Forchheim Christmas Market at the Imperial Palace

Advent Atmosphere at the Imperial Palace

The Forchheim Christmas Market is one of the most traditional Advent markets in Upper Franconia. It extends from the historic Market Square via Sattlertorstraße down to the late Gothic Imperial Palace — one of the most important secular buildings of the Middle Ages in Bavaria. Around 25 wooden market stalls form the heart of the event and are illuminated by thousands of lights after dark.

Opening by the Mayor

The opening is traditionally marked by the mayor, who officially opens the market on the opening Friday at 5 p.m. The stalls remain open until Christmas Eve, offering a classic Advent selection: mulled wine and punch, bratwurst, Franconian gingerbread, crêpes, candied almonds, incense cones, Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, and artisanal gifts.

Nativity Trail, Model Railway, and Light Magic

Special features of the Forchheim Christmas Market include the Nativity Trail — a route through the old town with historical and modern Christmas cribs from around the world — and the model railway exhibition, which can be admired in the Imperial Palace. The most impressive moment each evening is the light projection onto the facade of the Imperial Palace, which reveals a new motif every day in the style of a living Advent calendar.

Generous Opening Hours

Unlike many smaller Advent markets in the region, the Forchheim market is open almost daily — from the opening day until December 23rd, Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays until 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Christmas Eve itself, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A City for Strolling

Forchheim, a central town of nearly 32,000 inhabitants at the gateway to Franconian Switzerland, has been known for centuries as the Königsstadt (royal city) of the Carolingians and Salians. The picturesque old town with its Franconian half-timbered houses, the baroque parish church of St. Martin, the old town hall, and the Imperial Palace form a unique backdrop for the market. Additionally, the city's numerous brewery inns attract visitors — Forchheim has the highest density of breweries in Germany.