--- title: "Christmas markets in Saxony ♥ A festive Advent season" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/typically-saxon/land-of-christmas/christmas-markets" description: "Experience atmospheric Christmas markets in Saxony – from Dresden to the Ore Mountains. Discover the highlights & hidden gems of the Advent season." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Typically Saxon > Land of Christmas > Christmas markets" --- Christmas markets in Saxony =========================== Glitz, glamour, delicacies The festive season in Saxony ---------------------------- Mulled wine, magical lights and festive music: Saxony’s Christmas markets ooze flair and every one of them has their own unique character. **Dresden’s** ***Striezelmarkt*** **is Germany’s oldest Christmas market** while such as Meissen provide the perfect backdrop for cosy moments. Apart from that, we can also hear Christmas carols and smell delicious treats. **Take a look & enjoy!** Countless possibilities A guide to Saxony’s finest Christmas markets -------------------------------------------- Übersichtskarte sächsischer Weihnachtsmärkte Hardly any other region captures the magic of the festive season quite like Saxony. From the to , and across and , Saxony's Christmas markets are deeply rooted in local culture. Each destination offers a completely unique season experience, drawing visitors to discover traditional Christmas traditions and crafts. If you are looking for **genuine Saxon craftsmanship**, don't miss the Christmas markets in Seiffen, , and . Here, master woodcarvers showcase their skills live. You can watch traditional decorations being made by hand, from intricate nutcrackers to smoking incense men or pyramids. History enthusiasts will love **Saxony's heritage-rich markets**. is home to the famous , celebrated as one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. Further afield in and , beautifully restored Renaissance buildings, live music, and twinkling fairy lights create an enchanting backdrop for a visit. **For families**, transform into winter wonderlands. Children’s carousels, Ferris wheels, festive baking workshops, and storytelling sessions make for an unforgettable family day out. To experience true local warmth, head to the smaller village markets where community spirit takes centre stage. For a truly magical experience, visit **Saxony's historic landmarks**. hosts a spectacular traditional market within its ancient stone walls. Meanwhile, the and near Dresden come alive with stunning light displays, classical music, and rich history, offering an extraordinary festive escape. Dream yourself away to Saxony, the land of Christmas Christmas market impressions ---------------------------- - ### Bautzen Wenzelsmarkt Bautzen - more than 600 years of advent magic - ### Görlitz Silesian Christmas market, merging traditions from two countries - ### Dresden The world-famous Striezelmarkt - Germany's oldest Christmas market - ### Dresden Traditional Christmas market around the famous Frauenkirche - ### Meissen Christmas market featuring a giant Advent calendar built directly into the illuminated windows of the historic Late Gothic town hall - ### Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas market showcasing authentic Ore Mountain mining traditions with glowing pyramids and its world-famous Grand Miners' Parade - ### Schwarzenberg Romantic Christmas market set in a historic castle town with an iconic, giant carved wooden pyramid - ### Zwickau Traditional Christmas market nestled against a historic town-centre backdrop - ### Leipzig Christmas market on Augustusplatz featuring a towering Ferris wheel, a multi-storey Finnish village, and global festive foods. - ### Leipzig Christmas magic in the iconic Mädler Passage 13 top recommendations in the region’s charming towns and cities Discover Saxony’s beautiful Christmas markets --------------------------------------------- - Bautzen's (27 Nov - 22 Dec 2026), first mentioned in the 14th century, welcomes visitors in the town’s historic quarter with a glittering sea of lights and attractions such as arts and crafts, delicious Stollen cake and Christmas brass concerts. **Especially for children**: Santa Claus is on site every afternoon, opening a window of the market’s **large Advent calendar**! - (27 Nov - 23 Dec 2026) features a good 200 stalls, perfect for Christmas shopping and festive treats galore. Check out the special Medieval market on Innere Klosterstrasse for historical Christmas magic and pencil in 30 November when the **traditional festive miners’ parade** takes place! - Dresden‘s “” is considered to be Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Visiting its 592nd edition (25 Nov - 24 Dec 2026), you can discover some – literally – great examples of the region’s typical wooden Christmas decorations, made in the , including the world's tallest wooden pyramid (14.61 