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

Just in time for the 1st Advent weekend, the Naunhofer Advent Magic will again open its gates this year. While the market square with its merchants, culinary highlights, a traditional children's carousel and raffle booth draws the crowds, the art and crafts exchange in the Bürgersaal provides inspiration for the Christmas season. Many Christmas events will get you in the mood for the festive season. The stage at the market square will be the centre for cultural highlights, including an appearance by Santa Claus. The town church also serves as a beautiful setting for the fairytale play of the Naunhofer Theatre Group. Creative activities will ensure that children, in particular, can design their Christmas presents completely by themselves at the Bürgersaal. And if you are still looking for unique gifts, we advise you to wait until the first of Advent. Choose from a variety of special and handmade items.

Where: market square in Naunhof, when: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, more information: www.naunhof.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

In the festively lit city centre, visitors can expect numerous stalls and stands with culinary delicacies and typical Christmas articles. The vocal group Anima, the Protestant School Centre, the Fröhlich Music School, the singing duo "Golle & Marie" and others make up the Christmas programme on the stage in front of the town hall, just in time for the festive season. At Obermühle and Niedermühle, guests can look forward again to a traditional Advent market at the decorated mill grounds, with stories and handicrafts for children, Christmas music and much more.

Where: city centre and Obermühle and Niedermühle in Bad Düben, when: town centre (Sat 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm), Obermühle and Niedermühle (Sat 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm), more information: www.bad-dueben.de

The Christmas market in Dahlen will take place on 2 December 2018. The colourful supporting programme includes a visit by the Snow Queen and Father Frost, a raffle for window prize puzzles and Christmas treasures, the market bustle with tasty treats, a coffee and handicrafts shop as well as pony rides and wicker basket weaving.

Where: market square in Dahlen, when: from 2:00 pm, more information: www.heidestadt-dahlen.de

The town hall, with its Renaissance gable designed by the famous Dresden architect Gottfried Semper, the beautiful townhouses, one of the oldest inns in Saxony, the "Gasthaus Zum Schwan" and the St. Aegidien church form the beautiful backdrop of the Oschatz Christmas Market every year. From 6 to 9 December 2018, the wonderful aroma of roasted almonds, gingerbread, sausage and mulled wine will again be wafting through the air. You can look forward to a Christmas entertainment programme, a small animal enclosure, a variety of food and drink, handicrafts, merchants with typical Christmas products, illuminated groups of trees, live music, a visit by Sint Nikolaas, and the Oschatz Christmas angels. Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at the Oschatz Neumarkt and Kirchplatz.

Where: Neumarkt and Kirchplatz in Oschatz, when: Thu 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Fri 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sat 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, more information: www.oschatz-erleben.de

[Translate to Englisch:]

Zum zweiten Mal beginnt der Wichtelmarkt bereits am Freitagabend mit dem Anlichteln des Baumes auf dem Markt und gemütlichem Beisammensein. An den beiden anderen Tagen warten verschiedenste Vereine, Händler und Initiativen auf dem Markt und den umliegenden Geschäften mit bunten Angeboten auf: Basteln, Kinderreiten, Essen & Trinken, Süßigkeiten u.v.m. Am Sonntag wird außerdem der Weihnachtsmann die Herzen der Kinder höher schlagen lassen. Zudem wird die schönste Hütte prämiert. An beiden Tagen sorgen Auftritte auf der Bühne mit Musik und Theater für Kurzweil.

Wo: Markt in Brandis, Wann: Fr. ab 18 Uhr, Sa. und So. 14 - 19 Uhr, Infos unter: www.stadt-brandis.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

Every year on the second weekend of Advent (7 - 9 December 2018) the Leisnig Christmas market "Im Märchenland" opens its gates. It takes place in the old town around the seven-metre high Christmas pyramid and on the church square around St. Matthew's Church. Numerous sellers and associations offer Christmas merchandise in fairy tale costumes in the beautifully decorated stands. Savoury and sweet treats are available for body and stomach in an inviting atmosphere. The smell of roasted almonds, doughnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine is in the air. The Hutzenstube in the town manor invites young and old visitors to do handicrafts and bake, solve fairy tale puzzles, listen to Christmas stories by the fireplace and chat with Santa Claus, who will take up his post daily from 4 pm. On Saturday you can look forward to a "cultural tidbit" on the stage of the Christmas market. Musical performances round off the Christmas programme. Welcome to a fairy tale Christmas in Leisnig

Where: church square in Leisnig, when: Fri 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sat 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, more information: www.leisnig.de

Visitors can look forward to marvelling at lovingly decorated Wilhelminian-style stands at the Waldheimer Obermarkt. Merchants offer a wide variety of food and drinks in historical costumes, while a children's carousel and pony rides are available for the little guests. A three-day stage programme gets visitors in the mood for the Christmas season. The Waldheim trade association presents attractive gifts from the Waldheim region in Bergmanns Hof. At Böhmes Hof, too, the "Förderverein zur Sanierung der Stadtkirche" offers food and drinks, homemade liqueurs as well as jams.

Where: market square in Waldheim, when: Fri/Sat 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, more information: www.stadt-waldheim.de

The Markranstädt Christmas Market, which will take place on 8 December 2018 from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm, will take place shortly before the second Advent between the market square and the church. Starting out as an insider tip, it quickly established itself as a highlight in the city's calendar of events. The many lovingly decorated stalls, with their colourful assortment of regional products, knitted items, baked goods, mulled wine and savoury and sweet snacks, make sure of this. The whole day is accompanied by an alternating stage programme - from Christmas choral music to dance performances. Around 250 participants and 20 stands are involved in this family-friendly festival.

Where: market square in Markranstädt, when: 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm, more information: www.markranstaedt.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

Cosy Christmas Market in the historic city centre. On the Saturday, there will be an après-ski party after the Christmas market starting at 8 pm.

Where: market square Rochlitz, when: Sat. 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Sun 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm, more information: www.rochlitz.de

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

Following the Christmas market motto "All about ice", everything at the Markkleeberg Christmas market revolves around icy surprises and athletic winter and snow competitions, e.g. curling and hockey goal shooting. In between, artists of all ages and the scent of baked goods, food and drinks spread Christmas cheer.

Where: Rathausplatz in Markkleeberg, when: Fri 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sat 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, more information: www.kalender.markkleeberg.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

Once again, Zwenkau is "different" from other cities. Almost every city has a Christmas market. Zwenkau businesses thought, why not invite guests in the pre-Christmas period to leisurely stroll from shop to shop and browse and chat over some mulled wine. There is something great to discover or experience both inside and outside the shops. Christmas is everywhere - music, dance, games, fire pits, prize wheels, handicrafts, fairy tales, face painting, games and of course the popular Advent riddle run. Every year, Santa Claus rolls up to the Town Hall for the opening in a different vehicle. There is always something to surprise you.

Where: city centre as well as Peaguer and Leipziger Straße in Zwenkau, when: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, more information: www.zwenkau.de and www.gewerbeverein-zwenkau.de