Christmas Pottery Market Thurnau Castle

Ceramic Art in a Historic Setting

Since the 1990s, the market of Thurnau in the Kulmbach district has invited visitors to the Christmas Pottery Market in the impressive Thurnau Castle every year. The historic courtyards of the extensive castle complex form a unique backdrop for one of Franconia's most important pottery markets. Thurnau itself boasts a centuries-old pottery tradition and houses its own pottery museum.

Over 50 Master Pottery Businesses

More than 50 selected ceramic artists from Germany and countries such as Spain, the Czech Republic, and Poland showcase their work. The offerings range from everyday functional ceramics for the kitchen and table to garden ceramics, sculptures, vases, lamps, jewelry, and exquisite unique pieces. Visitors can watch the master craftspeople at work and purchase high-quality handcrafted items directly.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2025, pottery craftsmanship was added to the national register of intangible cultural heritage by the German UNESCO Commission due to its millennia-old cultural form of handcrafted high-quality ceramic products. The Thurnau market keeps this tradition alive. The popular 1-Euro ceramic raffle, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Thurnau Pottery Museum, is a highlight.

Thurnau in Upper Franconia

The market town of Thurnau is located in the Kulmbach district in the Free State of Bavaria, on the edge of the Franconian Switzerland region. Thurnau Castle dominates the town and is the venue for numerous cultural events. The Christmas Pottery Market attracts ceramics enthusiasts from all over Germany and ushers in the Advent season with arts and crafts, mulled wine, and a winter atmosphere.