Christmas Markets and Advent in Saxon Switzerland

Experience the Saxon Christmas markets just across the border. From Děčín, it is just under an hour by train to Dresden and its oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt. You can also explore the romantic and peaceful Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss, the original Finnish Christmas market on Postplatz, the international and tourist-favourite Augustusmarkt, or the medieval Christmas market Stallhöfischer Adventspektakel within the historic walls of the Dresden Royal Palace (Rezidenční zámek). Alternatively, you can head to the Advent markets at the Frauenkirche, Neumarkt, and many others. Most of them start as early as the first Advent weekend and continue until Christmas Eve.

More information on Christmas markets in Dresden HERE

Not tempted by a bustling big-city Advent full of rush and crowds? Do you want to experience Christmas a bit differently – more peacefully, intimately, and with true magic? Just venture a little further and discover the smaller Saxon Christmas markets, where the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread blends with the tranquil atmosphere of historic towns. Instead of streams of tourists, cosy squares, local artisans, traditional decorations, and time to pause and truly experience the moment await you.

Accept our invitation to Advent in Saxony – a place where Christmas has a soul.

Castle Christmas at Weesenstein

During the first Advent weekend, Weesenstein Castle (zámek Weesenstein) becomes particularly romantic. On both weekend days, the traditional “Castle Christmas” takes place here. Regional artisans and traders offer a variety of treasures and delicacies for sale. Whether you are looking for jewellery, unique gift ideas, traditional Christmas stollen, or a warming cup of mulled wine – there is something for everyone.
This year features a special highlight: visitors can not only admire the splendour of the famous Herrnhut stars illuminating the courtyards but also get creatively involved and craft their very own favourite star. Guests can choose their own colour combination and assemble it under expert guidance – ensuring everyone takes home a unique keepsake. In addition, you can admire alpacas, join in other festive activities, and enjoy a diverse cultural programme.

Date: 29. 29 and 30 November

More information HERE

Historical-Romantic Christmas Market at Königstein

The Christmas market at the Königstein Fortress (pevnost Königstein) thrives on the unique aura of the location, authentic staging, and handmade crafts. Musicians, jugglers, and puppeteers entertain visitors without any heavy modern technology. Traders offer their wares just as they did in days gone by. Mulled wine and wild venison goulash are cooked in large cauldrons over an open fire, while joyful children’s laughter echoes from a hand-cranked carousel. The historic marketplace even extends into the underground casemate tunnels. Best of all, every day a new window opens on Germany’s longest Advent calendar, which stretches an impressive 112 metres. This is romantic Königstein during the festive season.

Date: On all four Advent weekends (Saturdays and Sundays)

More information HERE

22nd Hohnstein Christmas Market

On the first Advent Sunday, the old town of Hohnstein and Hohnstein Castle (hrad Hohnstein) transform into a festively decorated Christmas village. Thanks to a diverse cultural offering spread across three stages, the Hohnstein Christmas market ranks among the most romantic in the whole of Saxon Switzerland. Against the fairytale backdrop of the castle and timber-framed houses, the town glows with festive splendour. It is a charming place to meet, pause, and experience Advent with all your senses. In the picturesque alleys, along Radniční ulice (Town Hall Street), and in the public squares, numerous stalls entice you to take a leisurely Christmas stroll, while local associations and caterers provide everything to delight your taste buds and warm your body.

Date: 30 November

More information HERE

Advent Markets and Miner’s Parade in the Gottleubatal Valley

Countless lights shine in the twin spa town of Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel. In the 19th century, this area was an important iron ore mining district. The absolute highlight in Berggießhübel is therefore the annual traditional miners’ parade hosted by historical mining brotherhoods. Meanwhile, in Bad Gottleuba, local traders invite you for a romantic stroll filled with the scent of candles and mulled wine, while the stage programme on the main square spreads a wonderful pre-Christmas atmosphere. On the first Advent, a small, charming Christmas market also joins the festivities in the idyllic local district of Bienhof.

Date: 2nd Advent Sunday, 7 December (Berggießhübel) & 3rd Advent Sunday, 14 December (Bad Gottleuba)

Canaletto Market

The town of Pirna pays tribute to the famous Italian veduta painter Canaletto with its Advent market. As a court painter in the 18th century, he immortalised this impressive town on the Elbe in eleven large-scale paintings. Today, the square in front of the town hall looks almost exactly as it did in his masterpieces. During the Advent Canaletto Market, the surrounding Baroque facades form a magnificent backdrop for more than 40 stalls packed with original products from Pirna and typical Saxon specialities. The art market held on the third Advent weekend is exceptionally popular.

