Kid standing in front of store shopwindow with New year Christmas decorations of store front, showcase, glass case, shopfront decorated. ()
Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities, with a Christmas market that dates back all the way to the 15th century when some gingerbread makers held a market shortly before Christmas. Since 1949, it has been known as the “Christkindlesmarkt” Along with being one of the oldest Christmas markets, this market has also been called, “Germany’s most beautiful Christmas market.” This gorgeous market has plenty for you to do as you are visiting markets across Bavaria.
The Angel Performance and Other Entertainment
Since 1977, angels have graced the market with their performances. 24 angels gather at City Hall and create a living Advent calendar. Inspired by a Hans Holbein painting, small girls from the town are selected for the task of performing as angels every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other entertainment at the market includes folk singers, opera singing, a manger scene, the boys’ choir and Christmas songs.
Children can pick up entry cards for a puzzle game at the Tourist Information Office so they can win prizes for items they find on this route. Window displays along the route show how different animals celebrate the holidays and spend the winter: the bears gather their Christmas tree, the ducks try ice skating, etc.
In 2023, the market runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24.
There are a variety of P+R areas and parking garages in the area; however, these fill up very quickly on Advent weekends. The city of Augsburg highly recommends that you utilize public transportation for ease.
Other Sites in Augsburg
Music lovers and history buffs alike will appreciate the Leopold Mozart House. Father of the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leopold Mozart’s house museum contains letters and artifacts that reveal the fascinating story of Leopold, who was an accomplished musician, composer and music manager in his own right.
Adults and children will love the Augsburger Puppenkiste, the puppet theater. Before or after the show, you can tour the on-site museum, which houses famous puppets such as “The cat with the hat” and “Luke the engine driver.” The museum also offers guided English tours so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
It is not a day in a German city if you do not find yourself at one of Germany’s many castles and palaces. Augsburg’s Schaezler Palace is a must-see for architecture and art enthusiasts. Completed in 1770, this gorgeous palace is not only an architectural masterpiece but also contains multiple collections of paintings and the rococo garden of the palace.
Watch live! Click here to watch the goings-on at the market.