metres) and a huge walk-in *Schwibbogen* (light arch). **Tip**: Don’t miss the unique **Dresden Stollen Festival** on 6th December when a huge Stollen Christmas cake will be paraded through town! - The (4 - 20 Dec 2026) features special church services reminding us of the Christmas message, baking, reading, theatre, singing and music, plus the “Görlitz Christkind” (Christ child) which makes a daily appearance on the market. **Tip:** Browse the **arts and craft market** in the Silesian Museum. - On third weekend of Advent (11 -13 Dec 2026), **Hoyerswerda** hosts the **“Teschenmarkt”**, named after the imperial princess Ursula Katharina von Teschen. **Perfect for a seasonal stroll**, the Christmas markets in the old town offer baked apples, mulled wine and all kinds of hearty treats, plus a varied programme for young and old on the market square. - Leipzig’s traditional (24 Nov - 23 Dec 2026) features over 300 stalls in front of the Old Town Hall and in the city centre. There’s lots to see and do, including “Santa Claus consultations”, the special historical market "Alt-Leipzig", a fairy-tale forest and a **38-metre-high Ferris wheel** on Augustusplatz square. - The historic market square with its Late Gothic town hall, Renaissance town houses and the Church of Our Lady provide a very atmospheric backdrop for **Meissen’s Christmas market** (24 Nov - 24 Dec 2026). Festively decorated market stalls offer their Christmas wares while the town hall is transformed into a giant Advent calendar revealing a new Christmas surprise every day. - **The Canaletto Market** in Pirna is one of the few Christmas markets still open after the holidays (24 Nov - 23 Dec and 27 - 30 Dec 2026). The market’s look is inspired by the Italian painter Canaletto and features romantic illuminations on the market square. Not to be missed! - (4 Dec - 13 Dec 2026) is clustered around a historic wooden Christmas pyramid and features plenty of special Ore Mountains Christmas traditions, including a “Weihnachtsberg” with life-sized figures. These mountain-like models of the region’s landscape are set up during the Christmas period and portray the nativity scene and mining motifs. There is also a Medieval market in the local castle’s courtyard as well as a **fairy-tale** and **miners’ parade**. - **Zittau’s Christmas Market** (5 - 13 Dec 2026) is perfect for getting into the festive spirit. In addition to mulled wine, gingerbread and other treats, Santa Claus and angels, music and dance, a puppet show, a spectacular **fire show** and lots of Moravian Star decorations are featured. And why not hop on the historic narrow-gauge railway for an atmospheric trip into the nearby Zittau Mountains? - At (23 Nov - 22 Dec 2026), you can compete with the glitter of a large Christmas pyramid and check out typical Ore Mountains folk art. Or how about trying the **special Zwickau mulled wine**? Every afternoon, Santa Claus makes an appearance for the kids and there is also a **miners’ parade with traditional costumes and a marching band** on Dec. 12. - In Saxony’s Vogtland region, (24 Nov - 22 Dec 2026) on the Altmarkt square is a real highlight, featuring a traditional light procession for its opening. Should you be in Plauen on the second weekend of Advent (5/6 Dec), check out the historical Christmas market in the town’s old Weavers' Houses and “Komturhof” estate. - In Königstein, the fortress of the same name provides a stunning – and romantic! – backdrop for a festive . This historical Christmas market (28/29 Nov, 5/6 Dec, 12/13 Dec and 19/20 Dec 2026) is all about authenticity with musicians, jugglers, puppeteers and traditional traders. Game goulash is prepared in large pots over open fire and children can enjoy rides on a hand-operated carousel. The hustle and bustle continues in the fortress’s underground passageways – and every day, a window of Germany's longest Advent calendar (112 metres) is opened. Tickets can only be purchased Tradition meets the big city Christmas markets in major cities --------------------------------- ### Dresden One of the oldest Christmas markets in the world – the Striezelmarkt Experience the magic of Advent at the Dresden Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious Christmas markets. Set against a magnificent historic backdrop, this cherished Saxon tradition invites you to explore beautifully decorated stalls filled with authentic regional handicrafts and seasonal melodies. Named after the original "Striezel" (Dresden Stollen), the market hosts the spectacular Stollen Festival (2nd Saturday in Advent each year), featuring a grand parade with a giant, multi-tonne Stollen Christmas cake. Guests can marvel at festive wonders, including the world’s largest Ore Mountain steeped pyramid and a record-breaking walk-through Schwibbogen (light arch). With daily music performances, a delightful Christmas bakery for children and funfair rides, it