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Christmas time in Chemnitz

When the scent of scented candles and roasted almonds mingles with the clinking of mulled wine glasses, and the children can’t decide between a spin on the carousel and tucking into red Christmas apples, then it’s Christmas in Chemnitz. The city centre is filled with lovingly illuminated wooden huts from which traders offer their wares.

Traditional handicrafts from the Ore Mountains are a particular highlight of the Christmas market in Chemnitz. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot Schwibbögen, lovingly crafted ‘Räuchermännchen’ and pyramids. The air is filled with the scent of dumplings and hearty pan-fried dishes, hot drinks and sweet treats. The large, festively decorated Christmas tree in the heart of the city becomes a meeting place for families and friends.

Key dates

Musicians in traditional miners’ uniforms at the mountain parade in Chemnitz
The traditional mountain parade on the day before the first Sunday in Advent. Picture: Uwe Meinhold

Key dates:

  • Christmas market
    27 November to 23 December 2026
  • Mountain Parade
    28 November, 2 pm
  • Ore Mountains Village
    27 November to 3 January 2027
  • Shops open on Sundays
    29 November and 13 December

Christmas market

The city centre is filled with lovingly illuminated wooden huts from which traders offer their wares. The Christmas market in Chemnitz is characterised above all by traditional handicrafts from the Ore Mountains, which rise gently towards their distinctive hills on the outskirts of the city.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see ‘Schwibbögen’ (candle arches), lovingly crafted ‘Räuchermännchen’ (incense-burning figurines) and pyramids. The air is filled with the scent of dumplings and hearty pan-fried dishes, hot drinks and sweet treats. The large, festively decorated Christmas tree in the heart of the city becomes a meeting place for families and friends.


Ore Mountains Village and Wichtel Village

A traditional Christmas atmosphere right in the heart of Chemnitz: in the Erzgebirge village on Düsseldorfer Platz, you’ll find cosy huts, a variety of experiences and the impressive Christmas pyramid, standing some 20 metres tall.

For the first time, Klosterstraße is being transformed into Wichtel Village. Sparkling lights, lovingly crafted decorations and imaginatively designed themed areas create a special Christmas world that invites families, friends and companies to explore, marvel and linger.

 


Spread joy – with our gift vouchers

This year, vouchers for the Chemnitz Christmas market can be purchased from the Chemnitz Tourist Information Centre.
The vouchers are available as booklets worth €25.00 or €50.00 and are ideal as a gift for guests at festive business meetings or as a tax-free benefit in kind for staff.


The pre-Christmas programme is so varied

Concerts, shows and fairy-tale experiences

The Stadthalle, Carlowitz Congress Centre, Villa Esche and Wasserschloss traditionally have a packed programme during the festive season: from festive concerts and Christmas shows to fairy tales and comedy – there’s something for everyone here.

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The Nutcracker and much more

A still from the production of ‘The Nutcracker’, showing performers in costume in front of a Christmas tree.
Picture: Nasser Hashemi

What ballet could be more fitting for the festive season than *The Nutcracker*? This favourite of many ballet lovers has been performed regularly at the Chemnitz Opera House since 2019 in a new production by ballet director Sabrina Sadowska. But The Nutcracker isn’t the only part of the Chemnitz Theatres’ Christmas programme …

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Art and culture, industrial heritage, sport and leisure – Chemnitz offers an impressive array of surprises. Ever since we were named European Capital of Culture last year, the city has demonstrated just how much creative potential it holds. Our aim is clear: we’d like to invite you to discover Chemnitz for yourselves. Because anyone who’s been here once is guaranteed to see the city in a whole new light.

Maker Advent continues

Maker Advent officially begins in November; organisers can still post their events. Picture: Erzgebirge/Seiffen Think Tank

Maker Advent, one of the hugely successful events in the programme for Chemnitz 2025, the European Capital of Culture, is entering its fourth season and is expanding beyond the Advent period. From November 2026 to February 2027, workshops, studios, museums, businesses, farms and clubs in Chemnitz and the wider cultural region will be opening their doors.

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