Sühler Chrisamelmart

Suhl — City of Weapons in the Thuringian Forest

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.

From Chrisamel to Christstollen

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.

Wooden Huts, Gnomes, Santa Claus

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.

Mulled Wine Mugs, Bratwurst, Specialties

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.

Suhl, Thuringian Forest, Southern Thuringia

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.