuries. Wangen is located between Lake Constance (~30 km) and the Allgäu Alps (~50 km) – an ideal starting point for winter excursions between Mainau and Oberstdorf.