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.
Right on time in mid-October, it's ‘winter village time’ in Bayreuth city centre. Every year, when the cold season begins, we transform the Ehrenhof courtyard in the heart of the city into the Bayreuth Winter Village.
Glittering lights and starry magic immerse Eyrichshof Castle and Park in a pre-Christmas atmosphere. Over 120 exhibitors will be presenting their range of decorations, fashion, jewellery and handicrafts. Visitors can also look forward to a colourful supporting programme of art and culture, and there are also exciting things for young visitors to experience.
Further information (only in German)
The three-day Winter Dreams Fair is the destination of choice for many Christmas enthusiasts in Stein near Nuremberg and the surrounding region.
Visit the pre-Christmas fair and be inspired by trendy decorations, delicious delicacies and unusual gift ideas for winter 2025.
Over three days from 13 to 15 November 2026, enchanting exhibitors will be showcasing unique, handmade and fascinating products that make life more beautiful at the Graf von Faber-Castell Castle grounds. Winter and Christmas enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the wonderful world of Christmas tree baubles, sweet treats and warm fashion. In addition to inspiring and appealing sales stands, you will be entertained with a special supporting programme and live music – an exciting outing for the whole family.
Discover the Winter Village with its nostalgic children's carousel, enchanting winter maze, mulled wine and cosy, warm mountain hut charm. Typical winter and regional culinary delights round off your stay in the Winter Village. In addition to a wide range of sweet and savoury delicacies, the refreshment stands offering hot and cold winter drinks are a central meeting place where visitors enjoy meeting up for a drink or bumping into old friends. The ‘Christmas City of Nuremberg’ mugs, designed especially for the WinterRad with Winter Village, are sure to adorn many kitchen cupboards as souvenirs.
When the smell of mulled wine and cookies wafts through Roth, the Christmas market season begins. During the Christmas season, around 50 clubs and institutions invite you to stroll around the market square from Thursday to Sunday. Visitors can expect handmade goods, festive treats and a colorful stage program. The program booklet will be available online and at several locations in Roth from the end of October.

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
For the second time, the sustainable ‘Käthchen artificial ice rink’ will be set up on Kiliansplatz against the backdrop of St Kilian's Church.
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 Electoral Christmas Market is known far beyond the region for its atmospheric ambience. Over 40 artisans display their Christmas wares in the festively illuminated courtyard of the palace. A wide range of food and drink awaits visitors on the castle square.

From the end of November until Christmas Eve, the Christmas market in Lauf takes place on the upper market square and is open every day. The stalls sell mulled wine and roasted almonds, as well as handcrafted decorative items for the Advent season and much more. There is an entertaining, varied stage program, carriage rides on Sundays and various hands-on activities for children.
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.
Nuremberg Children's Christmas has been an integral part of ‘Christmas City Nuremberg’ since 1999. A visit to Hans-Sachs-Platz is on the pre-Christmas calendar of many families because it is particularly suitable for prams and small children and the entire concept is designed with children in mind. But parents are also well catered for, of course.
Every year, when the Nuremberg Christmas Market opens, a small village of wooden huts springs up between the meat market stalls, surrounding the world's largest Feuerzangenbowle (a traditional mulled wine punch). It is a romantic spot overlooking the River Pegnitz, illuminated by the bright glow of the flames above the specially made cauldron. Images from the cult film ‘Die Feuerzangenbowle’ starring Heinz Rühmann are shown on screens around the wooden stalls. For many Nuremberg residents, enjoying a cup of Feuerzangenbowle with friends or family has become a firm tradition in the run-up to Christmas.

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 in Stein near Nuremberg enchants with its festive atmosphere and charming stalls. Visitors can look forward to handmade gifts, regional treats and warming drinks. The festive lighting and the varied program of music and entertainment make the market a cosy highlight in the run-up to Christmas.
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.
In addition to the "magical hustle and bustle" in the old town of Kulmbach, there is an arts and crafts market in the rooms of the castle estate in Waaggasse and the Advent market of the Diakonie at the "Alte Villa".
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:
27.11.-29.11.
04.12.-06.12.
11.12.-13.12.

During the Advent season, the Coburg Christmas Market shines with its beautifully decorated stalls and enchants with its fairytale-like atmosphere.
The festively decorated stalls offer regional handicrafts with delicacies such as mulled wine, punch, hearty and sweet treats. A nostalgic carousel is the highlight for the younger guests.
Choirs, bands, and artists create a particularly festive atmosphere around the Prince Albert Monument on many evenings.
The Christmas market stretches along Kirchenstraße, Bliggergasse and the Protestant churchyard, inviting visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the old town, which is illuminated with festive lights. The historic backdrop with its half-timbered houses and romantic courtyards provides the perfect setting for an atmospheric market that is appreciated far beyond the city limits.
Opening hours:
Saturday: 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Sunday: 15.00 to 20.00 hrs
On three days, a colorful stage program on the market square ensures a Christmassy atmosphere. On Friday, many stores stay open late until 5 p.m. and offer special deals. The children's carousel on Waltscher Platz and the festively decorated stalls create a magical atmosphere. For a safe Christmas market stroll, the main street is closed to traffic from Friday to Sunday. Parking is available nearby.
On the first weekend of Advent, Spalt's old town is once again transformed into one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the region. Under the motto ‘Christmas market with that certain something’, visitors can expect a unique experience full of contemplation and Christmas cheer. Numerous exhibitors present handmade goods, culinary delicacies and creative gift ideas. Let yourself be enchanted by the contemplative atmosphere and get in the mood for Advent. On both days of the event, you will find the ‘Spalter Kripperla’ in St. Emmeram's Church. The storytelling cellar in the Alte Rathausgasse is open again. Our children's carousel with adjoining winter bar and atmospheric campfire invite you to linger at Gabrieliplatz. Our choirs and trombone choirs will get you in the mood on both days with free concerts at the HopfenBierGut adventure world.
The traditional Advent market takes place on Marktplatz and Maximiliansplatz in the centre of Seßlach. The retailers in the old town centre open their shops during the market and decorate them for Christmas. Local businesses and selected stalls offer Christmas delicacies.
Further information (only in German)
The charming market begins at Stillaplatz and continues over Burgsteig with Keller to the 1,000-year-old castle. Over 60 exhibitors are waiting there with their offerings and a diverse program of events. On Sunday afternoon, the Christkind of Nuremberg visits the market.
The first Advent market was held in Cadolzburg over 70 years ago. Many of the traditions from back then have been preserved to this day. The Cadolzburg Advent market has developed into a real crowd-puller in the region. The atmospheric, historic ambience on the market square and the arts and crafts market in the romantic castle courtyard attract visitors in their droves. The scent of gingerbread, mulled wine and sausages wafts from the many stalls and stands. In the evening, the market shines in the glow of a thousand red lights.
The Christmas Market at Hohenstein Castle is an arts and crafts exhibition. Hohenstein Castle will open its doors to visitors to showcase a selection of arts and crafts and Christmas products.
further information

