The Cultural Heart of Germany ticks all your boxes

London, October 2014. From Christmas baubles to the tradition of public Christmas trees and never forgetting the – the Cultural Heart of Germany, comprising the regions of , Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, is where many festive customs originated. From the oldest to hidden gems in small towns, take your pick and pencil in a Christmas market break, taking you to places where Christmas truly is at home.

Naumburg – off the beaten Christmas markets’ track

Once a significant trading centre on the Via Regia in the Middle Ages, Naumburg in Saxony- Anhalt and just over 35 miles southwest of Leipzig, is now best known for its stunning St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Each year during the season the town is being transformed by its charming Christmas market which is surrounded by beautiful Patrician houses and the Gothic St Wenceslas Church and features a with life-sized figures. On top of that, three weekends in the run-up to Christmas offer special experiences for Christmas aficionados:

On 29 and 30 November more than 20 houses in the town centre are opening the gates to their courtyards that are all specifically decorated for the occasion, featuring food as well as arts and crafts stalls. On 13 and 14 December, historical cellars, towers and chapels take centre stage and visitors can explore locations below and above ground while enjoying festive food, music and even getting some Christmas shopping done. Last but not least, on the last Advent weekend (20/21 Dec) local winemakers invite visitors to their vineyards that surround Naumburg for a special Christmas market. Not surprisingly, wine plays a major role and the Glühwein is as good at it gets.

Get on the plane to Christmas wonderland

In neighbouring Thuringia, the Old Town of Erfurt provides a picture-perfect setting for one of the region’s most loved Christmas markets (25 Nov to 22 Dec), dating back almost 1,270 years and featuring around 200 stalls selling regional arts and local culinary favourites (Thüringer Bratwurst anyone?). Apart from the stand-out features such as a huge candlelit , ferris wheel and the almost life-sized figures of the nativity scene, there are also some hidden treasures to be discovered underground: A special Christmas showcase just next to the main market in the medieval rock cellars underneath Cathedral Hill revolves all around floral Advent and Christmas decorations (25 Nov to 26 Dec) and should offer plenty of inspiration.

Direct flights from London Gatwick to Erfurt-Weimar make exploring the Thuringian Christmas markets’ ‘scene’ particularly easy, and from the long list of options Weimar, where the market will be open until 5 January 2015, or the Historical Christmas Market at Wartburg Castle are just two of the highlights.

Old favourites & special locations in Saxony

Saxony not only features the ‘granddaddy’ of all Christmas markets, in (28 Nov to 23 Dec) which dates back to 1434, and one of Germany’s biggest markets in Leipzig (25 Nov to 23 Dec) with more than 250 festively decorated stalls, but is also home to many centuries old festive customs: The have a rich tradition of toy making and the distinctive and incense smokers as well as wooden pyramids, candle arches or wooden angels expertly manufactured here are much loved Christmas decorations and adorn many a house in Germany and indeed beyond. Visitors can take a peek in workshops and visit dedicated museums.

The region is also full of romantic towns where historic market squares provide the perfect backdrop for atmospheric Christmas markets such as Görlitz, Radebeul or Annaberg. One tip for travellers wanting to experience the Christmas spirit in special surroundings: A wide selection of Saxony’s beautiful palaces and castles, including Moritzburg and Schloss Wackerbarth, undergo an enchanting transformation during the festive season and re- emerge as locations for Christmas markets and festivities. Last but not least, watch out for the ‘Christmas Wonderland Saxony’ app which will be available for download mid-November from the App store, providing lots of practical information about Christmas markets in the region.

Travel information:

Easy access to the Cultural Heart of Germany with Germania from London Gatwick to Erfurt- Weimar, with Cityjet from London City to Dresden and Ryanair to Leipzig.

Erfurt Christmas market break with Fred Holidays (two nights in three star hotel including flight & transport from £379 per person), more information & booking here.

The Cultural Heart of Germany online: Website: www.culturalheart.info Facebook: www.facebook.com/CulturalHeartofGermany Twitter: www.twitter.com/CulturalGermany

For more information on Christmas breaks to the region or further image material, please contact:

B Connects. Barbara Geier Content Services On behalf of Cultural Heart of Germany (Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia) [email protected], phone 07983 242 195