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Leipzig’s Christmas Markets – Tradition, Concerts and a Special Charm
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Leipzig’s Christmas Markets – Tradition, Concerts and a Special Charm
The festive season officially begins in Leipzig today with the grand opening of the historic Christmas market. From now until 23 December 2024, Leipzig and the surrounding region will sparkle with festive lights, musical highlights, and the enticing aromas of Saxon culinary delights. With over 300 stalls in the city centre alone and numerous charming markets in the region, visitors are invited to explore one of Germany’s most magical Christmas destinations. Whether it is the magical atmosphere of the Advent concerts, the unique performances of Bach's Christmas Oratorio or Leipzig’s warm hospitality, guests will find a Christmas destination like no other.
Leipzig’s Historic Christmas Market: A Must-Visit Tradition
Dating back to 1458, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of Germany’s oldest and most beloved. Located in the heart of the city, this market harmonises perfectly with Leipzig’s historic architecture and creates a truly magical atmosphere. Open daily until 23 December, the market operates Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Highlights and attractions:
- Infront of the Old Town Hall the Market Square is home to the iconic 20-metre Christmas tree and a festive stage featuring performances by choirs, musicians, and entertainers.
- Don’t miss the nightly trombone performances from the Old Town Hall balcony.
- Naschmarkt showcases the Ancient Leipzig Market, where visitors can explore medieval crafts, taste mead, and sample freshly baked Handbrot.
- St Nicolas Churchyard features the beloved Feuerzangenbowle pyramid - a perfect spot to sip the festive mulled wine variation.
- The Salzgässchen carousel, designed in historical style, offers a nostalgic ride.
- Augustusplatz dazzles with its the Finnish and South Tyrolean villages, and the 38-metre Ferris wheel offers a spectacular view over the illuminated city.
- In addition to the Fairy-Tale Forest, a highlight is Santa Claus’s arrival by steam train at Leipzig Central Station on 30 November at 11am
- Leipzig Christmas Market video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywt3zBnlTZg
Festive Events and Cultural Highlights in Leipzig at Christmas Time
Leipzig’s Christmas music scene shines brightly with numerous advent concerts, led by performances of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in its original setting. Leipzig is home to the world-famous Thomanerchor founded in 1212, for whom Johann Sebastian Bach composed his monumental masterpiece Christmas Oratorio. The oratorio, first performed in Leipzig in 1734, was presented over six parts during the Christmas season at St Thomas Church and St Nicolas Church. The original sites of these performances continue to host Christmas Oratorio concerts, providing an unforgettable experience steeped in history. Numerous other Christmas concerts of the Gewandhausorchester and other choirs take place in Leipzig’s churches and cultural venues, featuring everything from classical to contemporary interpretations of holiday music.
For those seeking something extraordinary, the spectacular dinner show “Cleopatra and Her Men” runs from 16 November 2024 to 18 January 2025 in the Art Deco Palace of Mirrors at Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz where guests will enjoy an exclusive four-course meal alongside the traditional show of the Krystallpalast Varieté Leipzig. https://www.gansganzanders.de/gans-ganz-anders-die-extravagante-dinnershow
More impressions for a cultural Christmas experience in Leipzig: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/entdecken/weihnachten-in-leipzig-region#c10278
Alternative Leipzig Markets – Unique and Intimate Experiences
Leipzig’s trendy districts offer charming Christmas Markets off the beaten track. These are particularly popular with families and locals as they are of a manageable size and tend to be small and intimate:
- WERK2 Christmas Market: Located in the alternative district of Connewitz, it 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. (Open from 6 to 12 December 2024, Mon-Thu: 2pm to 9pm, Fri-Sat: 1pm to 10pm, Sun: 1pm to 9pm) https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JE3w_jQehG0&feature=youtu.be
- Feinkost Christmas Market: Near the Feinkost site, with its iconic illuminated neon sign, this small market with around 30 stalls is known for its originality, regionalism and family friendliness. With around 30 stalls, this market focuses on originality and sustainability. (Open from 30 November to 1 December, 7-8 December, and 14-15 December 2024, Sat: 11am to 8pm, Sun: 11am to 6pm) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/feinkost-loeffelfamilie
- Felsenkeller Christmas Market: Known for its unique fantasy and steampunk crafts, this market offers tranquillity and charm in the western part of Leipzig. Numerous stalls invite guests to browse and feast, offering mulled wine and delicious Christmas snacks. (Open from 28 November to 21 December 2024, Mon-Fri: 3pm to 9:30pm; Sat: 11am to 9:30pm; Sun: 11am to 7pm) https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VcGpKW39JiU&feature=youtu.be
- Christmas Market at Gohlis Castle (Gohliser Schlösschen): In the northern part of the city, this market creates a special atmosphere in its baroque garden. Visitors can experience a contemplative place for art, culture, conversation and a varied Christmas music programme. (Open from 27 November to 22 December 2024, daily from 3pm to 7pm) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN5BTMyRGWI
Christmas Markets in the Leipzig Region – Saxony’s Taste of Christmas
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.
- Rochlitz Castle Christmas Market: Medieval ambience, costumed performers, and artisanal crafts make this market a magical escape. About an hour south of Leipzig the town of Rochlitz houses the magnificent Rochlitz Castle. The Medieval ambience, costumed performers, and artisanal crafts make this market a magical escape. (Open on 14-15 December 2024) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/then/Rochlitz-Castle-Christmas
- Colditz Castle Christmas Market: Just 15 minutes by car north 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 on 7-8 December 2024) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/then/Colditz-fairy-tale-castle-Christmas
- Torgau Fairytale Christmas Market: About an hour north-east 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 29 November to 5 December 2024) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/then/Torgau-fairy-tale-Christmas-market
- Grimma 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. (Open from 19 November to 15 December 2024) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/weihnachtsmarkt-grimma
- Wermsdorf Goose Market: Half an hour further east, lovers of traditional German Christmas cuisine can experience an extraordinary spectacle all about goose. In the farm kitchen of the Eskildsen goose farm, guests can expect freshly prepared roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings, sausage specialities and spicy mulled wine. Christmas geese, handcrafted art and Christmas decorations are offered at the market stalls and a carousel will amaze the children. (Open daily until 22 December 2024) https://www.leipzig.travel/en/then/Wermsdorf-Goose-Market
Further Information and Travel Packages
For those seeking a full Christmas adventure and immerse themselves in the Leipzig’s festive spirit, consider the following packages:
- Leipzig Christmas Market Package: Includes accommodation, a guided tour, and a festive dinner. Details: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/package/Leipzig-Christmas-market
- Christmas Oratorio Package: Perfect for music lovers, featuring tickets to a Christmas Oratorio performance. Details: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/package/weihnachtsoratorium-leipzig
- More details on Christmas markets in Leipzig and its region: https://www.leipzig.travel/christmas
Are you interested in a media trip to get an authentic impression of the Leipzig Region and its diverse facets? Please feel free to contact us and let us know about your topics. Further information is available at https://leipzig.travel/press
Dana Marschner Head of International PR Phone +49 341 7104-333 • Fax +49 341 7104-344 international-pr@ltm-leipzig.de • https://leipzig.travel/en
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH • Augustusplatz 9 • 04109 Leipzig • Germany CEO: Volker Bremer • Amtsgericht Leipzig [Leipzig District Court] • Registration number: HRB 123 48 • Vat number: DE 1845 16 233
This initiative is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony.
