A huge number of events invite you to the Castle Road throughout the year. They awaken long-gone times, continue ancient traditions and fill historical places with life. Our calendar of events lists them - from "Master's Draught" (historical theatre) up to castle concerts, from knight tournaments to christmas markets - and shows you when it is especially worthwhile to "target" the Castle Road.
Throughout the year, the Rose Restaurant offers culinary delights that highlight the seasonal offerings. Take a look at the culinary calendar to find out more about the offers.
The Deutsche Greifenwarte is known for the spectacular flight displays with its eagles and vultures. The variety of free-flying large birds of prey used in the flight shows is almost unique in Germany. Usually huge birds with a wingspan of more than two meters, such as black vultures, griffon vultures and bearded vultures, but also their mighty colleagues, such as various species of white-tailed eagles and golden eagles can be marveled at in free flight in one and the same demonstration.
Flight demonstration during the season daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., in winter (November to February) on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m.
Duration of the flight demonstration: approx. 60 minutes
Duration for a tour of the Grifenwarte: approx. 30 - 60 minutes
Rabenstein Castle offers a variety of culinary events throughout the year. Experience a fiery evening with a menu and fire show, enjoy romantic hours at a candlelight dinner or solve tricky riddles during the Murder Mystery Dinner.
Further information
Fresh produce and direct marketing are what make the Langenzen farmers' market so attractive. The return to regionally produced products, short distances, fresh goods and transparent production are in vogue. High value and quality as well as the preservation of the cultural landscape make conscious shopping in the region attractive.
Dates 2023
On selected dates, culinary delights are combined with a visit to the Sophienhöhle (Sophia Cave) at Rabenstein Castle, where the very special programme "Sophie at night" awaits guests.
Programme:
- Reception with aperitif in the forecourt of the castle
- Guided hike to the Sophienhöhle cave
- Sophie at night" programme in the stalactite cave
- 3-course castle menu in the knights' halls of the castle
Price: 59,00 Euro per person Dates and booking
From January to May and from October to December, the popular wild boar barbecue buffet will once again be held regularly in the Knights' Halls at Rabenstein Castle in 2023. It includes:
After the buffet, guests can round off the evening in the castle's cosy fireside lounge.
Price: 45,00 Euro per person
This dinner show retells "Dracula", one of the most famous horror stories ever.
Between the scenes, guests enjoy a delicious 4-course menu.
Price: 89.00 euros per person
The unique works of the artist Gabriele Grohmann can be seen in the bobbin lace museum at Abenberg Castle. The main focus is on her experimental approach to traditional handicrafts. In addition to the free textile objects, the exhibition shows her designs and bobbin lace objects for table decorations, fashion, bridal collars, christening gowns, pictures, jewelry and material experiments.
The endurance race on the Sarthe celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. To mark the occasion, the Technik Museum Sinsheim is staging this special exhibition, the third in total, in the purpose-built 3,000 m² Hall 3.
Around 30 racing cars from the early days to the present day form the core of the exhibition, always changing - including a Porsche 919 from 2015, a Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 from 1926, a Ford GT 40 from 1966 and a Triumph TRS 1961.
Here the physical well-being is excellently provided for. Everyone is
armed with a dagger and can feast on plenty of roast meat and other
delicacies from the castle kitchen.
Old and young know it - the story of the brave mayor Nusch, who saved the city from destruction with his legendary master drink. At Whitsun, this event is revived every year - in the streets of the city as well as in the camp life of the historical groups and in the theater production of the Historical Festival in the Kaisersaal. The highlight: the great army parade on Sunday.
For further information click here
Ugo Dossi's large-scale and colorful tableaus, sculptures, projections, and virtual realities (VR) revolve around signs that point to the world as well as signify "world. In terms of content, the exhibition "Signs and Wonders" traces an arc from archetypal images from the collective memory of early advanced civilizations to a virtual future in the metaverse. In doing so, the works with their reduced symbolic and pictorial language create visual enigmas of particular beauty.
