Pforzheim medieval market - Advent in Blumenhof

About 15 minutes by car, or by S6 Enztalbahn from Schellbronn, Pforzheim hosts one of the region's most unusual Christmas markets: the medieval market in Blumenhof and Barfussergasse, organized by the Verein lebendiges Mittelalter. From late November to 30 December, the square by Barfusserkirche turns into a medieval market scene with craftspeople working on site, a historical stage, and open fire pits for warming up in the evening.

Entry is free. Open daily from 11:30 to 21:00, closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On weekdays, jugglers and musicians rotate on stage from 15:00; on weekends the program starts around midday. At 20:00 comes the final spectacle with music, performance and fire show, one reason why evening visits are especially popular.

At the market: pewter caster, blacksmith, candle making, mead and spiced wine, regional food from wood-fired ovens, and on selected weekends knight camps with show fights, oriental dance or historical combat demonstrations. Alongside the golden Christmas market and winter world, the medieval market forms the third pillar of Advent in Pforzheim; the city mini train links the locations on Advent weekends.

Reach Blumenhof via downtown streets, with parking garages near ZOB or Wilhelm-Karl-Ring; from Schellbronn you can also take the train to Pforzheim main station and walk a short distance. Dress warmly, especially for evening hours near the fires. Check current stage program, flyer and special dates at mittelaltermaerkte.org/pforzheim.html before your visit.