"Romantic Christmas Market with Traditional Handicrafts at the “Thurn und Taxis Castle” in Regensburg", 26.11. - 23.12.09

A Royal Christmas Stroll

Regensburg, located in the heart of Bavaria is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The old part of the town is regarded as a medieval wonder, due to the fact that it remained unscathed during World War II and was awarded World Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2006. One of the most poignant buildings is the “St. Emmeram Castle”, which is the residence of the world famous aristocratic “Thurn und Taxis” family.

The castle itself is larger than Buckingham Palace, and its magnificent park, imposing architecture and picturesque courtyard creates a unique romantic atmosphere. Every year thousands of tourists come here and allow themselves to be taken back into the times of knights, princesses and horses and carriages. Also the local people are fascinated by its charm and cannot eulde this hostoric place.

The picturesque scenery of the St. Emmeram Castle gives the “Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle in Regensburg” a unique flair. Under the favour of the imposing facade of the castle, the courtyard is gently lit by torches, lanterns and candles. At the centre of this magical make believe village is a mighty, beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Princess Gloria from Thurn und Taxis and her family like to mix with the guests at this event, which is held on their own doorstep. Who knows you might even find them standing next to you at some point during your visit!

Bustling Market Stalls

There is plenty of activity in and around the many wooden huts at the market. Traditional craftsmen of various trades demonstrate their skills and offer their goods for sale. You will find blacksmiths, turners, glass blowers, candle, crib, lantern and pan makers, also basket weavers and the very well known hat makers from the “Regensburger Dom”.

Traditional Bavarian Specialities

The open fires outside the various market stalls offer warmth and cosiness in the cold winter evenings. Their flames also serve to prepare numerous delicious traditional Bavarian specialities such as “Feuerzangenbowle”, a hot alcoholic Christmas drink made from a secret recipe. You will be spoilt for choice with the many different kinds of mulled wines like "Fürstenkelch" , "Blaublut" or "Prinzentrunk" to name but a few. There is surely something for everyone’s taste. Other specialities ranging from soup that is served in a loaf of bread to “Spanferkel” (Bavarian style spit-roasted piglet), traditional “Regensburger Knackersemmel” (a special type of sausage from Regensburg served in a bread cake) or “Altoberpfälzer Weihnachtzwiebel” (fried onions in batter made from a traditional Christmas recipe which originates from the region just north of Regensburg) round off the culinary versatility at the “Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle in Regensburg”.

Cultural Program

The exceptional cultural program plays a very important role at the “Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle in Regensburg”. Singers and musicians from Regensburg and the surrounding area add to the cheerful, reflective pre-Christmas atmosphere.

Concerts are given daily by internationally recognised orchestras, choirs and groups. Theme evenings also provide entertainment for the visitors for example, “Original Old Bavarian Christmas” and “Oberpfälzer Christmas in the Forest “.

At the end of every evening a trumpeter plays a solo live version of the classic Christmas carol “Silent Night” on the castle`s balcony.

The Christmas Fairy is coming!

We haven’t forgotten our younger visitors either. There is ample entertainment for the children. Father Christmas and the Christmas Fairy visit the “Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle in Regensburg” each evening and recite jovial, reflective poems to our young guests. A nostalgic carousel and a Punch and Judy show also add to the excitement.

“Schlosshof Café”

A popular meeting point is our “Schlosshof Café”. We have transformed the historic east wing of the St. Emmeram castle to provide a welcome resting place for tired visitors. Treat yourself to delicious coffee and cakes or maybe an excellent “Thurn und Taxis Pils” in the cosy warmth and recharge your batteries!

The Idyllic Davidhof

The castle garden, which is similar to a park, is during theyear only used by the Thurn und Taxis family and their guests. Craftsmen also demonstrate their skills here in this special, unique atmosphere.   

The Village of Art Craftsmen, located in front of the Southeast Wing

In recent years, the impressive Village of Art Craftsmen, in front of the attractive backdrop of the castle, has been accepted extraordinarily well. Beacuse of this good feedback, the organizers have expanded the Village and made it even more beautiful. Amidst goldsmiths, furriers, soap manufacterers and much more, visitors of the Village will be captivated by the enchantment of the Romantic Christmas Market.