Many of the works are influenced by Dossi's fascination with ancient Egyptian art. The exhibition is thus also the perfect complement to a visit to our popular collection presentation Egypt - Land of Immortality, providing a contemporary perspective. A small selection of his works will also be on display alongside the ancient Egyptian originals at Museum Weltkulturen.
It's not just at the Federal Horticultural Show that things are in bloom, but also in the "treasure chamber" of the Zeughaus Museum. A small but fine exhibition offers visitors a colorful rush of blossoms using selected objects from the museum's own collections as examples.
The Christmas market is dedicated to the "Käthchen of Heilbronn" with Christmas "Käthchen products" such as Christmas stollen or mulled wine, Käthchen Christmas decorations and Käthchen Christmas lighting.
New this year is the sustainable "Käthchen artificial ice rink" on Kiliansplatz against the backdrop of St Kilian's Church.
The atmospherically illuminated Court of Honour, the illuminated palace façade and the palace square form the unique backdrop for the "Electoral Christmas Market" in Schwetzingen.
From Thursday to Sunday, festively illuminated tents invite you to stroll around. Hobby artists and artisans present their lovingly crafted products. A wide range of winter specialities awaits visitors.
Throughout the Christmas market period, an exhibition by the Schwetzingen Art Association can be seen in the palace chapel in the cour d'honneur of the palace.
The smell of mulled wine, Christmas music and a festive atmosphere: from Thursday to Sunday, numerous associations and organisations from Rother present themselves in lovingly decorated stalls. Of course, a visit from the Rother Christkind is not to be missed!
You can get all the information here
This year's Kronach ChamberTheatreDays in the historic town hall include "The God of Carnage" by Yasmin Reza, "Poison. A Marriage Story" by Lot Vekemans and the Janosch classic "Oh, How Beautiful is Panama" are on the programme.
Further information and programme (only in German)
For the first time, the Kronach Christmas Market will be held at the Rosenberg Fortress in the central moat. Here visitors can enjoy delicacies from regional and national exhibitors and and purchase a gift or two.
Further information (only in German)
In the middle of Mannheim city centre, Paradeplatz is transformed into a fairytale forest with lovingly designed fairytale houses and figures.
In addition to several sales huts, there are also two stages offering a varied programme for children, including a singing Father Christmas with his live reindeer at the weekends. Further information
Every year, at 5.00 pm, on the last Wednesday in November, the Christ child solemny opens the Christmas Market at the marketplace.
Over 140 stands at Heidelberg's large and small places, offer an endless variety of what makes the season so special.
At the Heidelberg Winterwäldchen on Kornmarkt, illuminated fir trees and pagoda tents enchant visitors. The event continues beyond Christmas until New Year's Day; the stalls are closed on Christmas Eve.
At the Christkindlesmarkt and along festively decorated streets and squares in Bayreuth's city centre, visitors can stroll to their heart's content in the Christmas atmosphere and marvel at the festive illumination of the over seven-kilometre-long chain of lights.
One of the most beautiful open-air ice rinks in Germany is set up on Karlsplatz in Heidelberg's Old Town. With Christmas music playing, locals and guests glide across the ice against the romantic backdrop of the world-famous castle.
The Christmas city walk in German language takes you through the historic city centre to the New Palace with Palace Garden, to the Margravial Opera House and to Haus Wahnfried, among other places.
Meeting place: Tourist Information, Opernstraße 22
Duration: approx. two hours
Dates: 27.11. to 23.12.2023 and 26.12.2023 to 06.01.2024, daily at 10.30 a.m.
At the Christmas market on the Kapuzinerplanken - parallel to the popular "Planken" shopping mile - 30 exhibitors present traditional crafts, unusual works of art and original gift ideas in snow-white tents.
This special Christmas market also offers the finest culinary temptations. Further information
Mannheim's Christmas market at the water tower is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. In the heart of the square city, you can stroll with family and friends through Hirtenpfad and Engelsgasse and enjoy the diverse offerings of the approximately 150 lovingly decorated huts around Mannheim's landmark. Further information (only in German)
An incredible variety of nativity scenes can be admired throughout the city of Bamberg - large and small, historical and modern, Franconian or those from all over the world. All together they invite you to a contemplative stroll.
