Christkindlmarkt - Domplatz

The Passauer Christkindlmarkt transforms Domplatz into a magical winter wonderland set against the magnificent baroque backdrop of St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest cathedral organ. This carefully curated Christmas market, now in its 18th year, features approximately 50 wooden huts and four pavilions showcasing high-quality crafts and regional specialties from vendors representing Germany and four other countries. The market's distinctive character comes from its commitment to quality over quantity, with vendors carefully selected each year to offer authentic handcrafted goods including hand-painted Christmas baubles, traditional woodcarvings, and intricate nativity figurines. The atmospheric setting in Passau's enchanting Old Town creates an intimate, traditional experience as you wander through the festive stalls while the aroma of gingerbread, roasted almonds, and mulled wine fills the air. A unique feature is the "gemeinnützige Hütte" (charitable hut), where local non-profit organizations, kindergartens, and schools rotate daily, allowing visitors to support community causes while shopping. The stage tent hosts over 30 different performances throughout the season, featuring regional music, singing, and traditional Bavarian customs groups that perform daily. For an unforgettable musical experience, attend one of the midday organ concerts at St. Stephen's Cathedral (Wednesday-Saturday at noon) to hear the world's largest cathedral organ resonate through the baroque masterpiece. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring this intimate market that perfectly balances festive charm with authentic Bavarian tradition.