promises an enchanting, unforgettable festive escape. ### Leipzig A Christmas market full of discoveries The Leipzig Christmas Market transforms the city centre, stretching across seven distinct quarters. With more than 300 beautifully dressed stalls, it is renowned as one of Germany’s largest and most captivating seasonal celebrations. At the heart of the festivities lies the historic market square, framed by the Old Town Hall and dominated by a magnificent 20-metre-tall Christmas tree and a bustling central stage. Beyond the main square, Augustusplatz hosts a 38-metre-high Ferris wheel offering sweeping views over Leipzig, alongside a dedicated Fairytale Land for younger visitors. In the Salzgässchen, a beautifully crafted, multi-storey carousel brings historic charm to life, whilst the Nikolaikirchhof invites visitors to gather around its popular festive punch pyramid. Complete your journey at the Naschmarkt, where the ‘Alt Leipzig’ medieval market showcases master craftsmen keeping ancient traditions alive. ### Chemnitz The heartwarming charm and heritage of Chemnitz The Chemnitz Christmas Market stands as one of Saxony’s grandest winter gatherings, steeped in seasonal charm. The festivities begin in spectacular fashion on the eve of the first Sunday in Advent with the traditional Miners’ Parade, which sees around 1,000 uniformed miners and musicians marching in a striking procession through the city centre. Across more than 200 stalls, visitors can browse a curated array of seasonal delicacies and regional gift ideas. Follow the scent of roasted almonds through the market lanes, watch master artisans working at their crafts, and uncover handmade treasures. By seamlessly weaving deep-rooted mining heritage with modern touches and authentic local flavours, Chemnitz creates an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Enjoy one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Ore Mountains ### Freiberg Christmas Market - **Regional specialities:** Try Freiberg Mettensuppe, Ore Mountains flatbread and mulled wine made from Saxon grapes. - Particularly impressive is the **festive miners’ parade**, which brings the rich mining heritage of the ‘Silver City’ of Freiberg to life. The miners’ parade always takes place on the Saturday before the second Sunday in Advent. - Take a look behind the scenes at **traditional Saxon woodcraft workshops**. From candle arches to incense-burning figurines, you can buy your own unique souvenir and take home a wonderfully authentic memento. - **Historic setting:** Freiberg’s Obermarkt is situated in the heart of the medieval old town, with its magnificent town houses and the imposing St Nicholas’ Church. - *Play video* - Christmarkt Freiberg - Christmarkt Freiberg - Christmarkt Freiberg Discover even more things to do in the region Christmas in the Ore Mountains ------------------------------ - The perfect stage for 10 Christmas highlights Saxony’s palaces and castles ---------------------------- Saxony is a land of castles. At Christmas time, many of them are transformed into charming Christmas locations with individual markets, musical performances and a lot of atmosphere. - When the days get shorter and the smell of mulled wine wafts through the **vineyards of Radebeul**, a very special period starts at Wackerbarth Castle. From November 2026 to February 2027, the splendid wine growing estate provides a romantic and magical winter experience, with special culinary delights on offer every day and a curated cultural programme each weekend. will warm your hearts and light up the eyes of young and old. Enjoy the wine estate’s delicious mulled wine and delicacies from the castle kitchen! - transforms Pillnitz Palace and Park into a magical winter wonderland between 19 November 2026 and 10 January 2027. Go on an enchanting festive journey and follow a good one-mile walkway featuring glittering illuminations. Seasonal food and drinks are available at different stations. - The Christmas market at Moritzburg Castle takes place from 11 to 13 Dec 2026 against the castle’s breath-taking Baroque backdrop. There is also a special annual winter exhibition from 20 November 2026 to 28 February 2027 which recreates the magic of , a fairy-tale movie that is traditionally shown on German TV for Christmas and was shot at Moritzburg Castle. - On the second December weekend (5/6 Dec 2026), **Colditz Castle** puts on its **traditional** event. Stalls offer regional delicacies in the courtyards of the festively decorated **Renaissance castle** and in the vaulted cellars traditional crafts are on display. - Set in beautiful surroundings, in Freital invites visitors on 28/29 November 2026 and 5/6 December 2026 to enjoy mulled wine,“Kräppelchen” (think doughnuts, but different), gingerbread and other delicacies in the castle courtyard. There are stalls selling arts and crafts and various children’s activities, including