Special Christmas guided tours provide insights into traditions and history. For discovery tours on your own, the "Nativity map" is a helpful companion.
At Christmas time, Maximiliansplatz in Bamberg's pedestrian zone is transformed into a pre-Christmas festive square. In the middle of the old town with its illuminated and decorated stores and streets, there is the smell of roast sausage and roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread. Toys, glass baubles and fine handicrafts can also be found as practical things for the Christmas season.
Baroque facades and the two large churches form the atmospheric and distinctive backdrop for the Christmas market on Montgelas-Platz and Martin-Luther-Platz in the middle of the old town. The old town and its centuries-old traditions in a modern form.
The atmospherically decorated stall city is set up around the lovingly designed nativity scene on the Upper Market Square. The accompanying programme includes performances for young and old, including a visit by Nuremberg's Christ Child, guided tours of the historic rock cellars and an Advent raffle.
Further information (only in German)
One of the most beautiful market squares in southern Germany and St. Michael's Church with its imposing flight of steps form the historical backdrop for Schwäbisch Hall's Christmas market. Lovingly decorated huts, many different types of mulled wine, Christmas treats and handicrafts delight visitors.
The supporting programme includes activities for children, Christmas music performances and public themed city tours.
The Baroque Festival has been organised by the Heidelberg Theatre and Orchestra at the Schwetzingen Palace Theatre since 2006.
Every year, the focus is on the performance of a rediscovered baroque opera - this year "Nebucadneza" by Reinhard Keiser. The programme also includes vocal and instrumental concerts from the Baroque period.
At one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, traditional goods such as handmade Christmas decorations and culinary delicacies are still on sale in 180 wooden stalls on the main market square.
A Christmas town especially for children is set up on Hans-Sachs-Platz. The market of Nuremberg's 14 twin towns brings international flair to the Christkindlesmarkt. Nuremberg's churches and museums invite you to Christmas concerts, guided tours and exhibitions with a colourful programme.
Opening hours:
Mon - Sun: 10 am to 9 pm, Christmas Eve: 10 am to 2 pm.
The Christmas market takes place on all four Advent weekends on the historic market square and in the castle courtyard right next door.
For children, there is once again the popular fairy tale trail through the old town with scenes from well-known fairy tales. In addition, there is a fairy tale wagon at the entrance to the castle courtyard where stories are told. The steam train will also be making its rounds and there will be a model railway exhibition in the Blue Hall of the town hall.
Further information (only in German)
The town hall with its towering spire and a veritable parade of medieval half-timbered houses frame the Mosbach Christmas market.In front of this romantic backdrop, lovingly decorated huts and the scent of mulled wine, roasted almonds and gingerbread await visitors.
On Saturday, 9 December 2023 and 16 December 2023, Mosbach's specialist shops open their doors for the long shopping night.
The Wimpfener Kaiserpfalz forms the background for one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Its beginnings date back to 1487, when Emperor Friedrich III granted the city the privilege of holding a market before Christmas, the Katharinenmarkt.
In the narrow alleys of the old town, about 120 stalls offer handicraft, high-quality goods for the upcoming festival.
The Christmas market takes place on the first three Advent weekends:
- 01.12.-03.12.
- 08.12.-10.12.
- 15.12.-17.12.
The small, atmospheric Advent market takes place around the medieval Elisabethenkirche church in Obere Sandstraße, in the oldest part of Bamberg.
Against this beautiful backdrop, around 30 exhibitors present their selected goods, from regional products to handicrafts.
Further information
At the end of the year, the city for romantics presents itself from its most beautiful side. Embedded in the picturesque scenery between the town hall and St. Jakob, the Reiterlesmarkt is considered one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany.
During Advent, Coburg's market square is transformed into a small, glowing city of stalls, a kind of pre-Christmas oasis.
Decorated wooden stalls, fireplaces, a historic children's carousel and the covered meeting place around the Prince Albert Monument attract many guests, especially in the evening. There are pre-Christmas delights to discover such as winter teas, sheepskin products, Christmas decorations, pottery or beeswax candles. Regional products are offered at most of the stalls.
