Hof Christmas Market

Four Weeks of Christmas Magic in the Old Town

The Hof Christmas Market is a fixture on the Upper Franconian event calendar. For over four weeks, the old town of Hof, around Maxplatz and Ludwigstraße, transforms into a Christmas market with stalls, fairy lights, and a large mulled wine pyramid with a stage in the center. The organizer is the City of Hof (Department of Public Safety and Order, Klosterstr. 3).

Stage Program: From Children's Songs to Brass Bands

The stage program follows a simple but effective dramaturgy: in the *afternoons*, the stage belongs to the children with songs, stories, and interactive activities, while in the *evenings*, school and brass choirs, Hof musicians, Cossack ensembles, and other regional groups take over with Christmas and pre-Christmas sounds. Throughout the entire market period, this creates a dense series of performances by local clubs, schools, and music groups.

Culinary Delights: Hofer Wärschtla, Grilled Salmon, and Mulled Wine

Around the mulled wine pyramid, typical Christmas market gastronomy lines up: bratwurst and Hofer Wärschtla (local sausages), grilled salmon, Langos, cheese spaetzle, and Flammkuchen, plus sweet crêpes, chocolate fruits, roasted almonds, and churros. The market sees itself not least as a 'culinary market' – the offering is expanded year by year.

Krampus Run with the Partner Community Hof bei Salzburg

A special hallmark is the Krampus run, which takes place together with Krampus groups from the Upper Austrian-Salzburg partner community of *Hof bei Salzburg*. The masked figures parade through the city center, bringing Alpine traditions to the Franconian Advent atmosphere. In addition, there are event formats such as 'Haus vom Nikolaus', the 'Glühweinparty' (e.g., with DJ Mocky), and 'Housy Christmas' for a younger audience.

Tractor Light Parade and Carousels

In mid-December, a festively illuminated tractor parade traditionally rolls through Hof's city center – a highlight for children and agriculture enthusiasts. In addition, several carousels and – premiering in the 2025 season – a small Ferris wheel provide a fairground atmosphere alongside the stalls and booths.

Hof in the State of Bavaria and District of Hof

Hof is located in northeastern Upper Franconia, in the district of Hof in Bavaria, on the border with Saxony and Thuringia. This location also shapes the Christmas market: it attracts visitors from Vogtland, Erzgebirge, and all of Upper Franconia and is one of the most important Christmas markets in the four-country region.