Timing could not be better: On 29 November, Germania will launch a new flight connection from London Gatwick to Erfurt in Thuringia. Luck has it that the city's Christmas market opens on 26 November which means there is no excuse now not to pencil in a festive break in the Cultural Heart of Germany. In particular, since numerous Christmas traditions originated in the region and a multitude of atmospheric Christmas markets can be explored in one go.

Christmas markets in Erfurt & Weimar

Thuringia's most famous market takes place in Erfurt (26 Nov to 22 Dec 2013) where the magnificent Cathedral Square provides a unique atmosphere and the perfect setting for over 200 stalls selling regional crafts and culinary delights. Visitors can marvel at a large wooden pyramid, the market's huge candlelit Christmas tree and the almost life-sized wooden figures of the nativity scene. Only 15 minutes by train from Erfurt, Weimar, the beautiful city of Classicism, hosts an enchanting market in the town centre. It is open from 1st December until 5th January, providing a perfect winter holiday add-on well after Christmas.

Birthplace of Christmas traditions

Weimar is also the place where the first public Christmas tree was erected in 1816, and the fact that Christmas trees became such a prominent feature all over the world is also thanks to a certain lady from Thuringia: Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen who married King William IV in 1811, imported the Christmas tree to the UK and organised festive celebrations at the English court. Another Christmas tradition was born in the small town of Lauscha south of Erfurt: More than 160 years ago glass blowers began to produce glass decorations for their own Christmas trees in the shape of beads, fruits and cones. Glass baubles are now famous all over the world, and Lauscha's Christmas market, taking place on two Advent weekends before Christmas, is a great opportunity to buy them in all shapes and colours.

Wartburg Castle historic Christmas market

A mere 30 minutes by train from Erfurt, UNESCO World Heritage site Wartburg Castle provides visitors with a very special Christmas market experience: On the first, second and third weekend in Advent, the castle's impressive courtyard is turned into a historic Christmas market where medieval times come back to life with artists, craftsmen, knights and colourful market stalls. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas concerts in the castle's banquet hall.

Erfurt Christmas market break

Fred. offers 3 nights at the Intercity Erfurt (twin share) for £439 including Germania flights from London Gatwick to Erfurt. Contact: Fred., 0808 250 7755

Thuringia Tourism special EUR 66 winter campaign

A number of three- and four-star hotels in historic towns throughout the region welcome visitors for EUR 66 per night for two in a double room including breakfast (travel period between 1 November and 31 March 2014). More information on www.visit-thuringia.com

Full list of Christmas markets in Thuringia and Tourist Information Thuringia hotline for travel enquiries: +49 (0)361 37420

Flight bookings & prices London - Erfurt: www.flygermania.de/en

Cultural Heart of Germany online: www.culturalheart.info

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CulturalHeartofGermany

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CulturalGermany

Press contact:

B Connects. Barbara Geier Content Services

On behalf of Cultural Heart of Germany (Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia)

barbara@bconnects.net, phone 07983 242 195