Erfurt may not be the most well-known city in Germany, but its Christmas Market put it on the map.

The city is located in the central German state of Thuringia. It is home to the 8th century Cathedral of St. Mary where Martin Luther, father of the Protestant Reformation was ordained. The Gothic Church of St. Severus sits next door.

The Kramerbrucke Bridge is another city landmark. It stretches over the Gera River and offers several medieval homes and shops.

Erfurt is a great destination to visit any time of year but visitors from all over the world flock there to check out its Christmas markets during the holiday season. Read on to find out which you should be looking out for.

Erfurt Christmas Market in Domplatz Square

There are several Christmas markets that happen in Erfurt during the Christmas season but the one in Domplatz Square is considered the main attraction. As home to the towering St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Serverus, the area provides an ideal romantic backdrop and the perfect example of German Gothic architecture.

Sites to check out include the Gloriosa, the world’s largest free swinging medieval bell which was cast in 1497. It measures 2.3 meters from top to bottom and 2.57 meters in diameter. It weighs 11.45 tons.

The market is full of stalls selling unique food and craft items, but the attractions set it apart. It all kicks off in late November with a special opening event that takes place on the Cathedral Steps which are bathed in a festive glow, and the Christmas market stage where performances take place on various days throughout the event.

Here are some other attractions to look forward to:

The Nativity Scene: The nativity is located in the center of the market right next to the giant Christmas tree. It includes 14 wooden life-sized figures hand carved in Oberammergau. It is housed in a wooden hut that has a shooting star on top. After the market shuts down, right before Christmas, the nativity scene moves to the cathedral where is remains on display for the rest of the season.

The Enchanted Forest: The Enchanted Forest takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the market. It includes fairy tale scenes that transport you to a different time and place. It was created in 1958 and features characters by famous local artists. It includes entire fairy tale scenes. It is located at the bottom of the cathedral steps.

Christmas Pyramid: This towering pyramid is one of the market’s main attractions. It was built in 2005 by a local artisan woodworking company (Gahlenz) and stands twelve meters tall. It features five octagonal sections stacked on top of each other. Each has its own theme, and they are all edged with pillars and decorative fencing. A total of 30 life sized figures sit inside the tower to make up the scenes.

Advent Crown: The Advent Crown has been a part of the market since 2004. It sits on the cathedral steps linking the market to St. Mary’s Church and the Church of St. Severus. It reminds us that Christmas is on its way. At 11:15 AM on each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas, children from local kindergartens light the four candles that accompany the crown and take part in a small seasonal performance. A different Christian symbol is used as the theme of each event.

Children’s Eco-Bakery: This bakery teaches children about organic farming in the region and allows them to make their own treats. Dough it premade for guests to make biscuits that they can take home or eat on the spot. It’s the perfect place to host a party. The bakery also hosts various events including workshops, performances, lectures and more.

Christmas Floral Exhibition

The Floral Exhibition happens in the historical vaults of Erfurt’s Domberg (cathedral hill). There’s a different theme each year. It provides an opportunity for florists from all over Germany to showcase their imaginative arrangements. Candlelight provides a cozy atmosphere and mulled wine is served adding to the festivities.

Other Christmas Markets

While the Erfurt Market is certainly the most impressive in the city, there are other, smaller markets to check out. For example, there is one held in Anger Square in the heart of the department store district that’s worth a visit. There is another by the Rathaus or city hall.

Erfurt is a great vacation destination, and it really lights up during the holiday season when its market fills the street with holiday spirit. Will you be adding it to your bucket list?

Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market