Christmas markets 2012/2013

Each year in November and December, a very special atmosphere is spreading throughout Thuringia – it’s Christmas time! Towns and villages are being decorated, Christmas markets open their doors and the wonderful smell of “Stollen” (Christmas cake) and “Glühwein” (mulled wine) is everywhere. Many of Germany’s favourite Christmas traditions have their origins in Thuringia. In 1816, Weimar hosted the first public Christmas tree, erected on the Market Square for children whose parents could not afford their own. Nearby Lauscha was the birthplace of glass Christmas tree decorations which were first produced here about 160 years ago. Last but not least, many popular Christmas carols were inspired in this part of the world. For a wonderful sense of the Christmas tradition, visitors should head for one of the many Christmas markets. The most famous one takes place in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia. The setting on the magnificent Cathedral Square provides a unique atmosphere. A very special Christmas market is held in the courtyard of the impressive Wartburg Castle – UNESCO World Heritage – in Eisenach. On four weekends in Advent medieval times come back to life here and visitors can enjoy typical food, drinks, crafts, music and entertainment.

22.11.-21.12.2012
Christmas Market
Weimar

23.11.-20.12.2012
Christmas Market
Suhl

24.11.-20.12.2012
Christmas Market
Altenburg

26.11.-23.12.2012
Christmas Market
Jena

27.11.-22.12.2012
162nd Erfurt Christmas Market
Largest Christmas market in Thuringia spreading through the whole town centre e.g. with medieval Christmas market; the main part takes place on the Cathedral Square: the impressive background of St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus Church forms the perfect setting for more than 200 booths, a large pyramid and a big Ferris wheel.
Erfurt

29.11.-23.12.2012
Christmas Market
Gera

30.11.-02.12.2012
“Christmas Valley” in the Mill Valley
Eisenberg

30.11.-16.12.2012
Christmas Market
Gotha

30.11.-23.11.2012
Christmas Market
Nordhausen

1st and 2nd weekend in Advent 2012
Original Lauscha Christmas Baubles Market
Coloured glass Christmas tree decoration is famous all over the world and was invented in the small town of Lauscha in the Thuringian Forest, on two weekends in Advent visitors can enjoy and buy these decorations in all shapes and colours
Lauscha

1st and 2nd weekend in Advent 2012
Historic Christmas Market at Wilhelmsburg Castle
Schmalkalden

1st, 2nd and 3rd weekend in Advent 2012
Historic Christmas Market at Wartburg Castle
Historic Christmas market in the inner court of Wartburg castle: artists and tumblers, craftsmen and knights, colourful booths and matching decorations transfer visitors to long-gone times; one highlight: the medieval sauna!
Eisenach

06.12.-09.12.2012
Christmas Market
Arnstadt

08.12.2012
Nikolaus Market at Kochberg Castle
Großkochberg

09.12.2012
Grotto Advent in the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes
Saalfeld

13.12.-16.12.2012
Muehlhausen Christmas Concerts
Muehlhausen

14.12.-16.12.2012
Advent and Art Market
Mühlhausen

21.12.-23.12.2012
Christmas at Heidecksburg Residential Castle
Rudolstadt

21.11.-19.12.2013 
Christmas Market 
Suhl

27.11.-22.12.2013 
Christmas Market in Erfurt 
Erfurt

1., 2. und 3. Weekend in Advent 2013 
13th historical Christmas Market 
Wartburg Castle, Eisenach

01.12.-02.12.2013 
11th nostalgic Advent market  
Ordensburg Castle Liebstedt

05.12.-08.12.2013 
Christmas Market 
Arnstadt

07.12.-08.12.2013 
22nd Grotto advent in the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes
Saalfeld

08.12.2013 
Nikolaus market in Kochberg
Castle Kochberg

12.12.-15.12.2013 
Christmas Market 
Ilmenau

13.12.-15.12.2013 
Advent and art market 
Muehlhausen