In front of the Langbein Museum in Alleeweg, you are invited to a short intermezzo with the scent of mulled wine and Christmas spirit. There will be live music and Christmas carols to sing along to.
On 01 / 08 / 15 and 22 December at 7 pm in front of the Langbein Museum Hirschhorn.
Further information (only in German)
In this exhibition, the museum shows a wide variety of cots and nativity scenes. The exhibition ranges from the largest Bohemian glass cot in the world to testimonies of Bamberg cot art and numerous objects from all over the world. Further information
On Christmas Eve the exhibition is closed.
The Nativity Trail winds its way through the entire old town to the historic city gates. Numerous stores and private individuals display lovingly designed and illuminated nativity scenes in their windows. More information
Christmas market on the Neckar River. With an attractive supporting programme, handicraft and culinary offers and music. Special attraction is the ship "Europa" of the white fleet which stays temporarily at the dock.
Further information (only in German)
Under the motto "The Art of Giving", the Historical Museum presents both, an art exhibition and a sales fair with the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. Artists from all over Germany exhibit their contemporary works here and offer them for sale as exquisite gifts.
Further information
Each year on the 2nd Advent weekend the Christmas Market in the old town of Kirchberg takes place - within the town walls, in the palace courtyard and on the streets. In front of the backdrop of Kirchberg Palace about 90 market stands and offer goods and delicacies.
Further information (only in German)
On December 10, 2023, the traditional Christmas market will again take place on the market square in Heldburg from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Against the backdrop of the medieval town center with the late Gothic town church "Zu unserer lieben Frauen", the town hall and the listed town center, you can enjoy regional delicacies, marvel at traditional crafts, purchase Christmas decorations or look out for the last Christmas gifts.
This Advent market takes place in the historic surroundings of the Oberer Stephansberg, in the Johanniskapelle chapel with its romantic outdoor area, in the neighbouring St. Johannes kindergarten and in the Stephanshof courtyard opposite.
On both days, the sophisticated arts and crafts on offer will be framed by a varied intercultural and child-friendly programme, including a live nativity scene. Exceptional childcare is offered for children. Further information
The charming Old Town is the setting for the romantic Christmas market with over 40 lovingly decorated market stands. Friends from the partner town Sierck-les-Bains/France and from the towns Waldenburg/Switzerland and Waldenburg/Saxony please the visitors with regional delicacies. In the town hall the basket maker and the coupler present their skills and their handcrafted works.
Further information (only in German)
At the Christmas market of the associations there is a stall city in the churchyard in front of the Liebfrauenmünster as well as arts and crafts in the Bürgersaal. Christmas music and the living nativity set the mood for the festivities. More information
The Old Town smells like roasted almonds, gingerbread and mulled wine in all variations. Small, festively decorated and illuminated stalls line the streets. A reflective and pre-Christmassy programme frames the market. Besides that the numerous light chains a magical atmosphere in the historical backdrop.
Further information (only in German)
Traditionally, on the 2nd day of Christmas, the Christmas concert takes place in the Liebrauenmünster. The choir and instrumental music play Christmas music from different eras, creating a festive atmosphere. Admission to the concert for the whole family is free. More information
Get ready for 2024 as Rothenburg ob der Tauber prepares a vast six-month celebration marking the 750th Anniversary of its exalted, elevated status as a “Reichsstadt” or Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. All anniversary events are marked with the celebration year logo. Detailed information available at Rothenburg Tourismus Service or look here for highlight.
The vintage car rally in February.
Can you lift a cannonball? What is a casemate? And what was life like on a fortress, in everyday life and in war?
Visitors can find out all this and much more at the exhibition "Fortresses - Franconia's Bulwarks" at Rosenberg Fortress. In Kronach, the exciting history of Franconian fortresses will be experienced at the original site.
Further information (only in German)
Founded in 1923 in Berlin, the company Loewe, headquartered in Kronach, has developed into a globally active brand manufacturer and pacesetter in consumer electronics.
The exhibition in the Fürstenbau of the Rosenberg Fortress looks back on the highlights of 100 years of design and company history, including the development of the electric television (1931), the world's first cassette tape recorder (1950), the first portable television (1963) and the first television with Internet access (1997).
