THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT LAKE CONSTANCE
MAGICAL ADVENT AROUND THE LAKE
Advent on Lake Constance is a very special time. Between the Alpine panorama and twinkling lights, a festive atmosphere unfolds here that enchants locals and visitors alike.
The various Christmas markets around the lake offer a unique variety: whether in romantic old towns, historic harbors or in the magnificent grounds of a castle – each market has its own charm and special highlights. Come with us on a festive journey of discovery:
Constance Christmas market by the lake
27.11. – 23.12., gastronomy daily from 11.00 – 21.30, traders Sundays to Thursdays from 11.00 – 20.00, Fridays and Saturdays from 11.00 – 21.30, Food service daily from from 11.00 – 21.30.
Of course, we start on our own doorstep: the Christmas market in Constance is the largest and one of the best-known Christmas markets on Lake Constance. Over 170 festively decorated stalls stretch from the historic old town down to the harbor and into the city garden. A special highlight is the “Christmas Ship”: Christmas market stalls are also located on the atmospherically illuminated passenger ship.
Program & info here: www.weihnachtsmarkt-am-see.de
Lindau Harbor Christmas
27.11. – 22.12., Thursdays to Saturdays 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
A special atmosphere amidst the picturesque backdrop of Lake Constance, the snow-covered Alps in the background, the harbor promenade festively illuminated with thousands of lights: this is Lindau Harbor Christmas. Regional exhibitors offer handmade gifts and traditional delicacies. Including the Stotz Hof, which adds its market stall to the LAGO from spring to fall. At Lindauer Hafenweihnacht, the Stotz Hof stand offers homemade mulled apple wine and small Christmas gifts such as pestos, balsamic vinegar and award-winning cider. Also on board: a historic sleigh as a cool photo spot.
A real highlight even without the Christmas magic, the Lindau harbor entrance with the Bavarian Lion and the southernmost lighthouse in Germany is a wonderful place to get in the mood for Christmas during Advent.
Just come by boat! The Lindau Harbour Christmas is connected to the Bregenz Christmas Market by a floating bridge across Lake Constance.
Find out more here: www.lindauer-hafenweihnacht.de
Bregenz Christmas
15.11. – 23.12., traders daily from 11.00 – 20.00, gastronomy daily from 11.00 to 21.00
Of course, in our search for the most beautiful Christmas markets by the lake, we also look across to Austria. A nostalgic carousel, an ice rink, and a fairy-tale house are special highlights in Vorarlberg’s capital. This year, you can once again experience the magic of Christmas from a height of 20 meters in a festively lit Ferris wheel.
Tip: Take the Christmas boat for a short trip to Lindau to admire the harbor Christmas market.
All information here: www.visitbregenz.com
Dornbirn Christmas Market
21.11. – 23.12., traders Sundays to Fridays from 14.00 – 19.30 and Saturdays from 10.00 – 19.30, gastronomy Sundays to Wednesdays from 14.00 – 21.00 and Thursdays to Saturdays from 14.00 – 22.00
We’re still in Austria: in a cozy atmosphere, children do handicrafts, bake, paint, read and play in the Christmas paradise of Dornbirn’s Christkindlemarkt. Everyone else can wander around the arts and crafts market and marvel at the impressive Christmas decorations.
More information here: www.dornbirn.info
Überlingen Christmas Market
11. – 21.12, daily from 11.00 – 20.00 o’clock
On the northern shores of Lake Constance, Überlingen’s WinterZauber awaits you with a small but really fine Christmas market on the “Hofstatt”: handicrafts and traders from the Lake Constance region offer lovingly designed goods and special treats. The entire old town is decorated with twinkling poinsettias, large colorful baubles in the trees and festively decorated Christmas bowls. Überlingen Minster is also decked out – a visit there rounds off the Christmas market experience in Überlingen in a contemplative way.
