Forchheim Christmas Market
Around 25 market stalls stretch from Sattlertorstraße to the historic Kaiserpfalz, offering bratwurst, mulled wine, and holiday gifts under decorative Christmas lighting. Visitors can experience live musical performances ranging from brass bands and choirs to pop and rock, alongside a large projected advent calendar. Additional attractions include a live nativity scene and a weekend Christmas village set within the Pfalzgraben moat.
What to Expect
Features an illuminated advent calendar light show on the historic Kaiserpfalz.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stadt Forchheim
Food & Drink
Bratwurst and mulled wine are available at the market.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas market visitors
Vibe
Festive and historic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00–20:00; Friday 12:00–21:00; Saturday 12:00–21:00; Sunday 12:00–20:00; Christmas Eve 9:00–13:00. Opening ceremony on Friday, November 27, at 17:00.
- Parking: During Advent 2026, fees for managed short-term parking spaces throughout central Forchheim are waived Monday through Friday from 17:00 between November 27 and December 23. Parking spaces for people with disabilities are set up on Sattlertorstraße by Stadtpark, on Kapellenstraße by number 4, and on Hauptstraße by number 22.
- Accessibility: Designated accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities are set up on Sattlertorstraße, Kapellenstraße, and Hauptstraße.
Tips & Advice
- Use managed short-term parking in central Forchheim for free Monday through Friday after 17:00 during Advent 2026.
- Take bus lines 257–263 to the market; lines 261 and 263 also run on Advent Sundays.
- Visit the Pfalzgraben on Advent weekends to browse the extra Christmas village stalls and see the live nativity.
- Pick up the 2026 Christmas market brochure when it becomes available in early November for the full program.
- If you need accessible parking, use the event-season spaces on Sattlertorstraße by Stadtpark, Kapellenstraße by number 4, or Hauptstraße by number 22.
Special Events & Promotions
- Short-term parking is free Monday through Friday evenings during the market season.
- The mayor opens the market on opening day.
- From December 1, the Advent calendar opens a window daily, followed by the angel announcing the day’s lottery prize.
- The market has different opening hours on Christmas Eve.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see besides the market stalls?
There is a projected Advent calendar, a live nativity, and evening music ranging from choirs and brass to pop and rock.
What food and drink are available?
The market features bratwurst and mulled wine.
Can I get there by public transport?
City bus routes 257–263 serve the market on weekdays and Saturdays; routes 261 and 263 also run on Advent Sundays.
Where can I park, and are there accessible parking spaces?
Central short-term parking is free on weekdays during the stated Advent period. Spaces for people with disabilities are set up on Sattlertorstraße, Kapellenstraße and Hauptstraße.
Is the market suitable for children?
A live nativity and an Advent calendar are among the attractions; a children’s program is held at the separate Christmas village on Advent weekends.
More Christmas Events near Erlangen
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