November 24, 2025, 2:29 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Whether after work or as a relaxing weekend activity, Christmas markets are simply part of the Advent season for many. In the Free State of Bavaria, the selection is vast, with eight major cities offering various winter and Christmas markets. Whether in Lower Bavaria or Upper Bavaria, here are the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region, chosen by our editorial team.

The 4 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Bavaria

Würzburg Christmas Market

Anyone who has been to Würzburg in Lower Franconia will surely remember the impressive Marienkapelle. During Advent, numerous stalls line the Würzburg marketplace, giving the historic center of the residence city a Christmas flair. The market starts at the end of November and spreads over the Upper and Lower Market Square as well as Eichhornstraße. This year, there are more than 125 market stalls offering mulled wine, other treats, and local artisans’ crafts. Ideal for tradition lovers.

Open: November 28 to December 23, 2025

Admission: free

Fraueninsel Christmas Market

Christmas on an island? It might sound unusual at first, but the Christmas market on Fraueninsel quickly makes up for it. On one of the three islands in Lake Chiemsee, the Christkindlmarkt takes place again this year. More than 60 stalls invite visitors to browse unique items, traditional crafts, and culinary offerings. There is also a special program for children. The Christmas market spans the entire island—mainly along the Frauenwörth monastery complex and around the landing stage. The location is particularly special: The car-free island is only accessible by boat, for example, from Prien or Gstadt am Chiemsee. Ideal for island lovers.

Open: November 27 to December 7, 2025

Admission: free, boat trip adults round trip: 8.50 euros from Gstadt, children and teenagers aged 6 to 16 years 4.50 euros

Winter World Waldwipfelweg

Another Christmas market tip in Bavaria is located in Maibrunn, a district of the resort town Sankt Englmar in Lower Bavaria. At an altitude of about 900 meters, the area attracts hikers and nature lovers. One of the most famous attractions is the Waldwipfelweg, which is also part of the Christmas market during Advent. On weekends, numerous stalls with Baumstriezel, mulled wine, and Christmas decorations line up there. The path is festively lit and leads to the observation tower, offering a great view over the Bavarian Forest. Ideal for nature fans.

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Open: November 21 to December 21, 2025

Admission: adults 13 euros, children aged 3 to 15 years 7 euros

Christmas Market Schloss Thurn und Taxis

The Christmas market in the courtyard of Schloss St. Emmeram in Regensburg exudes a touch of glamour. Since 1812, the former monastery has been owned by the Thurn und Taxis princely family and is usually open for tours. During the pre-Christmas season, however, the courtyard transforms into a festively lit market with small wooden stalls, Bavarian specialties, handicrafts, nostalgic rides, and an alpaca enclosure—all with a view of the castle. During the Christmas market, the otherwise inaccessible castle garden is also open to visitors. Ideal for romantics and glamour fans.

Open: November 21 to December 23, 2025

Admission: adults Monday 6.50 euros, Sunday & Tuesday to Friday 9.50 euros, Saturday 13.50 euros, children aged 6 to 16 years Monday to Saturday 3.50 euros, Sunday free