Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities and its Renaissance-era Altstadt reflects centuries of wealth from the Fugger banking dynasty. The Augsburg Christmas Market continues that tradition of civic pride, with a Christkind ceremony and an Engelsspiel (angel performance) on the Rathaus facade that draws crowds every evening.
Augsburg Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Confirmed
Augsburg dates: 23rd November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt
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Location: Rathausplatz
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9:30pm.
24th November: 10am to 9:30pm.
23rd December: 10am to 9:30pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: Not announced.
Angel Performance: Friday to Sunday at 6pm.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The Angel Performance, historic “Engelesmarkt” stalls, traditional crafts; unique Children’s market.
Recommended tour: Augsburg walking tour with Fuggerei and Golden Hall entry.
Specialities: Zwetschgendatschi (cake), Augsburger brezen (pretzel), gingerbread hearts, regional mulled wine, traditional Swabian pastries, potato pancakes, sausages.
Where to stay: City Hotel Ost am Kö is 5 minutes from Rathausplatz.
Central Hotels
It’s worth staying in the central district around Maximilianstraße and Fuggerplatz. This area offers easy access to attractions and is conveniently located within walking distance of the market. I recommend the highly rated City Hotel Ost am Kö in this area.
Recommended Tour
I recommend this city tour of Augsburg, as it presents many of its highlights with a local guide at a reasonable cost. It’s particularly suitable if you’re new to the city of Augsburg. You’ll see the famous Fuggerei, Augsburg Town Hall, and Augsburg Cathedral.
Read my choices for the best Christmas markets in Germany.
Event Location
What to Expect
At the heart of Augsburg, the Christkindlesmarkt stretches from Rathausplatz to Martin-Luther-Platz, encompassing nearby streets like Philipp-Welser-Straße and Maximilianstraße, and extending up to the front of St. Moritz Church.
This extensive layout accommodates a variety of Christmas chalets, attracting nearly a million visitors annually, both from Germany and abroad.
One unique aspect is the Engelsspiel, a special Angel Performance on the balcony of Augsburg Town Hall. The 24 angels represent an Advent calendar. Families can also enjoy the area near Moritzplatz, a dedicated Children’s Christmas market.
Regional Specialties
- Zwetschgendatschi: A specialty of Augsburg, zwetschgendatschi combines sweet, juicy plums with a light, fluffy dough.
- Augsburger Brezen: Different from regular pretzels, Augsburger Brezen are slightly doughier and are typically enjoyed with butter.
- Flammkuchen: Originating from the regions bordering Germany and France, flammkuchen is a thin-crust pizza topped with cream, onions, and bacon. For vegetarians, toppings such as cheese and vegetables can serve as alternatives to bacon.
- Dambedei Figures are sweet, doughy figures traditionally made for St. Nicholas Day in Augsburg. Often shaped like little bishops, they symbolise Saint Nicholas and make for a festive treat.
- Roasted chestnuts: Warm and comforting, roasted chestnuts are a market staple.
- Regional mulled wine: Augsburg has distinct regional variations, infused with local spices and fruits.
- Marzipan sweets: A confection primarily made from sugar or honey and almond meal, these sweets are moulded into various festive shapes and sometimes dipped in chocolate.
- Kartoffelpuffer: These are crispy potato pancakes fried until golden brown. Typically served with apple sauce, they’re a good vegetarian option. Note, these are sometimes cooked in lard.
- Vegan sausages: In response to the growing demand for plant-based options, many stalls now serve vegan sausages, providing a cruelty-free alternative to traditional bratwurst.
- Lebkuchen: These are German gingerbread cookies, soft and perfectly spiced. Often heart-shaped, they come beautifully decorated and are both a treat to the eyes and palate.
- Schmalzkuchen: Mini doughnut-like treats, these deep-fried morsels are dusted with powdered sugar. Bite-sized and delicious.
- Apple strudel: A pastry filled with tart cooking apples, raisins, and cinnamon.
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream: The hot chocolate at the market is rich and creamy for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
- Eierpunsch: An egg-based alcoholic drink, Eierpunsch is similar to eggnog but with a German twist. It’s made by mixing egg yolk, sugar, white wine, and vanilla and is a creamy drink for those looking to try something different.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Hand-carved wooden ornaments: Augsburg has a tradition of intricate woodworking. Many stalls showcase these ornaments, displaying craftsmanship with details ranging from festive symbols to local landmarks in Augsburg.
- Augsburg-themed ceramics: Unique to Bavaria, these ceramics often depict scenes of Augsburg’s historical buildings and events. Each piece, whether a mug or plate, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and the artisan’s dedication.
- Hand-blown glass decorations: Skilled artisans showcase the art of glass blowing and craft delicate, beautiful Christmas tree decorations. The shimmering ornaments often catch the winter light, making trees sparkle with various colours.
- Traditional Bavarian trinkets: Reflecting the broader Bavarian culture, you can find items such as miniature beer steins, lederhosen, and dirndl keychains. These playful gifts pay homage to the region’s iconic traditions and are popular among visitors.
- Augsburg’s historical books: For history enthusiasts, vendors often sell books that delve deeply into Augsburg’s past. Ranging from pictorial guides to detailed narratives, they make a thoughtful gift for those interested in the city’s history.
- Bavarian beer sets: Celebrating Germany’s renowned beer culture, many stalls offer specially curated beer sets. Featuring local Augsburg brews, these sets often come with unique glassware, making for a complete tasting experience.
- Augsburg calendars: Capturing the essence of the city, these calendars often feature photographs of Augsburg throughout the seasons. They offer a monthly reminder of the market’s charm and the city’s beauty.
- Locally made toys: Drawing from the region’s toy-making traditions, stalls often feature wooden toys or hand-sewn dolls.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-friendly accommodation: Augsburg has several hotels committed to green initiatives. Look for accommodations that employ renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. They often also implement water-saving measures and prioritise waste reduction.
- Conscious dining: While indulging in the variety of foods at the market, consider portion sizes to reduce potential waste. Many stalls are receptive to you using your own containers or reusable cutlery, so don’t hesitate to bring them along.
- Ethical shopping choices: When wandering through Augsburg’s festive stalls, purchasing many souvenirs and gifts is tempting. However, consider the longevity and usability of items before making a purchase.
- Incorporating sustainable diets: Alongside classic treats, Augsburg offers a variety of vegetarian and plant-based options. Consuming fewer animal products, especially meat, can significantly lower your carbon footprint.
- Opting for sustainable transport: Augsburg’s public transport system is efficient and environmentally conscious. Buses and trams often run on clean energy, and the city encourages cycling with numerous bike lanes.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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