29.11.2023 – 16:07

Charming Christmas Markets in and Around Leipzig

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Charming Christmas Markets in and Around Leipzig

It is this time of the year: the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air, while magical lights and handicrafts can be admired. The Leipzig Christmas Market runs from 28 November to 23 December 2023 and its tradition dates back to 1458. This makes it the second oldest Christmas market in Germany after the Dresden Striezelmarkt in the capital of Saxony. Just like 500 years ago, the Leipzig Christmas Market blends harmoniously into the fascinating historical backdrop of the city centre and offers numerous culinary specialties, making it an ideal destination for Christmas shopping and coming together with beloved ones. With more than 300 originally decorated stalls it is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

Christmas Market in the Historic Centre of Leipzig

Traditionally, the main area of the Christmas market is the Old Market Square in front of the Old Town Hall where visitors can admire a Saxon spruce Christmas tree from the surrounding region, and enjoy a wide variety of performances on the market square stage. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to listen to traditional trombone players every evening from the balcony of the Old Town Hall.

A 38-metre Ferris wheel offers a unique view of the Augustusplatz and its Christmas market. In front of the Opera, families will definitely enjoy visiting the Fairy Tale Forest. On the other side of the square, the Finnish village attracts visitors to Scandinavian stalls with enticing scent of smoked salmon and fruity Glögi – a mulled wine made from berries. Next door is the South Tyrolean Village, where you can sample many delicious Tyrolean specialities.

The historical Christmas market of “Ancient Leipzig“ at the Naschmarkt square entices visitors with local traditional crafts and art, such as candle makers or artisan blacksmiths, as well as medieval specialties like mead or the tasty Handbrot, a whole wheat bread with various fillings inside. Just around the corner, the nostalgic merry-go-around in the Salzgässchen invites everyone to take a ride and visitors should not miss out on the popular Feuerzangenbowle pyramid in the courtyard of the St Nicholas Church.

The Leipzig Christmas Market is open from 28 November to 23 December 20023, Sun-Thu from 10am to 9pm, Fri-Sat from 10am to 10pm, 22-23 Dec from 10am to 8pm. Entertaining impressions can be seen in the Leipzig Christmas Market video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywt3zBnlTZg

Individual Christmas Markets off the Beaten Track

For those looking for an alternative to the traditional Christmas markets in the city, there are many small Advent and Christmas markets in the various districts of Leipzig. These are particularly popular with families and locals as they are of a manageable size and tend to be small and intimate. Tourists that seek to explore urban culture outside the city centre can get a new perspective off the beaten track.

The popular Christmas market at WERK 2 in the alternative district of Connewitz offers arts and crafts, creative gift ideas and special snacks in a relaxed atmosphere within the halls and the courtyard of the cultural factory in the south of the city centre. The range of merchants covers traditional crafts, ceramics, self-designed commodity items, fashion and jewellery as well as graphic arts and calendars. (Open from 8 to 17 December 2023, Mon-Thu: 2pm to 9pm, Fri-Sat: 1pm to 10pm, Sun: 1pm to 9pm) Christmas trailer Werk 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JE3w_jQehG0&feature=youtu.be

Near the Feinkost site, with its iconic illuminated neon sign, is another small market with around 30 stalls. The Feinkost Christmas Market is known for its originality, regionalism and family friendliness. It is a great place for sustainable and unique Christmas gift shopping. (Open from 2-3 December, 9-10 December, 16-17 December 2023, Sat: 11am to 8pm, Sun: 11am to 6pm) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/feinkost-loeffelfamilie-the-spoon-family

Another wonderful Christmassy spot is the Felsenkeller Christmas Market in the western part of Leipzig. Set in the grounds of the famous event venue, it creates a place of tranquillity, with arts and crafts, fantasy and steampunk items for sale. Numerous stalls invite locals and tourists to browse and feast, offering mulled wine, delicious Christmas snacks and more. (Open from 30 November to 23 December 2023, Mon-Fri: 3pm to 9:30pm; Sat: 11am to 9:30pm; Sun: 11am to 7pm) Christmas trailer Felsenkeller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VcGpKW39JiU&feature=youtu.be