This year's "Pottensteiner Winterzauber" will take place in the Hauptstraße and at the Bürgerhaus. The old town becomes a pedestrian zone on these days.
More than 30 providers leave nothing to be desired. The stalls offer gift items, handmade pottery, wreaths, and decorations made from natural materials, Swabian specialties, ceramics, spices, and much more.
The popular children's carousel will also be spinning at the end of the main street, and at the Christmas post office in the town hall, children can write their wish lists to the Christ Child or Santa Claus.
The Kirchberg Christmas market is one of the oldest and most atmospheric in Hohenlohe. Every year on the 2nd weekend in Advent, it fills the "little town" of Kirchberg - within the town walls, in the castle courtyard and on the streets - with the atmosphere of Advent. Against the backdrop of Kirchberg Castle, around 70 market stalls offer goods and treats. The supporting programme includes performances by brass bands and choral societies and an Advent concert in the Protestant town church. And on Saturday, St Nicholas and the Christ Child will even drop by!
Open on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
When the sparks and hammer blows ring out over the Ansbach Christmas market.
Numerous blacksmiths from the region are represented with their open forges and an offer for children. Here, young talents can unleash their creativity and create their own artwork.
Discover the blacksmith in the unique historical setting of the Handwerkerhof.
Enjoy a cosy evening at our Christmas table, surrounded by candlelight and a wintery atmosphere. Between the three courses and wines, a Christmas story will be read aloud, allowing you to relive the magic of Christmases past.
Small but nice - Around the protestant town church the stands of some local associations and other vendors are set up.
The Maroldsweisach Christmas market is a charming, romantic Christmas experience under the twinkling lights around the village church. With mulled wine, regional delicacies, and lovingly decorated stalls, the anticipation of Christmas can be enjoyed in a cozy atmosphere.
Visitors of all ages can expect a warm, heartfelt atmosphere in a relaxed village setting.
As every year, the clubs transform the market square into a wonderful Christmas market with decorated stalls, all kinds of delicacies and an entertaining programme.
The traditional Christmas market takes place on the market square in Heldburg. Regional delicacies, traditional crafts and Christmas decorations are offered against the backdrop of the medieval town centre, including the late Gothic town church ‘Zu unserer lieben Frauen’ and the town hall.
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)

Let yourself be enchanted at the Christmas market by our city of stalls in the churchyard in front of the Liebfrauenmünster and the craftsmanship in the Bürgersaal. Advent melodies and small concerts as well as the living nativity scene will get you in the mood for the Christmas season.

At the foot of the castle ruins in Altenstein, Christmas stalls are lined up with everything your heart desires - from Franconian bratwurst to flavoursome mulled wine. Experience the harmony of the Christmas atmosphere in a medieval setting.
Tip: Visit the Altenstein castle ruins too! The gateway to a journey into the Middle Ages is open to you.
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.
25 YEARS OF THE HEILBRONN CHRISTMAS CIRCUS – THE ANNIVERSARY “Twelve nations, twelve breathtaking performances”. We're going all out for this big anniversary. A top international ensemble with over 80 exceptional artists, dancers, comedians and musicians, a production like fireworks and a show that is more bombastic, colourful, emotional and surprising than ever before. Be there – let's celebrate a quarter of a century of Heilbronn Christmas Circus together with the biggest show of the festive season. INSEPARABLE FOR 25 YEARS – CHRISTMAS AND THE HEILBRONN CHRISTMAS CIRCUS.
The town of Spalt, HopfenBierGut and the Spalter Land heritage association cordially invite all horse owners and riders, as well as the citizens of the greater Spalt community, to take part in the Stephansritt. This early Christian tradition, which can be traced back to the 19th century in Spalt, is dedicated to St. Stephen, the patron saint of riders, coachmen and horses. On Boxing Day, 26 December 2025, riders and coachmen will meet at 9.30 a.m. in the Lange Gasse at the ‘Wittelsbacher Hof’, where refreshments will also be served. This will be followed by a ride, accompanied by spectators, over the Rezat Bridge and through the main street to Wasserzell. There, the riders will circle St. Stephen's Church three times before the parish priest blesses the horses and riders. Once again this year, the church administrator of Wasserzell will hand out commemorative plaques to all riders. This will be followed by a Mass in St. Stephen's Church.