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Neupfarrplatz Christmas Market
Best for: The local center
A long-running craft and gathering market with Bavarian and Upper Palatinate food and drink.
Germany
Christmas Markets in Regensburg
Regensburg offers several different market experiences inside its UNESCO old town, from Neupfarrplatz to the ticketed Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace.
Famous for
Several distinct markets, including civic Neupfarrplatz, riverside Katharinenspital, and the ticketed palace market at Thurn und Taxis.
Looking for a 2026 Christmas sailing that visits Regensburg?
Start with the 2026 itineraries we checked, then let an advisor reconfirm the cabin and fare.
About the Regensburg markets
Regensburg is a Danube medieval jewel, with a UNESCO old town, patrician towers, the Stone Bridge, and the historic Wurstkuchl. Its markets are not interchangeable: Neupfarrplatz is the central civic market, Katharinenspital offers a cozy riverfront setting, Lucrezia emphasizes arts and crafts, and the theatrical Romantic Christmas Market is a separate, ticketed experience at Thurn und Taxis Palace. Check free time and admission before making the palace market a deciding factor.
Why Regensburg feels different
Regensburg may offer the Danube's clearest example of why the market—not just the city—matters.
Part of local Advent life
Neupfarrplatz is a civic meeting place, Katharinenspital is cozy and riverfront, Lucrezia is craft-led, and the ticketed palace market delivers theatrical spectacle. They are not interchangeable.
Choose the market—not only the city
Regensburg's market personalities
Bigger cities can have several markets with entirely different moods. A smaller stop may concentrate its character in one square, street, or old-town route.
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Katharinenspital Advent Market
Best for: Cozy local atmosphere
Bonfires, crafts, food, and cathedral views at the foot of the Stone Bridge.
3
Romantic Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace
Best for: The grand spectacle
A ticketed palace-courtyard experience with firelight, performances, crafts, and dramatic architecture.
4
Lucrezia Market
Best for: Art and independent makers
A juried arts-and-crafts counterpoint to the traditional markets.
Advisor Pick
Katharinenspital for warmth; Thurn und Taxis for wow
The riverfront market feels intimate and social. The palace market is the visual splurge, but it requires enough free time and usually a separate ticket.
The cruise-stop reality
A standard city tour does not automatically include the palace market. Check admission, transfer time, and whether the ship stays late enough before making it your deciding factor.
A practical plan for your time ashore
- 1Start at Neupfarrplatz or the old town
- 2Walk across the Stone Bridge to Katharinenspital
- 3Choose the palace only when the schedule clearly supports it
Turn the guide into a trip
See which Danube cruise fits.
Browse routes for your year, then ask us to check the dates and time ashore. Each itinerary visits a different selection of stops.
What to eat
- ❄ Regensburger Wurst
- ❄ Lebkuchen
- ❄ Roasted almonds
What to drink
- ❄ Glühwein
- ❄ Local Bavarian beer
Crafts & gifts
- ❄ Bavarian woodcarvings
- ❄ Glass ornaments
Dates & vibe
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
Dates differ by market and year. Confirm the opening calendar for the day your ship visits; festive lights do not mean the stalls are still open.
Vibe: Medieval and romantic — a UNESCO old town of towers and courtyards.
Highlights
Neupfarrplatz marketKatharinenspital Advent marketWurstkuchlStone BridgeOld Town (UNESCO)Thurn und Taxis Palace market
Local tip
Get a sausage from the Wurstkuchl by the river, then walk up to the cathedral — the whole loop is under 20 minutes.
Other markets you might like
Germany
Cologne
Several themed Christmas markets fill Cologne's center, anchored by the Cathedral Market and Heinzel's Winter Fairytale in the Old Town.
Reibekuchen (potato pancakes)BratwurstGlühwein
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe's best-known Christmas markets, centered on Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt and documented since the 1600s.
Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread)Schäufele (pork shoulder)Glühwein
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 24
ExploreGermany
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Rüdesheimer Kaffee (brandy-spiked)LebkuchenRiesling glühwein
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Bamberg
Bamberg's Christmas market sits before the UNESCO old town's four-spired cathedral, in a medieval town famous for its smoked beer (Rauchbier).
SchäufeleBamberger Zwiebel (stuffed onion)Schlenkerla Rauchbier (smoked beer)
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
Explore