Photo: Rudi Stümpel/City Archives
These days, there are plenty of options for buying a Christmas tree in Erlangen. But that wasn’t always the case. As recently as 1844, selling “Christkindleinsbäume” was prohibited on Geldstraße and even Gefängnisstraße. Starting in the 1830s, however, putting up a Christmas tree became so popular that in December 1837, the administration of the Botanical Garden announced in the Intelligenzblatt that it would hand over any tree thief to the police. Eventually, though, the tradition had to give way to increasing traffic. After a brief hiatus, the Christmas tree market returned to the Christmas market on Schloßplatz in 1973 and has been held there ever since.
Christmas Tree Sales Become Legal
Finally, in 1845, the city council passed a resolution permitting the free sale of Christmas trees, on the condition that sellers could prove they had acquired the trees legally. For example, it is known that in 1934, the approximately 8,200 households at the time purchased 8,081 Christmas trees from 10 vendors. The vast majority, therefore, bought their trees at the market. Between 1927 and 1955, there was even a “Christmas Tree for Everyone” in front of the Huguenot Church.
More About the City's History
City archive
The Erlangen City Archive is the official memory of Erlangen. The main tasks of the city archive include the permanent storage and cataloging of collections.
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.
City archive
The Erlangen City Archive is the official memory of Erlangen. The main tasks of the city archive include the permanent storage and cataloging of collections.
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.