From my experience, few European cities feel more festive during the Christmas holidays than Erfurt, Germany. I think it is the combination of the Christmas market's delicious mulled wine and bustling stalls all set against the beautiful glow of the great medieval cathedral.

These photos are part of an exhibition called "Floral Christmas time." Advent wreaths and holiday florals have a long history in Germany, with many people believing advent wreaths began there. Thus, for this exhibition, local florists design various displays around the advent theme. If you look closely, you'll see their very innovative use of various materials in these displays. What's even more unique about this display though is that it is situated in the historic underground vaults of Erfurt Cathedral (and beneath the famed medieval Christmas Market).

It's worth noting that Erfurt is actually Germany's best preserved medieval city. Erfurt is also the capital of the state of Thuringia, and due to its numerous churches, has been called "Thuringian Rome." Others may relate to Erfurt as the place made famous for its connection to Martin Luther. In the 16th century, Luther studied at the University of Erfurt before living as a monk in Erfurt's Augustinian Monastery.

This annual floral display began the end of November and is on until December 26, 2011.