The Leipzig Christmas Market tradition dates back to 1458. With its unique cultural and culinary attractions in the middle of the fascinating historical backdrop of the city centre and its 300 stands, it is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
The Leipzig Christmas Market offers a colourful programme again in 2018 with lots to discover, even for the youngest visitors.
Christmas time in Leipzig is magical. Every corner of the Trade Fair City glitters and sparkles, and the scent of Christmas treats wafts through the air. Let us show you our favourite Christmas spots in downtown Leipzig, as well as the best Christmas Markets in the region.
The Strasser siblings, who were four poor Tyrolean peasant children in the 19th century century, undertook a month-long hike from the Zillertal mountains to Leipzig. However, their plan to sell gloves at the local market ended in a financial disaster. Then they began to sing a then-unknown song: Silent Night.
Leave your car and take the city tunnel and the good mass transit network in Leipzig city centre for a relaxed stroll over to the Leipzig Christmas Market - without having to waste time searching for a parking space. The stops "Markt" and "Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz" are located directly at the Leipzig Christmas Market.
If you are travelling by car, we recommend that you use the P+R spots in Leipzig. The underground car park at Augustusplatz is only accessible via Georgiring. The exit from the underground car park is via Goethestraße.
Festive opening of the Christmas Market: 27 November 5:00 pm
Musical opening of the festive days with the mountain parade: 22 December 4:00 pm
Programme Monday to Friday:
Programme Saturday and Sunday:
1:00 pm Trombone performance from the balcony (Old Town Hall)
starting at 1:45 pm Advent programme on the Market Square Stage
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm Visit Santa Claus (Market Square Stage)
starting at 5:30 pm Advent programme (Market Square Stage)
7:00 pm Trombone performance from the balcony (Old Town Hall)
The opening programme on Tuesday
5:00 pm Trombone performance (on the stage at Market Square)
5:05 pm Festive opening of the Christmas Market (by Mayor B. Jung, St. Thomas Choir Leipzig - A-Capella Performance, Dance Studio T.A.B.U. and Youth & Wind Orchestra Leipzig)
7:00 pm Trombone performance from the balcony (with the "Leipziger Ratspfeifern")
Special programme on Saturday
10:00 am Concert by the Bergmannsblasorchester Schlema (Central Train Station)
11:00 am Santa Claus arrives (Central Station) & carriage ride to Market Square
11:30 am Trombone performance from the balcony (Old Town Hall)
11:50 am - 12:00 pm Reception for Santa Claus (stage at Market Square)
12:00 pm Santa Claus arrives at Market Square
12:15 pm Advent concert by the Bergmannsblasorchester Schlema (Market Square Stage)
2:00 pm Santa Claus visits the Elves' Workshop (Augustusplatz in front of the Opera House)
2:00 pm Christmas carols for young and old (Market Square Stage)
4:00 pm Visit Santa Claus (on Market Square Stage)
5:30 pm Daniella Rossini (Market Square Stage)
7:00 pm Trombone performance from the balcony (Old Town Hall)
Bright eyes and bushy tails are part of the Christmas season. Leipzig offers a lot to make children's hearts race during the cosy season:
Santa Claus arrives at Leipzig Central Station: 1 December 2018 at 11:00 am
Visit Santa Claus: from 1 December 2018, Wednesday - Sunday, 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm, Market Stage
Elves' Workshop: handicrafts and baking for the little ones, 1 December - 20 December 2018, Monday to Friday 2:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Augustusplatz in front of the Opera House
Children's bakery at Café Zimtstern: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fairytale Forest: Grimm's fairytales in life size, fountain at Augustusplatz in front of Leipzig Opera House
Historical carousel: from 27 November to 23 December at the Leipzig Christmas Market, Reichsstraße/corner of Salzgässchen
Ferris wheel: from 27 November to 23 December at the Leipzig Christmas Market, Augustusplatz
Christmas is just around the corner - are you still looking for the perfect Christmas present? Gift Leipzig as home décor! The historical Leipzig calendar shows the city from a different perspective. Historical photos take you on a "walk through old Leipzig" through 2019. Would you like to get the most beautiful views of Leipzig in your home? If so, the illustrated book or the calendar by Leipzig photographer Philipp Kirschner would be the ideal gift.
