Märchenmarkt Gera
Fairy Tale Christmas Market with 38 life-sized Grimm figures — one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets
About Märchenmarkt
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Märchenmarkt — Not Your Average Christmas Market
What sets the Gera Märchenmarkt apart from other German Christmas markets are its 38 life-sized fairy tale figures. These are custom-made sculptures from 14 different fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm — Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Mother Hulda, Snow White, the Frog Prince, and many more — lining the stalls along the festival mile. This combination of a Christmas market and fairy tale staging is considered Gera's trademark and makes the market one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
Where the Märchenmarkt Calls Home
The festival mile stretches from the Stadtmuseum through Bachgasse and Johannisgasse to the central Marktplatz. Around 90 stalls offering mulled wine, bratwurst, stollen, gingerbread, handmade goods, and gifts are lined up. In the middle: the characteristic Christmas tree with 7,800 LED lights as the market's landmark.
Stage Program and Santa Claus
On the main stage at the Marktplatz, school choirs, regional music groups, children's programs, and atmospheric concerts alternate daily. Santa Claus is on duty every day, distributing gifts to children and posing for photos. The opening event with a carillon and laser light show kicks off the season.
New in 2026: The Seven Little Goats
In 2026, the city of Gera will expand the fairy tale ensemble with a new group of figures from the fairy tale "The Seven Little Goats." Funding is being raised through a crowdfunding campaign — citizens can actively participate in the growth of the Märchenmarkt. Seven additional figures will be added to the existing 38.
Märchenmarkt — edition 2026
Season November 26 – December 23, 2026
For four weeks, Gera's city center transforms into a fairy tale world. The market opens at the end of November with a festive opening on the Marktplatz — typically featuring a carillon and laser light show.
What Visitors Can Expect
- 38 life-sized Grimm fairy tale figures — Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Mother Hulda, the Frog Prince, etc., from 14 fairy tales
- New in 2026: "The Seven Little Goats" as an additional figure group (funded by crowdfunding)
- 7,800-LED Christmas tree as the market's landmark
- 90 stalls with mulled wine, bratwurst, stollen, gingerbread, handmade goods, and gifts
- Daily stage program on the Marktplatz with choirs, bands, and children's programs
- Santa Claus on duty daily
Route Guidance
The festival mile begins at the Stadtmuseum, leads through Bachgasse and Johannisgasse, and ends at the Marktplatz with the grand stage program and the LED Christmas tree.
Programme Märchenmarkt 2026
Season Highlights 2026
- Thu, Nov 26 — Opening of the Märchenmarkt with carillon and laser light show
- Mon–Fri, Nov 27–Dec 23 — Market open approx. 11 AM–8 PM (longer on weekends), daily stage program
- Sat+Sun — Extended market hours, family-focused programs
- Christmas Eve, Dec 24 — Market closed
Specific stage schedules and special events will be published on gera.de/maerchenmarkt.
Highlights Märchenmarkt 2026
- 38 life-sized Grimm fairy tale figures — the trademark of the Märchenmarkt
- New in 2026: "The Seven Little Goats" as an additional figure group
- 7,800-LED Christmas tree on the Marktplatz
- Around 90 stalls with culinary delights and crafts
- Opening with carillon and laser light show
Prices Märchenmarkt 2026
Free admission. Food, drinks, and market goods with individual prices.
Practical information — Märchenmarkt
Getting There
By train to Gera Hauptbahnhof, then a few minutes' walk to the city center. By car: A4 (exit Gera-Leumnitz), parking garages in the city center — Park-and-Ride recommended.
Admission
Free admission. Food, drinks, and market goods with individual prices.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Märchenmarkt al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Märchenmarkt
Marktplatz, Bachgasse, Johannisgasse — Innenstadt Gera
Marktplatz und Innenstadt, 07545 Gera, 07545 Gera