In the northern part of the city, the Gohlis Castle (Gohliser Schlösschen) creates a special atmosphere in its baroque garden. Visitors can experience a contemplative place for art, culture, conversation and socializing. In a festive atmosphere they are welcomed to home-baked sweet waffles, roasted almonds and hot drinks. Besides Christmas music, there will be a varied cultural programme with choir music, Advent song singing and Christmas stories. (Open from 29 November to 21 December 2023, Wen-Sat: 3pm to 7pm, Sun: 12pm to 6pm) Christmas trailer Gohliser Schlösschen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN5BTMyRGWI

Leipzig not only has great Christmas markets, it is also home to Europe's most beautiful Christmas Station. Featuring over 15 decorative stalls and 140 shops, Leipzig Main Station transforms into a festive wonderland with offerings ranging from drinks and Christmas snacks to handicrafts and beautiful gift ideas. The highlight are the large children's carousel in the East Hall and the arrival of Santa Claus on track no. 6 on the 2 December 2023. (Open from 27 November to 23 December 2023, daily 10am to 8pm)

Cosy Christmas Markets in the Small Towns of the Leipzig Region

In the small towns around Leipzig, you can discover the charm and nostalgia of a more intimate Christmas market and enjoy the wintry landscape. A visit to the castles and palaces of the Leipzig Region is particularly worthwhile during the pre-Christmas period. There are atmospheric concerts, guided tours and Advent markets. The following venues should be on your list for a Christmas trip to the Leipzig region.

About an hour south of Leipzig the town of Rochlitz houses the magnificent Rochlitz Castle. It invites medieval fans to the traditional Castle Christmas, where you can buy homemade delicacies, regional handicrafts and high-quality toys, among other things. (Open on 16-17 December 2023) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/rochlitz-castle-christmas

Just 15 minutes by car south of Rochlitz is another magical castle that enchants its guests at Christmas time. Colditz Fairytale Castle Christmas surprises with art, culture and tradition. As well as an arts and crafts market selling handicrafts and decorations, a varied programme of concerts, puppet shows and hands-on activities brings Christmas romance to the historic walls of Colditz Castle. (Open from 9 to 10 December 2023) https://www.leipzig.travel/poi/colditzer-maerchen-schlossweihnacht

About an hour north of Leipzig, the Saxon city of Torgau presents the Torgau Fairytale Christmas Market on the historic market square. Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque old town and marvel at the impressive sight of Hartenfels Castle, which is worth a visit at every season. (Open from 1 to 17 December 2023) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/torgau-fairytale-christmas-market

The town of Grimma in the Mulde valley, about 40 minutes south-east of Leipzig, hosts its annual Christmas market, a feast for the senses in front of the imposing Renaissance town hall. Numerously decorated stalls glow in festive splendour and offer a wealth of Christmas treats and regional specialities. https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/grimma-christmas-market

Half an hour further east, lovers of traditional German Christmas cuisine should visit the Wermsdorf Goose Market. In the farm kitchen of the Eskildsen goose farm, guests can expect freshly prepared roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings, pâtés, sausage specialities and spicy mulled wine. Christmas geese, carp, handcrafted art and Nordic Christmas decorations are offered at the market stalls, while children can enjoy a ride on the carousel. (Open from 1 November to 22 December 2023, daily from 10am to 7pm) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/wermsdorf-goose-market

Last but not least, the Victorian Christmas Market in the north of Leipzig is one of the most unique Christmas markets in the Leipzig Region. Directly located on the Biedermeier Beach on the shore of Lake Schladitz it attracts visitors with Christmas choral music and Irish sounds. The historic market stalls offer handmade accessories, clothing, jewellery and Christmas decorations from small businesses and private individuals from the region. Culinary delights from mulled wine to Christmas ice cream are also on offer. (Open on 16 December 2023 from 3pm to open end)

https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/victorian-christmas-market-on-biedermeier-beach

Further Information

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Dana Marschner
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