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Event Details
Welcome to the Gera Fairy Tale Christmas Market 2026
From November 26 to December 23, 2026, the city center of Gera turns into one of Germany's most unusual Christmas markets. Instead of a classic market, visitors find a fairy tale market where life sized, handcrafted figures from the Brothers Grimm bring the pedestrian zone and the main square to life as a winter storybook world.
The Sections of the Gera Fairy Tale Market at a Glance
Gera Fairy Tale Market: A Christmas Market Full of Storybook Figures
The Gera fairy tale market has repeatedly been named one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, thanks to its unique concept: around 38 life sized, handcrafted figures from 14 different Grimm fairy tales line the route from the city museum through the pedestrian zone to the main square. The centerpiece is a Christmas tree about 19 meters tall, lit with 7,800 LED lights. 2026 dates: November 26 to December 23.
Fairy Tale Market at Marktplatz: The Main Stage of Advent in Gera
At Marktplatz itself, the heart of the fairy tale market, around 90 festively decorated stalls offer Thuringian specialties, mulled wine and handmade crafts. The market stage runs a varied program throughout the season, opening with a bell chime, Santa Claus and a light and laser show, then moving through weekend performances ranging from rock to folk to German schlager music.
Children's Christmas in Gera: Fairy Tales and Family Programming
Families with children get their own dedicated program at the fairy tale market. Every day from 4pm, Santa Claus holds his visiting hours, while on weekdays kindergarten groups and elementary school classes take to the stage with their own performances. Combined with the fairy tale figures along the route, this makes the market one of the most family friendly Christmas experiences in Thuringia.
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Gera
The market is typically open Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 9pm. The official opening traditionally takes place on the Thursday before the first Advent, accompanied by a bell chime, Santa Claus and a light and laser show, before the market runs its daily program of music, fairy tale scenes and children's performances through December 23.
Tickets and Admission for the Gera Fairy Tale Market 2026
Admission to the Gera fairy tale market is free. Only food, drinks and individual offerings at the roughly 90 stalls come at their usual cost.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Gera
- Marktplatz sits right in the pedestrian zone and is a short walk from Gera's main train station
- The best way to explore is to start at the city museum and follow the fairy tale figure trail through Bachgasse and Johannisgasse to Marktplatz
- Warm clothing is worth packing for the evening hours, when the lit up Christmas tree and figures are at their most striking
- A visit around 4pm is ideal for families, since that is when the daily Santa Claus visiting hour begins
- Accommodation in Gera should be booked early for the Advent weekends
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