a petting zoo. Barockschloss Rammenau im Winter // Rammenau Baroque Castle in Winter - The wait for Christmas will be easier to bear if you take a special festive tour of featuring singing and dancing – and you are welcome to join in. The acoustics in the chapel are marvellous and so is the food prepared in the historic castle kitchen! The Christmas market takes place on 13 Dec 2026. - in Radebeul, Saxony's oldest wine-growing estate, will host a festive family weekend from 14 to 15 December 2026, with live music, Christmas market stalls and handicraft and baking workshops for kids. **Tip**: Enjoy the view of the romantic, wintery Elbe River valley! - invites you to a romantic Christmas market on the 1st Advent (28/29 Nov 2026) with plenty of delicacies to taste and gift stalls to rummage about. A children’s theater and atmospheric traditional brass music under the Christmas tree will complete your visit at the castle. - Head to , one of Saxony’s most beautiful Baroque ensembles, for festive fairy-tale moments. The 18th century manor house (very romantic!) hosts a range of special events in the run-up to Christmas, including a small family Christmas market on 29 Nov 2026, Christmas concerts and festive Christmas dinners. - The private winery near Meissen opens its doors to the public for their romantic Christmas market on 26 to 29 Nov 2026 with carefully selected stalls selling hand crafted Christmas decoration, gifts and of course their own mulled wine and other delicacies. - Highlights & insider tips Christmas markets in the regions -------------------------------- Tips for Christmas markets in the Ore Mountains Ore Mountains **Highlights:** - Annaberg Christmas Market - Freiberg Christmas Market - Schwarzenberg Christmas Market **A unique experience:** - **Step into a storybook at the Eibenstock Fairytale Christmas:** This charming event brings folklore to life with family stage shows, the ceremonial starting of the parish pyramid, and a grand parade featuring 300 costumed characters. - **Hop aboard Germany’s first Christmas market accessible by steam train:** The ‘Bimmelbahn und Lichterglanz’ event transforms stations along this narrow-gauge railway into themed festive stops, letting you travel from one market to the next by historic steam engine. Tips for Christmas markets in the region Upper Lusatia **Highlights:** - Bautzen’s Wenzelsmarkt - Silesian Christmas Market in Görlitz - Zittau Christmas Market **A unique experience:** - The **Kamenzer Advents-Spectaculum** is a unique Christmas market in Kamenz, Saxony, that takes place annually on the third weekend of Advent. It blends traditional festive stalls with a medieval fair atmosphere and an interactive fairytale world featuring live costumed characters. Tips for Christmas markets in the region Dresden Elbland **Highlights:** - Meissen Christmas - Radebeul Christmas Market “Lichterglanz und Budenzauber” - Torgau Fairytale Christmas Market Tips for Christmas markets in the region Vogtland **Highlights:** - Plauen Christmas Market - Advent Market in Plauen Komturhof “Winterwunderland in der Elsteraue” - Auerbach Christmas Market Tips for Christmas markets in the region Saxon Switzerland **Highlights:** - Canaletto Market in Pirna - Historic and romantic Christmas market at Königstein Fortress Tips for Christmas markets in the region Leipzig Region **As well as the many individual Christmas markets in Leipzig, the surrounding region also boasts a number of romantic Christmas markets:** - Grimma Christmas Market - Delitzsch Advent Market Minimize Weihnachtsessen Neinerlaa Checklist for you 5 tips for your visit to the Christmas market --------------------------------------------- - **Trying regional mulled wine:** A must at every Christmas market. Mulled wine from the Ore Mountains, flavoured with local spices, is the perfect way to warm up and is a real treat. - **Saxon bratwurst with mustard:** The classic bratwurst is a must. Alternatively, an Erzgebirge ‘Fettbemme’ – bread with lard and onions – makes for a hearty snack. - **Incense cones as souvenirs:** Take some Crottendorfer or Neudorfer incense cones home with you. Their scent is unmistakable and brings that typical Christmas magic into your living room. - **Authentic woodcraft from the Ore Mountains:** Candle arches, nutcrackers and incense burners from the Ore Mountains are a must for festive decorations. You’ll find unique, handcrafted pieces at the markets. If you’re looking for an artistic alternative to wood, the Herrnhut stars are just the thing. The stars come in a variety of colours and sizes. - **Christmas music:** Listen to the traditional sounds of brass bands and choirs, which perfectly set the festive mood. Advent concerts in churches round off the experience. - Further tips for winter holidays -------------------------------- Winter sports Winter sports in Saxony Slopes, cross-country trails, winter fun