Christmas in the Leipzig Region

In the pre-Christmas season from 1 November to 22 December 2018, visitors to the Eskildsen goose farm can experience an extraordinary spectacle all about the goose. In the farm kitchen, guests can expect freshly prepared roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings, pasties, sausage specialities and spicy mulled wine. Christmas geese, carp, Nordic Christmas decorations, a children's carousel and a small cultural stage with dance, cabaret and puppet theatre also attract visitors to the market stalls.

Where: Eskildsen goose farm in Wermsorf, when: daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, more information: www.eskildsen.de

The 156th Döbeln Christmas market with the big Stadtwerke-EISARENA, Christmas program and the traditional daily visit by Santa Claus.

Where: Obermarkt in Döbeln, when: daily from 1:00 pm, more information: www.doebeln.de

Christmas time in Grimma is a special, a magical time. Every corner sparkles and wonderful smells drift through the whole city. More than 40 festively decorated stands shine against the historical backdrop of the impressive Renaissance gable of the town hall. The daily performances, the Fairytale Forest, the World of Trains in front of the town hall and "Grandma Helga's Chalet" are sure to light up the faces of both young and old guests.

Where: market square in Grimma, when: daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, more information: www.grimma.de

From 30 November to 16 December, the historic market square in Torgau will once again transform into a fairytale Christmas market. Not only the eyes of young visitors will light up as lovingly designed fairy-tale pictures evoke childhood memories. Special programmes, such as the long Christmas night, shopping Sundays and an atmospheric fireworks display, make a stroll through the city a wondrous experience.

Where: market square in Torgau, when: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sat until 10:00 pm, more information: www.torgauer-weihnachtsmarkt.de

Organiser of the Geithain Christmas Market is the city of Geithain, in cooperation with the Geithainer Gewerbeverein e.V. A colourful supporting programme and the sale of typical Christmas wares will be waiting for you. On Sunday, 2 December 2018, the shops in the city centre will be open from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Where: market square in Geithain, when: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, more information: www.geithain.net

In 2018, the Mügeln Christmas Market will start on Friday evening with the traditional barbecue, which is organised by the Bürger- und Heimatverein Altmügeln/Crellenhain e.V. Saturday begins with the cutting of the traditional Christmas "stollen" and a concert by the trombone ensemble. For entertainment, there is a colourful children's programme and a lantern procession to the most striking Christmas house in Mügeln. The most beautiful Christmas market stand will be chosen on Sunday to the sounds of brass music.

Where: market square in Mügeln, when: Fri 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Sat 3:00 to 8:00 pm, Sun 3:00 to 6:00 pm, more information: www.stadt-muegeln.de

The time has come again for the first Advent: The Taucha Christmas markets open their doors this year with extended business hours. On November 30, there will be a mulled wine rendezvous on the market square from 4 pm to 9 pm to get you in the right mood. On Saturday and Sunday (1 and 2 December) from 2:00 pm there will be a Christmas programme for young and old by the children, clubs and artists of Taucha at the market, in front of the town hall and also in between. Enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere with a mulled wine or punch. In addition, guests are offered a wide range of culinary delights and handicrafts by merchants, associations and showmen from Taucha and the surrounding area. The "Taucha Christmas Markets" are linked by light ornaments and many culinary or cultural stops, giving the townscape a special Christmas flair. Be surprised!

Where: market square and Schlossstraße in Taucha, when: Fri 4:00 to 9:00 pm, Sat 2:00 to 9:00 pm, Sun 2:00 to 7:00 pm, more information: www.taucha.de

The Delitzsch Advent Market traditionally takes place on the second weekend of Advent. From 7 to 9 December 2018, more than 70 merchants offering culinary delicacies, handicrafts and unique gift ideas ensure lively market bustle. The "French Gourmet Market", with its culinary delights from the Grande Nation, will spoil the taste buds of both guests and residents of Delitzsch. Sausage and cheese from Savoy and the Pyrenees, bread and pastries from Brittany, macarons, white nougat, tapenade and many other original French delicacies enrich the market. Delicatessen like Salzwedeler Baumkuchen, Chatschapuri (Georgian cheese bread), Trdelník, Flammlachs and much more round out the culinary offerings. In the foyer and cinema auditorium of "Markt Zwanzig", the indoor market awaits curious visitors with creative and handmade surprises as well as delicacies from the "Laußiger Biskuit Manufaktur", the "Delitzscher Schokoladenfabrik" and the "Räucherwelt". A variety of programmes can be enjoyed on the main market stage and also at the cinemas.

Where: Market in Delitzsch, when: Fri 4:00 to 9:00 pm, Sat 2:00 to 9:00 pm, Sun 2:00 to 7:00 pm, more information: www.taucha.de

The Rötha Advent Market takes place on 8 December 2018. The Handwerker- u. Gewerbeverein e.V. and many associations in Rötha invite you to stay for typical Christmas events. Santa Claus, wind instruments, freshly cut trees, children's train and a fairy tale presented by KCR will entertain you. At 2 pm the Advent Market will open with the prelude concert "Silberklänge 2018" by Prof. David Timm (Leipzig) at St. George's Church in Rötha.

Where: market square in Rötha, when: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, more information: www.roetha.de

On the 2nd weekend of Advent this year, the Colditz Market Square and the castle will be transformed into the colourful fairytale world of the Brothers Grimm for the third time. Many stalls at the Christmas Market depict fairytales which invite visitors to dream and linger in another, often fantastical world. At every turn, you will encounter lively fairytale creations, packed with surprises for young and old. This year, Mrs. Holle, the 7 Swabians, the witch Baba Jaga, grandfather Frost, the King and Queen and many others have once again announced that they wouldn't miss the market for the world. The event is rounded off with a splendid supporting programme, and Christmas stands that invite you to shop and feast.

Where: castle and market square in Colditz, when: from 1:00 pm, more information: www.colditz.de and www.tourismus-colditz.de

For years, the Groitzsch Christmas Market has been scoring points with a colourful stage programme for young and old, as well as Christmas culinary delicacies. Naturally, you can't forget to visit Santa Claus, who will also stop in Groitzsch on both days!

Where: market square in Groitzsch, when: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, more information: www.groitzsch.de/veranstaltungen

Experience the Christmas Market in Eilenburg - a three-day stage program, arts and crafts activities, handicrafts, city tour with torches, letters to Santa, church booths, historical fire brigade, Christmas cinema, choir concert and much more! The big Christmas tree decoration campaign will take place again this year, and Santa Claus and his angel are sure to make an appearance.

Where: market square and St. Nicholas Church in Eilenburg, when: daily 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, more information: www.eilenburg.de

The Advent evening in Neukieritzsch is a small but warm event. It was initiated 9 years ago by the Neukieritzsch trade association (GVN). All proceeds go to community institutions, a tradition which has been in place since its inception. The colourful programme is organised by day care centre, choirs, orchestras, the fire brigade, the carnival club and local businesses. There are Christmas trees, a kid's train, pony rides, food and gift ideas. One of the highlights is Santa Claus, who will be waiting to receive the children's wishes from 5 pm.

Where: market square in Neukieritzsch, when: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, more information: www.gewerbeverein-neukieritzsch.de