Date: From 25 November to 23 December, and from 27 December to 30 December

More information HERE

Tannert’s Christmas in Sebnitz

Tannert’s Christmas in Sebnitz is dedicated to one of the most important masters of cutout silhouettes from the 19th century and to the unique folk Christmas art in the world. Adolf Tannert lived and worked in Sebnitz. His silhouettes have long been used as pictorial decoration for the Sebnitz shadow plays, which can be purchased at the market. Similar to the Christmas pyramid, the silhouette figures rotate in round, handmade towers made of wood and paper and show moving, illuminated pictorial scenes.
The Advent market is then decorated with such a shadow play in an enlarged form.

Date: from 4 to 7 December

More information HERE

St Nicholas Day Among the Lights in the Village of Gohrisch

Head to the spa village of Gohrisch on 6 December and let yourself be drawn into a magical world of lights, festive aromas, and holiday well-being. Carol singing, a special meeting with St Nicholas (Mikuláš), creative workshops, a roaring open fire, culinary delicacies, and the chance to buy small gifts and handicrafts await you. In the gentle glow of candles and lanterns, you can stroll between various “light stations” scattered throughout the village – and you are more than welcome to bring your own lantern along. Advent in Gohrisch has a very unique charm: it is quiet, deeply poetic, and beautifully illuminated.

Date: 6 December

Advent Stroll Through Bad Schandau

Experience an enchanting Advent atmosphere right in the winter heart of Bad Schandau! A magical Christmas stroll through the town awaits you, where creative workshops for young and old blend with the scent of mulled wine, fresh waffles, and other winter treats. Handmade gifts, live music, and the warm light of candles create the perfect environment to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy Advent with all your senses.

Termín: 6. prosince

Silesian Christmas Market in Görlitz

The Silesian Christmas Market in Görlitz opens its gates on 28 November. It attracts visitors with stalls of traders, restaurateurs, and artisans offering unique specialities from Silesia, Saxony, and Bohemia, all accompanied by festive music, choirs, and ensembles from Görlitz. Every day, the market is visited by the Görlitz Infant Jesus (Zhořelecké Jezulátko / Görlitzer Christkind), who hands out small gifts. The lively square also offers a rich programme for children, a traditional nativity scene with live animals, and other attractions. Ice skating enthusiasts can enjoy a 450 m² ice rink on the Obermarkt square in Görlitz, open from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The romantic old town of Görlitz and the city centre are perfect for Advent strolls among festively decorated shops and monuments illuminated by lights, Herrnhut stars, and the glowing Muschelminna fountain.

Date: from 28 November to 14 December

More information HERE

642. Bautzen Wenceslas Market

The Bautzen Wenceslas Market is the oldest documented Christmas market in Germany. It bears the name of the Czech King Wenceslas IV (Václav IV.), who granted Bautzen (Budyšín) its market rights back in 1384. Located in the historic town centre, the market is lined with magnificent Baroque houses, giving it a truly magical atmosphere. The Christmas spirit is enhanced by beautifully decorated stalls and a towering, illuminated fir tree, enticing visitors to sample culinary specialities, browse traditional Christmas ornaments, and purchase unique handicrafts. Festive music accompanies your walk, while children will love the puppet shows, fairytales, and the Christmas angel, who opens a new door of the Advent calendar with them every day. You simply must experience this market in the historic town of Bautzen!

Date: from 28 November to 22 December

More information HERE

17th Historical Ruprecht Market in Ebersbach

Every year around the fourth Advent weekend, the Ruprecht Market opens its doors on Friday in Ebersbach-Neugersdorf. Historic stalls create a picturesque scenery around the central Christmas tree, while Christmas and medieval carols drift from the stage. Visitors can marvel at acrobatics, juggling, a thrilling fire show, brass bands, barrel organ players, and accordionists. In cozy little circus tents, you can listen to fairytales and stories, or craft last-minute Christmas gifts. To top it all off, there is plenty of freshly baked bread, hot waffles, gingerbread, mulled wine, mead, and other traditional delicacies.

Date: from 19 to 21 December

 

Other tips for Advent in Saxon Switzerland can be found HERE

 

Head out to the Christmas markets in Saxon Switzerland and enjoy an Advent atmosphere full of lights, aromas, and timeless traditions. Let yourself be carried away by the fairytale mood and turn your Christmas walk into a truly magical and unforgettable festive memory.