The article „The mysterious pyramid at the Mainz Christmas market“ was revised on December 5, 2025 and originally published on December 6, 2022.
A feast for the senses: the Mainz Christmas market
Christmas markets are a true feast for the senses: the fine aromas of baked apples, gingerbread and roasted almonds fill our nostrils, contemplative music plays and many colorful stalls delight us with the most tempting articles.
History and charm of the Mainz Christmas market
I am particularly fond of the Mainz Christmas Market: it was held for the first time in 1788, back then it was still named Nikolose Markt. For me, he is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Rheinhessen.
When I'm not enjoying a spit-roast sandwich, I take a relaxed stroll through the Christmas market with no specific destination in mind. I enjoy the cheerful laughter of the children as the colorful carousels slowly start to move; I stroll across the market square and look at the large nativity scene in front of the Gotthard Chapel with its hand-carved sculptures.
The detailed figures made of lime wood have fascinated me since I was a child. I wonder how long it took to create even a single work of art? One thing is certain: a lot of work and passion went into it. They were created by the artist and wood sculptor Sepp Erhard from Unterammergau. In 2005, the figures were lovingly reworked.
The Mainz Christmas Village - a cozy meeting place
Moving on. The Mainz Christmas village on Liebfrauenplatz has become a popular meeting place and another highlight of the Christmas market: You can take a seat in large barrels or huts covered with cushions and blankets and enjoy a steaming mulled wine and other delicacies - so cozy (reservations recommended!). The quaint Christmas village has been an integral part of the market since 2011. I think it's a charming idea that gives this Christmas market an extraordinary touch.
The impressive Christmas pyramid at Höfchen
I have taken another attraction particularly to my heart: The magnificent Christmas pyramid at Höfchen doesn't just make children's eyes light up: built in 2002, it is a real eye-catcher with its numerous figures. At the time, the Christmas market suppliers provided financial support for its construction.
It is worth taking a little more time to take a closer look at the eleven-metre-high structure: On all five floors, which become narrower and narrower towards the top, there are extremely enchanting figures. An impeller is proudly enthroned at the top. Incidentally, the pyramid was made by Holzkunst Gahlenz GmbH from the Erzgebirge.
You can also discover (pre-)Christmas figures that are usually found on a pyramid here: For example, thickly masked children building a snowman or chubby-cheeked angels watching the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market from their perch.
Mainz motifs in the pyramid
In addition to these figures, you can also see some figures on the pyramid that have a direct connection to the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate.
So let's take a look at the second floor of the building: One character who has been with me since my childhood is the clever Det from the Mainzelmännchen. Who doesn't like to be wished a „Gud'n Aamd“ by him? The guardsman of the Ranzengarde also reminds me of the many foolish and merry days I have been able to experience so far.
As a loyal fan of Mainz 05, the figure of the Mainz footballer also touches me deeply and makes me think back to numerous exciting matches. Incidentally, this sculpture is a “substitute player”: its predecessor was stolen from the pyramid in 2009 and only returned to the Mainz 05 office around a year later in a desolate state. The current wooden player, however, has been enjoying good health for years now - lucky for him!
Whether it's soccer, carnival or a TV favorite, the magical Christmas pyramid gathers together what is close to the hearts of many people in Mainz - and certainly the rest of Rheinhessen. On the second floor there is still a red-nosed Schoppenstecher as well as a runner of the renowned Gutenberg Marathon.
But that's not all: there are also figures on the fourth level who have a connection to Mainz: There is, of course, Johannes Gensfleisch, better known as Johannes Gutenberg. He is the inventor of movable type printing and probably the city's most famous son. Then there is Eduard Kreyßig, Mainz's master builder, who designed such impressive buildings as the Christuskirche in Mainz.
Another motif from Shrovetide is the Bajazz with a lantern in his hand and a jester's cap on his head. Of course, a bishop is also a must in the cathedral city, as is Moguntia, the Roman city goddess.
A building full of stories - and a reason to visit
As you can see, the building is home to many exciting works of art - but presenting all the sculptures would go beyond the scope of this article. All the more reason for you to pay a visit to the Mainz Christmas market to discover all the figures.
The Christmas pyramid is beautiful to look at during the day, but in the evening it unfolds its very special magic: the pyramid is illuminated, making it a very special attraction. I could stand in front of it forever and watch the figures slowly turn. In general, there is a magical atmosphere at the Christmas market in the evening, not least thanks to the sky of lights on the market square, which has been lit up exclusively with LEDs since 2008.
Christmas markets are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a carefree, cheerful world, to forget your worries for a short time and to increase your own anticipation of Christmas. I always succeed in doing this with the Mainz Christmas Market. I take one last look at the golden pyramid, enjoy the wonderful smells and sounds of the Christmas market once again and - after a little stroll through the city - finally make my way home satisfied.
All information about the Christmas market in Mainz
All information about duration, opening hours, offers and program you will find on the Website of the city of Mainz.
