Ulmer Weihnachtsmarkt, Christmas market at Münsterplatz, Germany

The Ulm Christmas Market is a seasonal market at Münsterplatz with about a hundred wooden stalls selling crafts, toys, regional foods, and seasonal decorations. The stalls surround the main plaza, with views of the Minster building rising behind them.

The market's age is debated: Felix Fabri traced it to 1383, while a tradition is documented at least back to the 16th century. It has been held on Münsterplatz since 1805 and in its current form and duration since 1984.

The market's name comes from its host city, Ulm, and it fills the Münsterplatz in front of the Gothic minster. A yurt run by the Junge Ulmer Bühne hosts traditional and modern storytelling, while a glass hut shows glassmaking and a display hut holds Steiff animals. A live nativity scene stands before the minster portal.

The market is easy to reach on foot and has plenty of room to walk between the stalls. Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening gives you the benefit of the outdoor lighting as darkness falls.

The market includes a glass hut where glassmaking and processing are demonstrated, and a display hut filled with Steiff animals. In the Junge Ulmer Bühne yurt, traditional and modern stories are told, and a living nativity scene stands before the Minster portal.