Adventsstadt Quedlinburg — Christmas Market

A World Heritage City in Advent Magic

Quedlinburg is one of Germany's most beautiful Advent cities. The old town with its over 1,300 half-timbered houses from six centuries – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994 – forms a backdrop that, in the pre-Christmas period, appears almost unchanged from 500 years ago. When the Christmas tree in front of the town hall is lit on the last weekend of November, a four-week spectacle begins, attracting visitors from all over Germany and abroad.

The organizer is Quedlinburg-Tourismus-Marketing GmbH, which links the market events into a dense program. The central Christmas market in front of the historic town hall with its over 50 stalls offers the usual Christmas market variety: mulled wine and eggnog, bratwurst, cinnamon stars, gingerbread, smoking figures from the Ore Mountains, felt slippers, wooden toys, jewelry, and ceramics. However, what sets Quedlinburg apart from other markets are its two special formats.

Living Advent Calendar and Advent in the Courtyards

The Living Advent Calendar is Quedlinburg's invention: from December 1st to 23rd, a different window in the old town opens every evening precisely at 6 p.m. – sometimes on a residential building, sometimes on a shop, sometimes on a church. Behind the window, a small scene is played out, a choir sings, an actor tells a story. Visitors move from window to window each evening – a tradition that has deeply embedded itself into the city's pre-Christmas months.

Advent in the Courtyards – on three weekends during Advent – is Quedlinburg's second coup: historic courtyards, usually closed off, are opened. In rooms, vaults, and courtyards, there is punch, gingerbread, readings, acoustic concerts, and nativity scene exhibitions. Anyone who has stood in one of these courtyards – with the scent of fir branches and roasted almonds in their nose – understands why Quedlinburg in the state of Sachsen-Anhalt is considered *the* Advent city.

Awards and Atmosphere

The Quedlinburg Christmas market has twice been awarded the most beautiful Christmas market in Sachsen-Anhalt and carries the distinction Excellent European Christmas Market. The Christmas pyramid on the market square turns until January 6th – the old town remains illuminated even after the official market ends.