Further information (only in German)
The Easter market, also called "Häferlesmarkt" on Nuremberg's main market square is the oldest market in the city. Household goods, textiles, articles for daily use and, of course, Easter articles are offered at around 100 stalls.
The market is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. It is closed on Good Friday.
The Bayreuth Easter Festival offers top-class musical enjoyment from classical to jazz by the International Young Orchestra Academy. Proceeds will be donated to the International Young Orchestra Academy Cultural and Social Foundation, which contributes to the healing of chronically ill children and children with cancer.
The music festival, which has been in existence for decades, spans the spectrum from soloist concerts to chamber music, choral and orchestral concerts, song recitals and oratorios to operas, film music and musical cabaret. The World Cultural Heritage site of the Margravial Opera House always plays a central role as the performance venue.
In the Margravial Opera House, the New Museum, the New Palace and the Hermitage, guests can look forward to a varied program of music, dance, theater, themed tours, lectures, expert stations and an exciting program for children.
Pictures, bands and encounters: Wimpfen galleries, bands, artists, museums, churches and pubs provide visitors with a diverting and surprising art experience.
Admission is free.
On the occasion of the annual Open Monument Day, the Red Tower Action Day takes place, during which the tower and its forecourt are enlivened by historically dressed groups.
Admission is free.
In the middle of the historic old town, between the Abenberg town gates, the Abenberg town festival is celebrated and transforms the town center into a cozy open-air venue.
The event offers culinary delights for everyone and invites you to join in with entertaining conversations. Musical entertainment is provided by a changing stage program and even the youngest guests won't get bored with the extensive program.
Those interested in culture will get their money's worth with a visit to the Lace Museum and a guided tour of the historic Abenberg Castle.
Once a year, Abenberg immerses itself in the world of the Middle Ages: More festival-goers than inhabitants populate the historic town of Abenberg in Middle Franconia when the Medieval Rock Festival takes place at Abenberg Castle. Programme and further information
The Bad Wimpfen Valley Market is one of the oldest markets in Germany. It was once a church festival that developed into the Talmarkt. Six days of pure fun with a Ferris wheel, break-dancing and lottery stalls, amusement shops, games of skill, various children's rides, festival beer, fried sausages, candy floss, almonds... and everything that belongs to a festival for the whole family!
Many stalls invite you to look, marvel and buy. A French speciality market will be held on the market square.
The Klosterserenade is the cultural highlight of the Abenberg calendar of events every year. The classical concert takes place in the Stilla Church of the Marienburg Monastery in Abenberg.
Every year in July, the Stillafest takes place, a religious pilgrimage festival in honor of Blessed Stilla, the patron saint of Abenberg.
In 1132, the then Countess Stilla had St. Peter's Church built south of Abenberg Castle, where she found her final resting place after her death. Soon after her death, her veneration began. From the year 1480 pilgrimages to the grave of the blessed Stilla are known.
Every year on the last weekend in August, around 60 craftsmen from near and far show their handicraft techniques and work throughout the Staufer Palatinate complex, from the Blue Tower to the Red Tower. They include basket weavers, smiths, wood turners, dyers, spinners, weavers, potters and many more. Food and drink, music and medieval dances, Staufer guards and activities for children will provide atmospheric entertainment at the market.
The Imperial City Festival is one of the highlights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The entire history of the town comes to life - brought to life by about a thousand participants. Already on Friday evening there is a big torchlight procession of the history groups to the market place.
New in 2024: For the first time, “Freie Reichsstädter zu Rothenburg ob der Tauber e.V.” will re-enact a historical battle on the ice meadow in the Taubertal on early Sunday afternoon under the direction of Christoph Korwitz.
For more information click here
The "Herbst.Musik.Genuss" event will take place for the second time in the historic town center of Bad Wimpfen. Visitors can once again look forward to a colorful musical program, autumnal food offerings, the best entertainment and autumnal decorations.
Nuremberg and its institutions for art and culture, museums, churches and clubs invite you to the Blue Night® with light installations, music and performances.
The Blue Night takes place at various locations throughout the Old Town, which is completely bathed in blue light.