Ottenhöfen Christmas Market

Advent as it is at home in the Black Forest

The Ottenhöfen Christmas Market invites you to a special Advent experience on December 12 and 13

When the scent of fir branches and freshly baked treats blends with the sound of Christmas music, a warm sea of lights bathes the spa park in a gentle glow, and heartfelt encounters accompany Advent, then it is the Christmas Market in the Mill Village of Ottenhöfen. On December 12 and 13, 2026, the spa park once again transforms into a lovingly crafted Christmas village, welcoming visitors with genuine Black Forest hospitality, lived traditions, and an atmosphere that makes the magic of the Christmas season truly tangible in a special way.

With its unmistakable character, the Ottenhöfen Christmas Market invites you to experience Advent as it has been lived in the Black Forest for generations – shaped by local clubs, traditional crafts, and a warmth that defines the unique charm of this Christmas village. It is precisely this genuine warmth that has made the Christmas Market a place of not only festive spirit but a true Christmas feeling for many years. This special concept has proven itself over many years and delights numerous visitors from the entire region year after year. Thus, the Ottenhöfen Christmas Market has long earned an excellent reputation as an atmospheric Advent destination and remains a real insider tip for many to this day. The focus is not on spectacle but on what really makes the Advent season special: community, warmth, and the small moments that stay in your memory for a long time.

It is not professional event planners but the people of Ottenhöfen themselves who create the Christmas Market each year with great voluntary commitment. Under the leadership of the Trachten- und Volkstanzgruppe Ottenhöfen, numerous local clubs collectively create a meeting place where tradition is lived and visitors are warmly welcomed. This personal atmosphere gives the market its distinctive character and makes it feel like a small Christmas fairytale right in the heart of the Black Forest.

Between rustic wooden huts, decorated fir trees, and festive lighting, regional exhibitors present a wide range of handcrafted gifts made from natural materials, thoughtful gift ideas, Black Forest specialties, and culinary delights. Mulled wine, punch, and numerous treats invite you to enjoy Advent with all your senses. Another crowd favorite is the Living Nativity Scene, where cozy sheep and donkeys can be seen in a lovingly Christmas-decorated manger. For children, it is an extraordinary experience year after year and brings shining eyes.

The Christmas Market is officially opened on Saturday, December 12, at 3 p.m. The children of the Ottenhöfen kindergarten welcome the Advent season with their songs before the Kasperle Theater presents a new winter adventure that will light up children's eyes. On both days, JONECKO & OSO roam the market with their original Waldkircher barrel organ, spreading nostalgic Christmas cheer. Kids can also let their creativity run free while making candles.

The musical lineup on Saturday features the Sunshine Choir, the Frohsinn Choir, the "4er" ensemble, and the Mini Guard of Ottenhöfen. The first market day closes with a performance by Audilia & Band. Alongside songs from the album Seasons, the artist presents new original compositions as well as selected tracks from alternative, indie, folk-pop, and jazz, providing a special musical ending to the Advent evening.

A highlight on Sunday is the arrival of Santa Claus with the historic steam train of the Achertal Railway Association. The nostalgic ride from Achern through the wintry Achertal valley already makes the Christmas Market visit a special experience for the whole family. Upon arrival at the spa park, Santa Claus distributes small surprises to the children and brings bright smiles.

The Sunday program includes musical performances by the Frohsinn Tiergarten Music Association, the Furschenbach kindergarten, the children’s choir of the Erwin-Schweizer School, the Bläserklasse+, Grinde Groover, and Selina & Philipp. With Christmas tunes, traditional melodies, and heartfelt interpretations of well-known classics and current songs, they provide a festive conclusion to the third Advent weekend.

The Ottenhöfen Christmas Market is open on Saturday, December 12, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Timetables for the historic steam train can be found at www.achertaeler-eisenbahnverein.de.