What will the Advent Markets be like in Erfurt this year? Program and important information in one place

Enjoy the warm smell of gingerbread, sausages, and mulled wine at Christmas Markets in Erfurt.

Listen to joyful carols and feel the festive spirit all around. This beautiful old town is a great place to visit before Christmas.

You will find many handmade crafts and tasty treats in a lively atmosphere.

What special surprises await you here?

Christmas Markets in Erfurt

A Brief History of Erfurt’s Christmas Market

The Christmas market tradition in Erfurt dates back to 1772, making it one of Germany’s oldest and most cherished holiday markets. While its roots lie in medieval trading traditions, today’s market beautifully blends historical charm with contemporary festivities.

The Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt

The Christmas market in Erfurt is a dazzling holiday season celebration that draws visitors from all corners of the globe.

Nestled in the heart of the Thuringian capital, this enchanting market transforms the historic old town into a winter wonderland, brimming with lights, music, and a festive spirit.

Whether you are a local or a traveler, the market offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Christmas.

Erfurt’s Christmas markets are known for their rich selection of local handicrafts and delicious food in picturesque historical settings. Therefore, it is not surprising that thousands of visitors from all over Germany and elsewhere come here every year.

Erfurt Christmas market on Domplatz Square

The market’s location in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus creates an awe-inspiring backdrop that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

When and where will it all take place?

Program of the Erfurt Advent Fair

The market’s crown jewel is the illuminated Cathedral Square (Domplatz), where the imposing Gothic cathedral towers above a sea of wooden stalls. The massive Christmas pyramid, standing 12 meters tall, serves as both a landmark and meeting point, its rotating tiers telling the story of Erfurt’s history through hand-carved figures.

In the middle of the Dormplatz there is a festively decorated Christmas tree , and in its immediate vicinity there is a nativity scene with almost life-sized wooden figures. Other attractions include the more than five-meter-high Advent wreath on the steps of the cathedral and the twelve-meter-high Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains.

The whole city center shines with lights, shops, Christmas tunes wafting through the air, and the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread. The annual exhibition of Christmas weavings in the rock cellar shows visitors typical flower scenes from the Advent and Christmas seasons.

A rich accompanying program is prepared, especially on Advent weekends. A wide range of attractions, including a Ferris wheel and a carousel, will delight visitors of all ages.

There is a rich offer, especially for younger visitors. The center of attention has been the picturesque fairy-tale paintings of Erfurt artists Hannelore Reichenbach and Kurt Buchspiess for many years. This year, the fairy-tale paintings are located in the Benediktsplatz/Rathausbrücke area. Here, children can let their imaginations run wild.

Take a look at what this Advent market looked like in previous years.

Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt 2019

Why Erfurt’s Christmas Market Stands Apart

What sets the Christmas market in Erfurt apart is its authentic atmosphere, unspoiled by over-commercialization. Unlike larger city markets, Erfurt maintains its intimate, community-focused character. Medieval architecture provides more than just a backdrop; it creates an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.

The market’s commitment to local traditions is evident in every aspect, from the handcrafted goods to the regional specialties. Here, you’re not just visiting a market; you’re participating in centuries-old traditions that thrive in Thuringia’s heart.

Interesting places in Erfurt

The city of Erfurt, approximately 100 kilometers from Leipzig, is the capital of Thuringia. Here, you will find several historical monuments and the old university where the church reformer Martin Luther studied.

We recommend combining a visit to Erfurt’s Christmas markets with a walk through the city because compared to other German cities, Erfurt did not suffer much damage during the bombing during the Second World War, and many of its typical half-timbered houses have been preserved.

Cathedral Square (Domplatz)

This huge square is home to the imposing Cathedral, or St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the smaller St. Severus Church, which, with their romantic charm, create a beautiful backdrop for Erfurt’s Advent markets. The cathedral is a masterpiece of German Gothic architecture. Of particular note is the “Gloriosa”, the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world, which was cast in 1497.

Shopkeeper’s bridge

The Krämerbrücke is the only inhabited bridge in the northern part of Europe. The one-hundred-twenty-meter-long stone bridge over the Gera River is lined with thirty-two houses.

The old synagogue

A visit to the old medieval synagogue is a special experience. It was largely destroyed during a pogrom in the 14th century, thus retaining almost nothing of its ancient furnishings and decorations. On the second floor, you can even see stucco and frescoes from the ballroom, which stood on the site of the prayer hall in the 19th century.

Conclusion

The Christmas market in Erfurt isn’t just a destination; it’s a gateway to creating timeless holiday memories. As you stand beneath the towering cathedral, warm mug of Glühwein in hand, watching children’s eyes light up at the sight of the traditional carousel, you’ll understand why this market has captured hearts for generations.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Christmas market enthusiast, Erfurt offers an authentic German Christmas experience that will leave you enchanted. Make this year the one where you discover the magic of Christmas in the heart of Thuringia – your winter fairy tale awaits in Erfurt.