And it is not surprising, because the Danube city is both young and old at the same time, offering 2,000 years of history from Roman times and is a modern economic and scientific center. Regensburg is Bavarian cozy and Italian lively, it is a place of culture and cult experiences. The city has 170,000 inhabitants, of which more than 30,000 are students. Immerse yourself in this completely unique atmosphere.
The glow of lights during Advent
Right before Christmas, Regensburg shines with the lights of its four Christmas markets. At the top is the famous Romantic Christmas market at Thurn & Taxis Castle. In addition to the markets, many small boutiques, winter city tours, and boat trips invite for Christmas shopping, complementing this offer. A truly extraordinary event is the light show "Enlightment", which follows the great success of Genesis I in 2022 and Genesis II in 2023.
Regensburg as a Christmas gift
Even more beautiful is a visit to Regensburg in the so-called "quiet period," as the residents of Regensburg call it – that is, after Christmas, at the beginning of the year, when one extraordinary event follows another. Alongside the aforementioned immersive art show "Enlightment" (November 9, 2024 – January 11, 2025), a series of events begins with the annual "Regensburg Christmas Circus" (December 13 – 31, 2024) and continues with the Regensburg original – "Traumfabrik – theater of fantasy" (December 28 – 31, 2024).
Next is the jazz festival "Sparks and Visions" (January 24 – 26, 2025), an event for lovers of quality jazz. For specialists and true connoisseurs, the legendary "Drumweekend Regensburg", a drum festival organized by the world-renowned Gerwin Eisenhauer (February 21 – 23, 2025). Cinephiles are attracted by the famous "International Short Film Week" (March 20 – 30, 2025). For everyone, there are numerous cabaret and comedy events, exhibitions, readings, and other activities that you can find in the event calendar.
The 1,050th anniversary of the Regensburg Cathedral Choir, the oldest boys' choir in the world, is the highlight of 2025. The touching "Eternal Songs" during Passion Week and Easter at St. Peter's Cathedral (April 13 – 21, 2025) is an event you should not miss. The festival "Young Voices" (March 28 – 30, 2025) is an exceptional meeting of nine young choirs that connect nations. Alongside the Cathedral Choir, the Dresden Kreuzchor, the Windsbacher Boys' Choir, the Boys' Choir of Augsburg Cathedral, the Montserrat Boys' Choir from Spain, and the Boys' Choir of the Cathedral in Riga from Latvia will perform. Music connects, just like the city of Regensburg itself, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Why not try giving a Christmas city trip to Regensburg? Everyone will definitely find something to their taste here. Hotels in Regensburg offer a range of special packages. Family boutiques, new and renowned hotels in the city center and its surroundings invite you to stay. The culinary scene is just as diverse – from student pubs to vegan and traditional restaurants, the oldest kitchen in the world – the Historic Wurstkuchl, to three Michelin-starred restaurants. At the restaurant Storstad, even a chef from the German national football team cooks.
Valuable and comprehensive information and booking options can be found on the website of Regensburg Tourismus GmbH (RTG) www.tourismus.regensburg.de in German and English. City tours and guiding services can also be booked in Czech through RTG (contact details are provided on the website).
