The most beautiful Christmas markets
in Saxon Switzerland (Saxony)
Canaletto Market
There is surely no finer setting for a Christmas market anywhere in the festive season than the area surrounding Pirna Town Hall. Inspired by the Italian painter Canaletto, who paid tribute to the sandstone city in 11 celebrated vedute, the Canaletto Market, Pirna’s Christmas market, has been held here since 2013. It is one of the few markets in the country to remain open after the festive period. For some, the Canaletto Market, renowned for its unique lighting concept and magnificent projections onto the Town Hall, remains an insider tip. For others, particularly families, it has long been one of Saxony’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
Dates: 24.11.–23.12.26 & 27.12.–30.12.26
30th Historical and Romantic Christmas Market
"Königstein – a Winter's Tale"
It is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets not only in Saxony, but also in Germany: the Christmas market at Königstein Fortress. The elaborately staged spectacle high above the Elbe attracts visitors with traditional wares, historic craftsmanship, handmade music, puppet theatre and real animals in the Nativity scene. Part of the market takes place in underground sandstone vaults.
Dates: on all four Advent weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
Christmas at Weesenstein Castle
The stately Saxon Weesenstein Castle in the Müglitz Valley – once home to proud noble families and a secluded residence of the Saxon royal family – provides a picturesque backdrop for the Weesenstein Castle Christmas Market. Traditionally, Weesenstein Castle invites visitors to enjoy a romantic market on the first Sunday of Advent. Craftspeople and traders from the region, as well as Weesenstein's restaurants, offer an array of festive items – small treasures and delicacies. The selection ranges from Christmas floral arrangements, jewellery and textiles to home-baked Christstollen and delicious mulled wine. Whether traditional bratwurst or roasted almonds, there is something to suit every taste. Would you still like to fill one or two St Nicholas boots? You are sure to find just what you need here!
Hohnstein Christmas Market
On the first Sunday of Advent, Hohnstein Christmas Market opens its gates at 11 a.m. Numerous stalls along Rathausstraße, Rathausplatz and the market square, as well as at Hohnstein Castle, invite visitors to enjoy some Christmas shopping. Local associations and restaurateurs provide food and drink. The three stages feature local culture. It is arguably the most romantic Christmas market in Saxon Switzerland, with picturesque alleyways, splendid lighting and a venerable castle towering over the small town. You will be missing out on the first Sunday of Advent if you do not make your way to Hohnstein. The market is open until 6 p.m. on the first Sunday of Advent. Admission is free.
Date: 29/11/26
Sebnitz Tannert Christmas Market
The Sebnitz Tannert Christmas Market is dedicated to one of the most important silhouette artists of the 19th century and a unique form of folk art found nowhere else in the world. Adolf Tannert lived and worked in Sebnitz. His silhouettes have long served as decorative motifs for the Sebnitz shadow theatres available for purchase at the market. Similar to a Christmas pyramid, silhouette figures rotate inside round, handcrafted towers made of wood and paper, presenting animated, illuminated scenes. An oversized shadow theatre of this kind adorns the Advent market.
Date: 3–6 December 2026
Gohrisch Lichteln
Enjoy the magic of Christmas while singing carols, savouring culinary treats, shopping for gifts, gathering around the fire bowl, doing crafts and, of course, meeting Father Christmas. By candlelight, you can stroll through the spa resort of Gohrisch to the various illuminated stations, and you are welcome to bring your own lantern. We would like to spend a wonderful day with you and look forward to your visit.
Date: 5 December 2026
Advent at Prossen Castle
The 17th-century Baroque castle provides an atmospheric setting for what is probably the smallest Advent market in Saxon Switzerland, which was established through a private initiative by the Friends of the Castle. The third edition of the event will once again feature lovingly designed stalls and a host of moving Christmas moments.
Date: 12 December 2026 I 15:00–20:00
First Sunday of Advent
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Reinhardtsdorf: Romantic Reinhardtsdorf Christmas Market at An den Drei Fichten (Hauptstraße)
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Hinterhermsdorf: Christmas pyramid festival in the village square
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Cunnersdorf: Ceremonial pyramid starting at the Cunnersdorf fire station
Second Sunday of Advent
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Königstein: Christmas Market on the Town Square
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Dohna: Christmas Market (Market Square)
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Stolpen: Romantic Stolpen Christmas Market
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Richard Wagner Sites in Graupa: 12th Graupa Castle Christmas
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Schöna: Christmas Market at the Fire Station
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Lohsdorf: Christmas market & festive lights at the Schwarzbach Railway
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Kurort Rathen: Floating Christmas market on the ferry
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Rammenau Baroque Palace: Advent at the Baroque Palace “St Nicholas’ Workshop”
Third Sunday of Advent
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Pirna: Indoor Christmas market at Komplex 45
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Neustadt in Saxony: Neustadt Christmas Market
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Lohmen Castle: Christmas Market at the Castle
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Courtyard of the Bielatal Municipal Offices: Christmas Market in the Municipal Administration Courtyard
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Stadt Wehlen: Wehlen Christmas Market
