Erfurt Christmas market opens
Tower wind players and a gospel choir rang in the 173rd Erfurt Christmas market with music on Tuesday. At the opening of Thuringia's largest Christmas market on Tuesday, Lord Mayor Andreas Bausewein (SPD) was picked up from the town hall by a sleigh on wheels, which was pulled to the cathedral square by a four-in-hand carriage. Against the atmospheric backdrop of the cathedral and St. Seville's Church, the stalls and rides of around 170 traders and showmen will be attracting visitors for a Christmas stroll until December 22.
According to market manager Sven Kaestner, with only 25 market days, it is the shortest Christmas market in the state capital to date. Nevertheless, the number of visitors is expected to be the same as last year. In 2022, the Christmas market attracted 853,000 visitors and was open for six days longer. This year's attractions include the Christmas pyramid, the five-metre-high Advent wreath, the nativity scene and a scenic fairytale forest.
The Erfurt Christmas market is one of the largest in Germany. The Christmas market season kicked off last Friday in Jena. The Christmas markets in Eisenach, Gotha and Weimar have also already opened.
During this year's Erfurt Christmas market, various municipalities contribute to the festive atmosphere by setting up stalls for leisure time activities. Visitors can also enjoy customary Christmas traditions such as admiring the grand five-meter high Advent wreath and the intricate nativity scene.
Source: www.dpa.com
