Bamberg's Old Town is a jewel that shines especially bright in the Christmas season. This can be most strongly felt at the magical Advent and Christmas markets that sell all kinds of bits and pieces, traditional items, mouth-watering sundries and beautiful trinkets.

During Advent, Maxplatz square in the pedestrian zone is transformed into a pre-Christmas market, featuring among others, a large Franconian half-timber nativity scene depicting various scenes from the Christmas story.

In the Sand - Bamberg's oldest district - arts and craftsmen and women congregate around the mediaeval Church of St. Elisabeth on the first weekend of Advent. The Middle Ages has a high standing in Bamberg especially during the Christmas period: A mediaeval Christmas market takes place in the inner courtyard of Geyerswörth Palace, featuring a wealth of demonstrations and a mediaeval programme of cultural events.

All that remains is the arts and crafts Christmas market on Jakobsplatz square: an atmospheric Franconian market with a difference boasting many nativity scenes, a celestial workshop for children and a puppet theatre.