The festive Advent spirit and the Romantic Road are not only inextricably linked; they also provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas anticipation. Along Germany’s only certified “Quality Vacation Route,” numerous Christmas and nativity scene exhibitions help shorten the wait for the Christian holiday for all art and culture enthusiasts. Here in the towns along the Romantic Road, you can discover nativity scenes of all sizes—from large to small—all along the route from Würzburg to Füssen. With their diverse styles, these displays offer a comprehensive insight into the varied and regionally distinctive art of nativity scene craftsmanship. The romantic Christmas markets provide the perfect setting for enjoyable excursions and a contemplative way to get into the Christmas spirit.
The Wertheim Christmas Market offers a particularly romantic atmosphere and is open every Advent weekend from Friday to Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This traditional Christmas market, with its charming Christmas huts, offers a wide selection of arts and crafts, nativity scenes, and culinary delights. A visit to the Wertheim Glass Museum is also well worth it. From November 28, 2026, through January 6, 2027, the museum will host a special Christmas exhibition on the manufacturing methods and variety of forms created by Thuringian glassblowers beginning in 1880. Decorated Christmas trees reflect the influence of fashion on colors, shapes, and motifs.
The large Christmas market in downtown Bad Mergentheim will take place this year from December 3–6, 2026, and from December 10–13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day; the food and beverage stands will remain open until 10:00 p.m. “Worlds of Light” is the theme of a vibrant program of cultural and experiential activities, the centerpiece of which is the traditional Christmas market in the old town. It invites visitors to browse, savor, and discover in a special atmosphere. Surrounding the large Christmas tree is a colorful assortment of handcrafted products: in addition to woodturning, ceramics, wooden toys, carvings, pottery, and handicrafts, mulled wine is a must, as are cookies and festive Christmas decorations. The downtown area is filled with the enticing aromas of punch, roasted almonds, waffles, and bratwurst.
In Nördlingen, the romantic Nördlingen Christmas Market will be open from November 27 to December 23, 2026, set against a historic backdrop in the pedestrian zone and on the market square. With its regional specialties, sweet treats, the enticing aroma of mulled wine, unique handicrafts, nativity scene exhibitions, and the Nördlingen Nativity Trail, the Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful in Swabia. Advent city tours, the live nativity scene in the market square, a music program that changes almost daily, and concerts ensure unforgettable experiences. Nördlingen invites you to enjoy the pre-Christmas season in an atmospheric setting.
From December 4 through 20, 2026, Schongau invites you to experience a magical winter wonderland on the historic Marienplatz in Schongau’s Old Town. With twinkling lights, festive sounds, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds, the Schongau Christmas Magic creates an atmosphere that warms the heart and enchants visitors. And during the Advent and Christmas season, the Schongau City Museum presents special exhibitions featuring historic Christmas nativity scenes.
Peiting and the Museum im Klösterle will spread Christmas cheer with the traditional Peiting Christmas Market, taking place November 27–29, 2026, on the main square in front of City Hall. A Diakonie Christmas Market featuring workshops and non-alcoholic punch will also be held this weekend in the Herzogsägmühle district of Peiting.
