• Skip to content
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • North America
  • Germany
    • Baden-Württemberg
    • Bavaria
    • Brandenburg
    • Berlin
    • Bremen
    • Hamburg
    • Hesse
    • Lower Saxony
    • Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
    • North Rhine-Westphalia
    • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Saxony
    • Saxony-Anhalt
    • Schleswig-Holstein
    • Thuringia
  • Home
  • Topic
    • Breweries, beer, beer tours
    • Wine, wine tasting, wine hikes
    • Hiking in Germany
    • UNESCO Sites in Germany
    • City passes
    • Airlines & Airports
    • River cruises
    • Cruises
    • Christmas markets
    • This and that
  • Search
  • Deutsch
  • English (UK)
Destinations > Germany > Bavaria

Christmas markets in Erlangen

It glitters and twinkles, music plays softly and the unmistakable smell of Christmas floats through the air. Time to discover the Christmas markets in Erlangen.

Every year in November and December, the city centre is transformed into Erlangen’s winter magic. You can discover an ice rink and three Christmas markets. And the best thing about it – it’s all just a short walk away.

Let’s start our Christmas stroll right in front of the Schloßplatz. The largest of Erlangen’s Christmas markets is located directly in front of Erlangen Castle.

Statue vor dem Schloss

Erlanger Waldweihnacht

Erlangen Margrave’s Palace is an impressive backdrop for the Erlangen Waldweihnacht (Forest Christmas). The imposing statue of Margrave Friedrich von Brandenburg-Bayreuth is surrounded by wooden stalls that are festively illuminated in the dark. A pleasant aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds wafts past, tempting you to take a little stroll.

Waldweihnacht in Erlangen

The small market stalls offer a colourful variety that makes every anticipation of Christmas greater. On a tour, I discover the classic Christmas tree decorations made of different materials, in many colours and from modern to traditional. But you can also find products made of wool, leather, wood & silver, gift ideas for all ages at the Christmas market. Some of you are sure to find a nice gift for your loved ones here.

Of course, there is also plenty to eat and drink. Sweet temptations such as roasted almonds or chocolate products, savoury dishes from the grill or vegetarian specialities are sure to ensure that no visitor goes home hungry. I ate a “horseradish bratwurst” here. The sausage is topped with pickled horseradish. Careful, not too much – it’s spicy! I really enjoyed the combination!

Bratwurst mit Meerrettich

Mulled wine, punch and mulled beer are of course a must. There are numerous stands offering these drinks.

Music is of course also provided. A varied programme is offered on a stage.

Weihachtsmarkt in Erlangen

Opening hours:

From the end of November up to and including Christmas Eve, 24 December.
Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday + Saturday: 10 am – 9.30 pm
Sunday: 11am – 9pm

Christmas Eve: 11 am – 2 pm

Weihnachten in Erlangen

Skating at the Christmas market in Erlangen

In keeping with the winter Christmas season, you can also go ice skating in Erlangen. The “Erlangen like on Ice” skating rink is located directly opposite Palais Stutterheim on Schlossplatz.

Since 2022, skaters have been turning the odd pirouette here on plastic plates that are almost like ice but do not require cooling. The skating behaviour is almost identical to skating on ice and after a short time you will hardly notice any difference.

Schlittschuhfahren, Weihnachtsmarkt in Erlangen

In addition to ice skating, it is also possible to play a round of curling at certain times.

Opening hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 3 – 8 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 12 – 8 pm

Public holidays:
24, 25, 26 Dec: closed
27.12. – 30.12.: 1 – 7 p.m.

Historic Christmas market on Neustadt’s church square

The Historical Christmas Market in Erlangen takes place until the day before Christmas. I think it exudes a very special flair. Small market stalls are set up by the Neustadt church and jugglers and musicians perform their art on a stage, often emphasising the medieval flair. Children are also catered for, with medieval crossbow shooting and can throwing on offer.

Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt in erlangen
Feuerzangenbowle

Here you can drink Feuerzangenbowle or hot mead while the lyres and lutes play. If you want something to eat, you can enjoy soup in bread or lángos, for example.

Address:

Neustädter Kirchenplatz, Erlangen

Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:30 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm

Old Town Christmas Market on the Old Town Church Square

The smallest and finest Christmas market in the city can be found on the small Altstädter Kirchplatz square in Erlangen’s old town. There are no crowds here, no Christmas carols playing on a continuous loop – it’s quieter, but no less Christmassy.

Weihnachtsmarkt Erlangen
Erlangen Altstädter Weihnachtsmarkt

In the shadow of the Holy Trinity Church, many clubs, retailers and craftsmen offer a wide variety of goods. In addition, a colourful programme takes place on a stage. If you want, you can rent a VIP yurt here and celebrate with friends, colleagues and family.

I drank a great quince punch here, which was wonderfully warming after a wintry walk through the city.

Address:

Altstädter Kirchenplatz 10
91054 Erlangen

Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 2 pm – 9 pm
Friday: 2 pm -9:30 pm
Saturday: 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm

The “Christmas market in Erlangen” was one of the items on the programme of a press trip with franken tourismus, Erlanger Tourismus und Marketing Verein e.V. and noble kommunikation.

  • share  1 
  • save  0 
  • share 
  • share 

Related Posts:

  • Sehenswürdigkeiten in Erlangen: Markgräfliches Schloss
    Sights in Erlangen
    Erlangen is very different from other Franconian towns. Although half-timbered…
  • Giebelhüüskemarkt in Münster
    Christmas Markets Münster
    Our second visit to Münster and this time in Advent!…
  • Steinbach Bräu
    Steinbach Bräu in Erlangen
    Fancy a good craft beer in a cosy atmosphere? The…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Somayeh Kianpour

    29. August 2024 at 17:44

    Hello, I was wondering if you could give me some information about how I can get one market to represent resin dishes and resin clocks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Impress
  • Privacy Policy
  • Photo credit
  • About us

Erlangen
  • Sehenswürdigkeiten in Erlangen: Markgräfliches Schloss
    Sights in Erlangen
  • Steinbach Bräu
    Steinbach Bräu in Erlangen
More about Erlangen