Erfurt is planning a new Christmas market: no tree, but lots of light!
Erfurt is planning environmentally friendly alternatives for the 2025 Christmas market to combine tradition and sustainability.

Erfurt is planning a new Christmas market: no tree, but lots of light!
Preparations for this year's Christmas markets are in full swing, and possible changes are currently being considered, especially in Erfurt. Loud MDR The city is examining the option of having the Christmas market on Cathedral Square without a real Christmas tree. This could not only mean new ways of decorating, but also be a step towards sustainability.
The city's cultural directorate is thinking about reusable constructions and alternative light installations or artistic objects. These considerations have become necessary because many conifers are suffering from the consequences of climate change and bark beetles. The discussion is definitely important in order to keep the tradition alive and at the same time protect the environment and resources. However, there is currently no fixed time frame for the decision.
The Christmas tree myth
Regardless of the decision in Erfurt, Christmas markets in other German cities are throwing their own lights on the festive preparation round. For example, the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz will open its doors from November 24th to December 24th, 2025 and will shine with traditional charm, a large nativity scene market and children's workshops munich.travel is to be read.
Christmas markets in Munich
Munich offers a wealth of other Christmas markets spread across the city. From the festive winter world at Karlsplatz-Stachus, which is open until February 11th, 2026, to the popular Viktualienmarkt with its range of mulled wine and Advent atmosphere, which can be found from November 21st to January 5th, 2026. For those who want something a little more colorful, we recommend the Pink Christmas Market on Glockenbachstrasse, also from November 24th to December 22nd, 2025.
Here is an overview of some other Munich Christmas markets:
| name | Location | Data | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas market | Marienplatz | November 24th – December 24th, 2025 | Traditional charm, native market |
| Ice magic | Karlsplatz-Stachus | November 21 – February 11, 2026 | Bavaria's largest mobile ice skating rink |
| Viktualienmarkt | Former market place | November 21 – January 5, 2026 | Advent atmosphere, mulled wine |
| Winterworld | Motorworld Munich | November 7th – December 28th, 2025 | Ice skating, Ferris wheel |
While Erfurt is thinking about tree alternatives, many cities, including Munich, are relying on traditional markets with their diverse offerings. It remains exciting to see whether Erfurt's steps towards a new decoration will pave the way for the future or whether the classic form will continue to prevail.