Christmas in Leipzig and the region
Leipzig Christmas Market
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.
Christmas concerts and performances in Leipzig
Johann Sebastian Bach: Christmas Oratorio with the St. Thomas Boys Choir Leipzig
14 to 16 December 2018
"Vorfreude, schönste Freude" (Anticipation is the greatest joy) - Gewandhaus Children's Choir
8 and 9 December 2018
P. Tschaikowski: The Nutcracker - Ballett by Jean-Philippe Dury
4/5/6 December 2018
18/19/23/25 December 2018
"The Wizard of Oz" - Musical by Frank L. Baum
7/8/9 December 2018
20/21/28/29 December 2018
Advent music - with the trombone band and the St. Nicholas parish choir
14 December 2018, 7:00 pm
Arrival by S-Bahn and car
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.
Current Highlights
Programme at the Leipzig Christmas Market
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:
- from 4:30 pm Advent programme (Market Square stage)
- 6:00 pm Trombone Concert (Old Town Hall balcony), Fridays 7:00 pm
Programme Saturday and Sunday:
- 1:00 pm Trombone Concert (Old Town Hall balcony)
- from 1:30 pm Advent programme (Market Square stage)
- from 5:30 pm Advent programme (Market Square stage)
- 7:00 pm Trombone Concert (Old Town Hall balcony)
Highlights for the littlest guests
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 office hours: Wednesday to Friday, 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Model train exhibition: 1 to 23 December every weekday from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sat/Sun from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm in the Strohsack Arcade
Santa's Workshop: handicrafts for children, 1 to 22 December daily from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (cost: €2/child, maximum duration of care: 1 hour)
Children's bakery: Baking with the little ones, 1 to 22 December daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; opening on 1 December 2:00 pm, (cost: €2/child, maximum duration of care: 1 hour)
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 markets in Leipzig and the region
Did you know...
...that Silent Night became famous in Leipzig?
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.
Information for bus tour operators
Book your trip to Leipzig at Christmas time!
Advent season and a radiant Christmas
Romantic, nostalgic and above all in full Christmas spirit - it's all about Advent in the heart of the city. One of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany awaits you in Leipzig.
300 stalls and plenty of Christmas attractions transform the city centre into a magical winter wonderland. But just see for yourself - we and Santa Claus are waiting for you.