For more information: www.ueberlingen-bodensee.de
Salem Castle Christmas Market
29-30 November (first weekend of Advent), Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Make sure you keep the first weekend of Advent free for a visit to one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the region: in the impressive ambience of Salem Monastery and Castle, between historic walls and in magnificent gardens, a fairytale setting and a touch of Christmas nostalgia is created. During the Christmas market, you have the opportunity to get to know the monastery complex on a guided tour. The monastery museum and the fire department museum are also open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Read more: www.salem.de
Meersburg Christmas Market
November 28–29 (first weekend of Advent), Friday 3–9:30 p.m., Saturday 2–8 p.m.
Also (only) on the first weekend of Advent, but one day earlier—on Friday—the small, fairytale-like Meersburg Christmas Market opens its doors. In the heart of the historic old town, between half-timbered houses and the castle backdrop, a festive atmosphere unfolds – with arts and crafts, sweet and savory treats, and special encounters: St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht are out and about, putting smiles on the faces of the little ones in particular. Tip: Don’t miss the festive opening on Friday evening, complete with a Christ Child prologue and music!
More information: www.meersburg.de
SPECIAL TIP: GLORIOUS X-MAS WARM UP at Glorious Bastards
November 27–December 24, Thursdays to Saturdays, 8–11 p.m.
Want to warm up after visiting the Christmas market, or just not a fan of traditional Christmas markets? Then the rooftop bar at Glorious Bastards is the place to be in the run-up to Christmas! From Thursday to Saturday, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., you can enjoy mulled wine, Christmas churros, and the view of the illuminated city to the sounds of relaxing DJ music – other drinks and snacks are also available as usual, of course. So come up to LAGO for the GLORIOUS X-MAS WARM UP!
Advent at Tettnang Castle
November 28–30 & December 5–7, Fridays from 4–9 p.m., Saturdays from 1–9 p.m., and Sundays from 1–8 p.m.
Advent flair in baroque style: On the first and second weekends of Advent, the magnificently illuminated courtyard of the New Palace in Tettnang awaits you with unusual gift ideas, music, and a lovingly curated market. In addition to handmade crafts, choirs and brass ensembles create a festive atmosphere. Children can experience real Christmas magic by baking bread on a stick or visiting St. Nicholas. The lantern walk (Saturday, December 6, 5 p.m., from Bärenplatz to the New Palace) is an experience for young and old alike. Tip: In the “Room of Silence,” you can simply take a deep breath and leave the hustle and bustle outside.
More information: www.tettnang.de
Lake Constance Christmas Friedrichshafen
28.11. – 21.12., Mondays to Thursdays from 12.00 – 20.00, Fridays to Sundays from 11.00 – 20.00 (gastro until 22.00)
In a familiar and cozy atmosphere, with a fantastic view of Lake Constance and the Alpine panorama, the Lake Constance Christmas in Friedrichshafen is an experience for young and old. Highlights of the Christmas market hut village are the large decorated Christmas tree, the nativity scene with real animals and the mulled wine Christmas pyramid. The adjacent curling rinks also promise great fun.
Impressions & info: www.bodensee-weihnacht.de
St. Gallen Christmas Market
27.11. – 24.12., traders Mondays to Fridays from 11.00 – 19.00, Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00 – 18.00, gastronomy Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays and Saturdays from 11.00 – 21.00, Thursdays from 11.00 – 22.00, Sundays from 11.00 – 19.00
We are looking forward to the “City of Stars” at our Swiss neighbors: over 700 shining stars decorate the alleys and squares (Waaghaus, Bohl, Marktgasse & Neugasse) around the Christmas market. Handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, and culinary delicacies such as St. Gallen bratwurst, mulled wine, and Feuerzangenbowle await you at around 50 stands. A daily program of events featuring choir music and guided tours will make your visit to St. Gallen unforgettable.
More information: www.freizeit.ch
Arbon Christmas Market
November 29, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
It’s only one day – but what a day: the Arbon Christmas Market brings pre-Christmas cheer to the streets of the historic old town. Under atmospheric lighting, you’ll find lovingly decorated stalls selling homemade goods, regional handicrafts, and delicacies. Perfect for those who prefer a smaller, more charming atmosphere. Our tip: it’s worth arriving early – and perhaps combining your visit to the market with a walk by the lake?
