Largest Christmas Market in Southern Thuringia — November 25 to December 23, 2026
Suhl, with around 35,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in the Thuringian Forest and an independent city. Known as the City of Weapons with centuries of tradition in gun and pistol making, it is now an important regional center for tourism, sports, and winter sports (FIS ski jumping hills in nearby Goldlauter-Heidersbach). In Advent, the city center – the historic market square in front of the Old Town Hall – transforms into a festive world: the Chrisamelmart.
The market's name has a special local history: "Chrisamel" is the Suhl dialect term for the Suhl Christstollen – a regional Christmas cake specialty baked here for generations. The market name is thus an affectionate reference to the city's culinary Advent tradition. At the market itself, regional bakers present their Christstollen – freshly baked "Chrisamels" are popular souvenirs.
Around 40–50 wooden huts crowd the historic market square – lovingly decorated, operated by local traders and restaurateurs. Three attractions are permanent fixtures: The Wichtelhütte offers children's programs – stories, crafts, hands-on activities. The Bastelhaus is a place for joint crafting – Advent arrangements, cookies, stars. The Weihnachtsmann-Haus receives children who personally present their wish lists to Santa Claus – a popular tradition that attracts families from all over the Thuringian Forest every year.
The mulled wine mugs change their design annually – some Suhl residents have been collecting them for years. The gastronomy is a highlight: Thuringian Bratwurst, fried in many local variations in Suhl, Suhl specialties like Suhl bratwurst variations, mulled wine in various types, punch for children, gingerbread, roasted almonds, crêpes, and stollen. The atmosphere is enhanced by lighting, music, and performances on the central stage – choirs, brass bands, school classes, Advent concerts.
The Chrisamelmart is one of the most important Christmas markets in the state of Thuringia – alongside the famous Erfurt Christmas Market, the Eisenach and Gotha markets. What makes it special: its direct location on the edge of the Thuringian Forest and its close integration with local traditions. Visitors often combine a visit to the market with a hiking day in the winter sports area around the Rennsteig or an excursion to the Schwarza Valley. A weekend in Southern Thuringia with an Advent market, hiking, and winter sports – the Chrisamelmart is the ideal starting point.
The festive period for 2026 has been confirmed by the City of Suhl: Opening on November 25 at 5:00 PM, four weeks of Advent market operations until December 23. The City Marketing Initiative coordinates the approximately 40–50 wooden huts with local and regional providers. The three attractions – Wichtelhütte, Bastelhaus, and Weihnachtsmann-Haus – are open throughout.
Detailed stage program 2026: suhl.eu/chrisamelmart.
Free entry. Mulled wine approx. €3.50–€4.50, Bratwurst approx. €3.50, Stollen approx. €4–€8 per piece. Handicrafts vary by stall.
Opening: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 5:00 PM. Market open until Wednesday, December 23, 2026.
Historic Market Square in front of the Old Town Hall, 98527 Suhl, independent city of Suhl, Thuringia.
Free. Mulled wine, bratwurst, stollen, and handicrafts at usual Advent market prices.
By train: Suhl Main Station, approx. 10-minute walk to the city center. By car: A71 exit Suhl-Friedberg or Suhl-Zella-Mehlis. Parking in city center parking garages.
Suhl bratwurst, "Chrisamel" (Suhl Christstollen), mulled wine with annually changing mug design, regional handicrafts.
City of Suhl together with the Suhl City Marketing Initiative. Program: suhl.eu/chrisamelmart.
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Historischer Marktplatz vor dem Alten Rathaus
Marktplatz, 98527 Suhl, 98527 Suhl