Attractions – The Experience Christmas Market

Erfurt Christmas market features a varied programme of entertainment that has something for all ages.

Create your Christmas experience in Erfurt

Illuminated big wheel at the market. In the background are the St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus
Picture: The big wheel at the Erfurt Christmas Market Picture: © Matthias F. Schmidt

In the centre of Domplatz square is the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, standing approximately 20 metres tall. Close by you'll find the Nativity scene with 14 almost life-sized wooden figures. The fantastic exhibition at egapark (down the hill from the cathedral) provides creative inspiration for festive floral displays and decorations. Another must-see is the twelve-metre-tall Christmas pyramid in traditional Erzgebirge design.

There's so much for little ones to see and do. The ever-popular carousel and Ferris wheel guarantee smiles all round. On the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, children from a number of kindergartens gather on the Cathedral Steps and light their homemade candles on the advent crown. For a number of years now, fairytale scenes created by local artists Hannelore Reichenbach and Kurt Buchspiess have enjoyed pride of place in the enchanted forest on Domplatz square. Inside the forest, kids can let their imaginations run wild. And the festive aromas from the children's eco-bakery are bound to get the little ones even more excited for Christmas.

The attractions in detail

Nativity scene

The Nativity scene of 14 handcrafted life-size figures is a masterpiece of wood carving from Oberammergau.

Enchanted forest

If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market, step inside the enchanted forest on Domplatz square. There you'll find little houses …

The Christmas pyramid

The many visitors to the market are greeted by the original Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid that stands at the entrance of the Erfurt Christmas Fair.

Advent crown

It is the ultimate symbol of the Advent season - and its four enormous candles shine right on the stairs below the cathedral of Erfurt.

Children's eco-bakery

Oh, that lovely smell… In the organic bakery at the foot of the cathedral of Erfurt the dough is already prepared. Now it's time to get your hands on the rolling …

Christmas floral exhibition

For over 30 years, egapark Erfurt presents the Christmas floral exhibition in the historical vaults of Erfurt's Domberg (cathedral hill), …