German Christmas Museum

Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum

Experience the history of this festivity so rich in tradition for the first time in a permanent exhibition in Germany.

Come along on a journey to the past in the heart of the picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber in charming Franconia. Let yourself be captivated step by step by the romance of Christmas past. Indulge in this feast for your eyes and ears, in this exhibition obligated to traditions. See glittering glass balls, happy and grim Santas, uncountable nutcrackers and 6 feet tall pyramids.

How it all began
Once upon a time … Would be the perfect way of starting to tell about the magnificent history of origin of the German Christmas Museum. Shortly after the grand opening of the world famous "Weihnachtsdorfes", the Christmas Village of Käthe Wohlfahrt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in 1981, Harald Wohlfahrt first started to contemplate about traditional Christmas celebrations during the era of our forefathers.

Based on the thought that the various facets of this traditional celebration and the historical development are worth being documented, his wish to create a Christmas museum was born. This museum was not only supposed to present wonderful old Christmas decorations from Germany, but also the history of this festivity and its secular customs for all visitors interested in learning more about Christmas.