# Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg's Christmas Market

Christmas market on Rothenburg's Marktplatz, from 20 November to 23 December 2026, with free entry.

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/germany/bavaria/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber/things-to-do/reiterlesmarkt · Revisado: 2026-11-11

Dónde: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg is one of the German towns that best fits Christmas. During the market the Town Hall tower is also open daily, so you can see it from above.

### What it is and what you see

The Reiterlesmarkt is Rothenburg's Christmas market and spreads through the heart of the old town: the Marktplatz, the Grüner Markt, the Kirchplatz and the inner courtyard of the Town Hall. The craft and food stalls surround the Town Hall, with the half-timbered facades and the square's Christmas tree lit up.

Its name comes from the Reiterle, the rider of a legend from Franconian folklore. At first he was imagined as a mysterious messenger from another world who travelled through the air in the dark time of the year; today he is the market's friendly ambassador, and the opening with the Reiterle is one of the market's events. Each year a market mug is sold with a new design: the 2026 one is by the artist Alfons Berse and shows the illuminated Marktplatz.

### When

In 2026 it opens from Friday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December. The hours are from 11:00 to 19:00 from Sunday to Thursday and from 11:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sunday 22 November, Totensonntag, the market closes. The official opening is on 20 November at 17:00, and the Reiterle's arrival is on Friday 27 November at 17:00. The calendar on the tourism website already announces the 2027 edition from 19 November to 23 December; confirm the hours closer to the date.

In the same weeks there are other events: on 27 November, a guided Christmas walk about the Reiterle; on 11 December, Winterglühen in the Burggarten, and every day at 18:00 a tour of medieval crimes and ghosts leaves from the Marktplatz.

### How to get there and where to park

Rothenburg is next to the A7 motorway, at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber exit, and has a train every hour, changing at Steinach. Leave the car outside the wall, in one of the five large car parks: P1 on Friedrich-Hörner-Weg, P2 on Nördlinger Straße, P3 on Schweinsdorfer Straße, P4 next to the Galgentor and P5 on Bezoldweg, the latter with electric chargers. P1, P2 and P3 take coaches, and P2 and P3, motorhomes. Inside the old town there are spaces for visitors with a ticket, but the old core is closed to traffic from 19:00 to 6:00 and on festival days there may be more restrictions. The rates are on the municipal website.

### Entry and tips

Entry is free. During the market, the tourist office on the Marktplatz is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and at weekends and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00. Go with children in the afternoon, when the lights come on, and leave the evening for strolling; with a pushchair, the cobbled streets and the weekend crowds make it difficult.

## Paso a paso

### Afternoon · Marktplatz
The craft and food stalls surround the Town Hall.

### Dusk · Town Hall tower
During the market it opens daily until 18 h (19 h from Friday to Sunday).

### Night · Illuminated streets
Stroll to the Plönlein with the lights on.

## Qué llevar

- Proper winter clothes: hat, gloves and shoes that do not slip

- Cash for the stalls

## Consejos

### Go on a weekday
At weekends many coaches arrive.

### Sleep inside the wall
That way you see the market at night, when the day trippers leave.

### Try a Schneeball
The fried dough ball typical of Rothenburg, in the pastry shops in the centre.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### When is the 2026 Reiterlesmarkt?
From 20 November to 23 December 2026.

### What are the opening hours?
From 11 to 19 h from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 to 20 h on Fridays and Saturdays.

### Do you have to pay?
No, entry is free.

### What is the Reiterle?
The rider who gives the market its name. In 2026 he makes his entrance on 27 November at 17 h.