© Dittrich

Welcome to Saxony’s Christmas wonderland

Experience Christmas with all your senses

In Saxony, Christmas is like a fifth season. Centuries-old customs and festive traditions are lived and celebrated with gusto. You can see this unique dedication to all things Christmas in windows decorated with special Christmas handicrafts. You can smell it in the houses. You can taste it when visiting Christmas markets. You can hear it on the streets. And you can feel it – this extraordinary festive and cosy atmosphere in the Christmas wonderland of Saxony.

Podcast

Why Saxony is the epitome of German Christmas 

Scott Hartbeck, an American journalist based in Britain, is a great fan of Saxon Christmas traditions. In his podcast, he talks to our colleague Wolfgang Gärtner about what makes Christmas time in Saxony so special.

© Dresdner Stollenschutzverband / K. Grottker
© Claudia Hübschmann

5 reasons why you should visit

Saxony this Christmas

  • Experience the magic of Saxony’s Christmas markets. From Dresden and Leipzig to its charming towns and villages, Saxony comes alive with twinkling lights, traditional market stalls and the inviting aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds. It's an unforgettable way to enjoy the festive season.

  • A festive treat for the plate. Dresden Stollen, one of Saxony’s best-loved Christmas specialities, is an essential part of the festive season. Every slice reflects centuries of baking tradition, with rich butter, dried fruit and carefully selected spices creating its distinctive flavour.

  • Traditional wooden craftsmanship to admire. Saxony is the home of the world-famous Räuchermännchen (Smoking Men) and Schwibbögen (Light arches). These handcrafted wooden treasures decorate homes across the region and beyond, reflecting the skill, craftsmanship and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

  • Step into a winter fairytale. Set against a stunning lakeside backdrop, Moritzburg Castle is best known as the filming location for the beloved classic Three Wishes for Cinderella. With its magical setting and enchanting winter scenery, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve stepped into the story yourself.

  • Celebrate Saxony’s living traditions. Saxony’s traditional miners' parades are among the region’s most distinctive festive events, celebrating its rich mining heritage with pride. Amid historic uniforms, music and candlelight, these time-honoured processions bring centuries of tradition to life in many towns of the Ore Mountains.

© Dirk Rückschloss

Discover the region during the festive season

Christmas trip to Saxony 

Basteibrücke im Winter, Ferdinandaussicht
© Kenny Scholz

A seasonal highlight in Saxon Switzerland

“Wintersterne Festival"

Every year, the dramatic winter landscape of Saxon Switzerland forms a beautiful backdrop for the ‘Wintersterne Sächsische Schweiz’ festival. This seasonal celebration brings together a thoughtful mix of live music, theatre, painting workshops, and inspiring talks. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience a rich variety of cultural events, all set against the unique and peaceful setting of these iconic sandstone cliffs.