Erlanger Winterzauber
The market transforms the square into a festive winter woodland decorated with countless real fir trees, soft forest flooring, and warm lighting. Visitors can browse wooden stalls selling handmade wooden toys, mouth-blown tree ornaments, and handcrafted gifts, while enjoying holiday classics like gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine. A daily live music program on stage features genres from rock and gospel to traditional holiday tunes, alongside a children's carousel and hidden imp figures to discover.
What to Expect
Features countless real fir trees and a soft forest floor
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit Erlangen
Food & Drink
Enjoy gingerbread, cookies, bratwurst and other sweet treats, along with hot mulled wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and christmas-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and woodland-cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Come to the Waldweihnacht in the morning or afternoon if you want to move calmly from stall to stall, as the mayor's welcome suggests.
- Bring a lantern if you plan to go to the Peace Light handover by Erlangen's scouts on the Waldweihnacht stage.
- If you need a real Christmas tree, wait until the Christbaummarkt opens on December 5, since it starts later than the Waldweihnacht.
- Try the homemade quince punch at the Altstädter Weihnachtsmarkt, where local makers also sell handmade pieces from their own studios.
- Let children hunt for the hidden imps around the Waldweihnacht, then give them a ride on the children's carousel.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Christbaummarkt at the Waldweihnacht opens on December 5, a little later than the market itself.
- Erlangen's scouts hand the Peace Light from Bethlehem to the mayor on the Waldweihnacht stage; bring a lantern if you want to join.
- Prof. Georges Tamer gives a short talk on the Waldweihnacht stage about the Christmas story as told in the Gospel and the Koran.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for children?
The Waldweihnacht has a children's carousel, and kids can search for the hidden imps around the market. The markets also have historic carousels. At Hugenottenplatz, Rudolph's Weihnachtsexpress, a small locomotive, runs through a decorated winter landscape.
What food and drink can I get?
You'll find the classics: gingerbread, cookies, bratwurst, Glühwein and roasted almonds. The Altstädter Weihnachtsmarkt is known for its homemade quince punch.
Is there live music?
Yes. The Waldweihnacht stage has a free program that changes every day. It covers everything from rock and gospel to traditional Christmas music.
What kind of gifts can I find?
The wooden huts at the Waldweihnacht sell handmade wooden toys, mouth-blown tree ornaments and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. At the Altstädter Weihnachtsmarkt, local makers sell handmade work from their own studios.
How can I help a good cause while I'm there?
At the Waldweihnacht you can grant a wish from needy Erlangen children hanging on the 'Baum der Wichtel'. You can also buy 'Erlanger Sterne' for charity.
More Christmas Events Near Erlangen
More Christmas Events near Erlangen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.