Eichstätt Advent and Christmas Market
Advent market on the Domplatz in front of Eichstätt Cathedral — three Advent weekends with ice skating
About Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt
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Advent Market on Eichstätt Cathedral Square
The Eichstätt Advent and Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful small Advent markets in Southern Germany. Unlike the mega-markets in Nuremberg, Munich, or Augsburg, Eichstätt focuses on quality over size: a compact, high-quality curated market with craft stalls and a unique backdrop — the baroque St. Salvator Cathedral and the former St. John's Church, which frame the market's spectacle with their patina.
Eichstätt — Baroque Cathedral City in the Altmühltal
Eichstätt is located in the Eichstätt district in Upper Bavaria (Bavaria state), in the Altmühltal Nature Park. As a bishop's seat since the 8th century, the city is characterized by ecclesiastical architecture: the Eichstätt Cathedral (Diocese of Eichstätt), the summer residence of the Prince-Bishops, the former university, the Residenzplatz with the baroque Marian column, and numerous monasteries are part of the cityscape. With around 14,000 inhabitants, Eichstätt retains a small-town charm.
Three Advent Weekends — Friday to Sunday
The market does not run continuously but on the first three Advent weekends, each from Friday to Sunday. This concentration on the weekends — combined with its manageable size — creates a special Advent atmosphere, as the market is fully alive each weekend instead of being spread over four weeks.
Program Items and Children's Activities
- High-quality music program — Advent songs, brass ensembles, small choirs, piano and string ensembles, often in combination with the Cathedral and St. John's Church
- Children's activities — communal decorating of the Christmas tree, storytellers for children, hands-on activities at the city's stand
- Food and drink stalls — mulled wine, punch, bratwurst, gingerbread, chestnuts, regional specialties from the Altmühltal
- Sanitary facilities available — for a family-friendly visit
Ice Rink at Pater-Philipp-Jeningen-Platz
A special addition to the market is the ice rink at the nearby Pater-Philipp-Jeningen-Platz. It is open during the Advent season and complements the market visit with a sporting component — ice skating for families, students, and adults right in the center of the Advent city. This distinguishes Eichstätt from purely consumption-oriented Advent markets.
Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Eichstätt Advent Market runs over three Advent weekends:
- 1st Advent weekend: November 27–29, 2026
- 2nd Advent weekend: December 4–6, 2026
- 3rd Advent weekend: December 11–13, 2026
The venue is the Domplatz directly in front of Eichstätt Cathedral and the former St. John's Church. The late baroque architecture forms an extraordinary Advent backdrop with the bright sandstone of the facades.
During the market weekends, Advent concerts and musical contributions accompany the market atmosphere — brass ensembles, piano and choir music. The children's program items change between the three weekends: Christmas tree decorating, storytelling, craft activities.
A special feature of Eichstätt: parallel to the market, the ice rink on Pater-Philipp-Jeningen-Platz is open — ice skating for families right in the city center.
Programme Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt 2026
Three Advent Weekends
- 27–29.11.2026 (1st Advent weekend) — Market opening, start of Advent market weekends, ice rink opening
- 04–06.12.2026 (2nd Advent weekend) — Market continuation, Nikolaus program for children
- 11–13.12.2026 (3rd Advent weekend) — Closing weekend; Saturday, December 12th, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM in a grand variation, Sunday, December 13th, similar
Program Contents (each weekend)
- High-quality musical program — Advent songs, brass ensembles, choirs, small chamber music ensembles
- Children's activities — Christmas tree decorating, storyteller, craft offerings
- Food and drink stalls — mulled wine, punch, gingerbread, chestnuts, regional specialties from the Altmühltal
- Craft stalls — nativity scenes, candles, wood carvings, wool products
- Ice rink at Pater-Philipp-Jeningen-Platz — open continuously during the market
Highlights Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt 2026
Prices Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt 2026
Practical information — Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt
Getting There
Eichstätt is located in the Altmühltal, approx. 25 km north of Ingolstadt and 90 km north of Munich. By car via the A 9 (Munich–Nuremberg, Eichstätt/Beilngries exit) and the B 13. By train: Eichstätt Bahnhof (approx. 4 km outside) is reachable from Ingolstadt and Munich; the "Bahnhofs-Shuttle" leads into the city. The small Eichstätt-Stadt line is directly in the city center.
Admission
Free admission to the market. Mulled wine, food, and the ice rink are paid for on site.
Opening Hours
On the three Advent weekends (Fri–Sun) in November and December. In 2026 from November 27th to December 13th.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Eichstätt; early booking is recommended during Advent.
Contact
City of Eichstätt, Domplatz 18, 85072 Eichstätt, Tel. +49 8421 6001-0.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Weihnachtsmarkt Eichstätt
Domplatz Eichstätt (vor Dom und Johanniskirche)
Domplatz, 85072 Eichstätt