34. Lauscha Ball Market

The Lauscha Ball Market is an extraordinary Christmas market in the Thuringian glass town of Lauscha, which is known worldwide as the birthplace of glass Christmas ornaments. Traditionally, the market takes place on the first two Advent weekends and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the town each year. At the center of the event is glass art: along the "Glass Mile," visitors can experience the unique variety of original Lauscha glass Christmas decorations in numerous workshops, glass boutiques, and the Museum of Glass Art. What makes the Ball Market special is the opportunity to watch artisans at work: one can observe glassblowers shaping molten glass into delicate balls, figures, and ornaments, or see how the balls are hand-painted and decorated. There is often also the chance to personalize an individual name ball. In addition to the unique shopping experience for the Christmas tree, Lauscha associations and local hosts provide hearty home-cooked meals, Thuringian grilled sausages, and mulled wine. Thus, the Ball Market is a Christmas market deeply rooted in craft tradition that makes the magic of glass Christmas decorations tangible.