Arnstadt Christmas Market

Oldest Town in Thuringia during Advent

Arnstadt is the oldest town in Thuringia — first documented in 704 — and is located in the Ilm district south of Erfurt, at the gateway to the Thuringian Forest. The historic old town with its market square, Liebfrauenkirche, and Bach Church has been preserved over the centuries. The young Johann Sebastian Bach worked here as an organist from 1703–1707 — the Bach Church is named after him. During Advent, this setting transforms into a Christmas market of outstanding beauty.

Four Days with Daily Stage Program

The Christmas market traditionally runs on the second weekend of Advent, from Thursday to Sunday. On the market square, there is a covered open-air stage with a daily program from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM — kindergartens, schools, choirs, brass choirs, string ensembles, and big bands take turns. Santa Claus visits every day and distributes sweets to the children, complemented by a Christmas train ride and a carousel for the little ones. In the adjacent area around the Bach Church, a fairy tale forest is created — a special Arnstadt tradition with illuminated fairy tale figures along an exploration path.

Stalls, Mulled Wine, and Wood Stoves

Over fifty stalls line the historic market square and the adjacent alleys. The assortment includes: mulled wine, punch, eggnog, bratwurst, roasted pork neck, stollen, gingerbread, lard cakes — alongside arts and crafts from Thuringia and the Ore Mountains (incense smokers, pyramids, candle arches), wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry. Wood stoves warm the market area — a special feature of Arnstadt that makes strolling bearable even in winter temperatures.

Gift Workshop and Youth Services

The gift workshop run by the city's youth services in the town hall holds special significance. Children can create small gifts here themselves — making cards, dipping candles, painting wooden figures. The offer is free, and materials are provided. It is an Arnstadt tradition that parents can meanwhile stroll and enjoy mulled wine and bratwurst while the children work in the town hall — a practical, social solution that makes the festival family-friendly.