More information: www.thurgaukultur.ch
Romanshorn Santa Market
November 29–30, Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Attention, Santa fans! Even though it’s not December 6 yet, several Santa Clauses (Nikolaus figures) will be parading through the colorfully decorated streets of Romanshorn with mandarins and nuts at the traditional Santa Market. Numerous stalls along Alleestraße and Bahnhofstraße invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll. Particularly popular: parallel to the market, many shops in Romanshorn are open on Sunday for Advent shopping (a popular Swiss tradition of Sunday sales during Advent). Music, mulled wine, and a great atmosphere are included.
More information: www.romanshorn.ch
Kreuzlingen Christmas Market
December 12–14, Friday 4–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Right next to Konstanz, but with its own unique charm: the Kreuzlingen Christmas Market on Hafenplatz brings the people of Kreuzlingen together. The Christmas village consists of lovingly designed wooden huts, with regional exhibitors selling handmade and regional products. In the evening, the square sparkles, with two food outlets and a small street food area to choose from, while during the day, families can enjoy the children’s program on all three days. Tip: A visit can be perfectly combined with the Konstanz Christmas market – two countries, two markets, only a few minutes’ walk apart.
More information: www.kreuzlinger-weihnachtsmarkt.ch/
Fairytale town Stein am Rhein
03.12.–04.01., Wednesdays to Fridays from 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until at least 8 p.m. (or 10 p.m. if it is very busy)
A real fairy tale that we can still enjoy even after Christmas: during Advent, the old town of Stein am Rhein is transformed into a “fairy tale town,” where the alleys and squares become the setting for magical scenes. This year, you can experience the story of “The Frog Prince” in 20 lovingly decorated shop windows along the “fairy tale trail.” The half-timbered houses, St. Georgen Monastery, and Hohenklingen Castle lend the market a particularly romantic atmosphere. Children can even ride the carousel for free! We also highly recommend the integrated medieval market in the courtyard of St. Georgen Monastery (December 12–14) and the Country & Western Days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (December 27–28), which add to the fairy-tale town’s attractions.
All details & opening hours on the festive days: www.maerlistadt.ch
November 18–January 5, daily from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last admission around 8 p.m.), closed on some days
Among all the events and destinations around Lake Constance that create a festive atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas, the Christmas Garden on Mainau Island is a very special place: less a market than an exhibition, it offers relaxation and a chance to slow down during the hectic Christmas season. Guests can expect a two-kilometer circular trail illuminated by sparkling lights across the flower island – accompanied by atmospheric soundtracks, Christmas music, and a wide range of culinary delights (including a festive menu in the “Schwedenschenke”).
More information: www.christmas-garden.de
The most beautiful Christmas markets on Lake Constance: LAGO wishes you lots of fun!
The Christmas markets around Lake Constance offer a unique blend of tradition and romance, nostalgia and regional charm as well as a particularly atmospheric ambience. Each market in our guide has its own character and special highlights that make the Christmas season at Lake Constance unforgettable. We hope you enjoy exploring and experiencing the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Lake Constance region!
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DAS LAGO SHOPPING-CENTER IN KONSTANZ AM BODENSEE
EIN WIRKLICH EINZIGARTIGER MIX
Mode, Lifestyle und Genuss in mehr als 70 Shops, Cafés und Restaurants: Das ist das LAGO Shopping-Center. Mitten in Konstanz gelegen, umgeben vom Flair des Bodensees, bereitet es Ihnen ein außergewöhnliches Gesamterlebnis. Alles, was Sie brauchen, um eine gute Zeit zu erleben, finden Sie hier: Einkaufen, Freizeitmöglichkeiten, Unterhaltung, Gaumenfreuden und Services.
VIELFALT GENIESSEN
Und das LAGO bietet noch mehr als das: das bunte Leben der trendigen Shopwelt, entspannende kleine Auszeiten beim Kaffee oder Essen und die lässige Großzügigkeit des Sees – eine Verbindung, die Sie nirgendwo anders finden. Genießen Sie sie mit allen Sinnen.