Looking forward to Christmas time

The best Christmas markets in Thuringia

It simply wouldn't be Christmas without the smell of roasted almonds, a nice hot drink with friends and shopping for regional craft goods. In Thuringia, you will find Christmas markets in impressive settings, in castle courtyards, tucked away in wintry forests or accompanied by your favourite fairytale characters. So why not join us for the most wonderful time of the year!

At Wartburg Castle, you can explore the world of historical trade and all but forgotten crafts. Glassblowers and soap makers sell their wares while musicians provide the entertainment in a stunning setting with views over the town of Eisenach.

For further information, visit: www.wartburg.de

Erfurt Christmas Market

⠇

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the cathedral and the Church of St Severus, Erfurt's Christmas market is the largest in Thuringia and one of the loveliest in the whole of Germany. The oversized Christmas pyramids, Nativity scene and Advent wreaths are popular photo opportunities. There are stalls and smaller markets selling all sorts of delicious treats throughout the city centre, for example in the courtyards of restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled to make sure you don't miss anything!

Tip: A special surprise of the culinary kind can be experienced at egapark. In combination with the "Winterleuchten", the all-inclusive Christmas market "GenussPark" takes place on the square in front of the Danakil Desert and Jungle House. In addition to culinary delights and regional products, entertainment is offered here in the Christmas glow of lights. Once paid, all food, drinks and treats in the outdoor area are included. Furthermore, egapark presents its traditional exhibition "Florales at Christmas Time" in the historic rock cellar of Erfurt's Domberg. The Christmas exhibition will delight visitors with Christmas decorations designed by florists from Thuringia and central Germany.

For further information, visit: weihnachtsmarkt.erfurt.de

Christmas in Weimar

In the heart of Weimar's old quarter, lovingly decorated stalls line the market square all the along Schillerstrasse to Theaterplatz square. The ice rink on Theaterplatz square is a popular place to meet where you can take to the ice under the watchful eyes of Goethe and Schiller. We can highly recommend a visit to the Bauhaus Christmas market and the market in the Bee Museum.

For further information, visit: www.weimar.de

Christmas splendour in the Schwarza valley

⠇

Plenty of festive fun awaits on a romantic ride on the Thuringian mountain railway. The stations and the carriages are decorated and illuminated, and at Sitzendorf station you can buy regional treats, small craft goods and Thuringian Christmas decorations made to historical designs.

Tip: The mountain railway illuminations will be running right into January.

For further information, visit: www.thueringerbergbahn.com

Christmas at Leuchtenburg Castle

⠇

High above the Saale valley, you will find the festively decorated courtyard of Leuchtenburg Castle, where the Christmas market offers tempting treats and great gift ideas every weekend in the run-up to Christmas.

Tip: We highly recommend a visit to the exhibition, where you can venture out onto the skywalk of wishes. Write your Christmas wish on a porcelain plate and throw it off the skywalk into the depths below.

For further information, visit: www.leuchtenburg.de

Fairytale Market in Gera

⠇

We believe that fairytales and the festive season go hand in hand, and anyone who thinks so too should head to the Märchenmarkt in Gera. Here on market square, you might encounter Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. The characters from the Brothers Grimm fairytales are brought to life in the shape of life-size, handmade figures. There is also the usual hustle and bustle of a Christmas market to enjoy, of course. Every year the market is opened by a light-laser show with chimes at the town hall.

For further information, visit: veranstaltungen-in-gera.de

Festive fun in Greiz

The former regal town of Greiz is home to several Christmas markets. If you fancy a grand Christmas with a royal court dressed in historical costume, then head for the Lower Palace. At the Summer Palace, meanwhile, you will find an arts and crafts market featuring ceramics, accessories, books and art, as well as a smattering of food and drink.

For further information, visit www.greiz.de