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Weimar Onion Market

Weimar Onion Market

Oct 13, 2023Oct 15, 2023
Markt 20, 99423
Weimar
Free admission

The modest onion is the main focus of this famous market, held every October in Weimar, Thuringia. Onions of all shapes and sizes are plaited together in a traditional way and decorated with dried flowers of various colours before being displayed at different stands throughout the weekend.

A colourful autumn market and fair

Over 500 stands and stalls are set up in the city centre during the Onion Market, where vendors offer different types of onions, onion braids and onion garlands, as well as onion-related German dishes, German beer and more! Next to onions, visitors can also shop local handicrafts, souvenirs, vegetables, fruit and spices. 

Young ladies can also apply to become this year's Onion Market Queen and receive the privilege of representing Weimar and its famous festival. Next to featuring everything onion, different stages are set up across the market, where a variety of artists will be performing during the weekend.

Opening times of Weimar Onion Market 2023

Here are the opening hours:

  • Friday, October 13: 9am-6pm
  • Saturday, October 14: 6am-6pm
  • Sunday, October 15: 8am-6pm

The history behind the Onion Market 

The oldest and most popular festival in Thuringia, the first Onion Market took place in 1653 as a “market for beasts and onions.” Over the years the market expanded, becoming a major onion purchasing hub for central Germany during the nineteenth century. The World Wars led to a decline of the market in the early twentieth century, but interest in the market was renewed in the 1950s, and by 1971 a record 200.000 visitors were attending each year. 

In the 1990s the Onion Market was extended to become a three-day event once more, and since then it has grown exponentially in size, attracting 350.000 visitors annually. 

Visiting the Onion Market

The best way to get to the Onion Market, if you’re not staying overnight, is via public transport. If you do drive to the festival, then the closest parking area is by the Kaufland supermarket. Make sure to follow the hygiene, safety and social distancing measures in place.

For all the details on the Onion Market, head on over to the official Weimar tourist website.