Hiking on table mountains by lantern light, drinking mulled wine under mighty rocks, stepping into steaming hot tubs under the night sky: Winter holidays can be like this too. Some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the region invite you to relaxing getaways with a stimulating mix of nature experiences, wellness, indulgence, and culture. Some Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in all of Saxony.
During Advent, lovingly designed markets in castles, palaces, and romantic town centers in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains attract visitors with their pre-Christmas stall magic.
Experience art and culture amidst the breathtaking winter scenery of Saxon Switzerland at the cultural festival "Winter Stars of Saxon Switzerland" (Wintersterne Sächsische Schweiz). Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the wintery rocky landscape during inspiring cultural events with a colorful mix of concerts, theater performances, painting courses, and lectures.
Wintertime is also family time in Saxon Switzerland. Game weeks, castle tours, mine adventures, and Punch and Judy stories: There is a lot going on during the winter holidays! This is how colorful the winter holidays will be:
In January, a foolish time begins in the upper Elbe valley with the boatmen's carnivals. The tradition started over 100 years ago: When shipping on the Elbe came to a standstill due to ice drifts, the crews, together with locals, passed the waiting time with cheerful festivals on land. From this, the present-day festive processions of the boatmen's associations developed. Participants include captains, sailors, brass musicians, and the bizarrely and colorfully costumed Fleckelhanswursts.
A fantastic culinary journey into the world of silhouette cutting
Once a month, the Flowers restaurant at SoliVital in Sebnitz transforms into a 360-degree stage for a unique combination of light and shadow (play).
Even during the mulled wine chat by the wood fire, guests are put in the mood for the program by fleeting silhouette figures. Accompanied by a sophisticated 3-course menu, the artistic silhouette figures – a unique Sebnitz craftsmanship – then cast their spell on the guests. Illustrations and light shows alternate with anecdotes and stories by silhouette artist Adolf Tannert as well as fairy-tale legends.
Dates: from November 2026
Concerts, readings and travel lectures in Ottendorf
The Ottendorfer Hütte above the Kirnitzsch Valley on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park is a traditional and highly cozy base camp for climbing enthusiasts. However, non-climbers are also warmly welcome in the rural seclusion. In winter, not only alpine hut culture can be experienced here, but also travel lectures, live music, as well as readings with fitting culinary offerings.
Dates: from November 2026
Open castle for open-minded people
The baroque castle from the 17th century provides the atmospheric setting for a series of exquisite cultural events and touching winter moments. Experience concerts, readings, and film evenings, visit the smallest Advent market in Saxon Switzerland, or listen to fascinating castle stories in the cozy winter café.
Dates: from December 2026
Fascinating historical experience with breathtaking views
Interactive exhibitions and impressive productions with light and sound effects bring the past into the present. Embark on a multimedia journey through time in a former powder magazine, explore the authentic GDR civil defense bunker from the Cold War era or mysterious casemates and centuries-old vaulted cellars deep underground on exciting guided tours.
Dates: from November 2026
Artful forgery
Real or fake? The blossoms from the house of the Deutsche Kunstblume in Sebnitz come astonishingly close to the originals. Sebnitz is one of the few places in Germany where artificial flowers are still made using traditional handcraft. In a demonstration manufactory, children and adults can learn more about this rare craft and are even allowed to try their hand at "flower making".
Demonstration workshop open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Family adventure world & demonstration workshop
In winter, they can be seen in countless windows: Schwibbögen (candle arches). With their subtle light, they radiate a very special magic during the pre-Christmas period. The tradition originates from Saxony. And in Saxony, these popular decorative pieces are still handcrafted. For example, at the artisan house RATAGS in Langenwolmsdorf near Stolpen. Pyramids, incense smokers, and even Easter bunnies are also created there.
Show workshop and shops open daily!
Hibernation is out of the question in the Saxon Switzerland! Even when nature rests, life goes on. That is why we are celebrating the season opening again this year from November 6-8, 2026. From winter hikes with mulled wine cooking to a hut evening on the Papststein – right on time for the start of the winter season, there will be a colorful variety of winter experiences every day this weekend. The program will be published here shortly.
Experience nature, explore caves, storm peaks, be inventive: children are guaranteed not to get bored in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
There is a lot going on here!
The fact that the good old board game is far from obsolete is proven by the game weeks in Saxon Switzerland. In January and February, families can try out around 100 party, dice, board, family, and strategy games at the Königstein Fortress, the aktiv Sporthotel Pirna, the Hotel Lindenhof Bad Schandau, the National Park Centre, and Hohnstein Castle – from classics to new releases.
Date: January & February 2027
Get on the ice!
Those who enjoy gliding over the ice with fast turns will find exactly what they are looking for in Königstein. On the ice rink by Kanu Aktiv Tours right by the Elbe river, active people can not only go ice skating but also try out Bavarian curling. It is completely independent of the weather in a large event tent. Regardless of rain, warm sun rays, or too much snow - you can always do your laps on the ice here.
Search & Find
Deep underground, a treasure awaits: In the Marie Louise Stolln in the spa town of Berggießhübel, children go on an exciting gemstone hunt. Children explore the mysterious cave world during special tours and search for gemstones by the underground lake.
Tip: Spaces are limited; desired dates should be booked in advance by phone or online.
Creative things from wax
Anyone wishing to take a personal souvenir home from Saxon Switzerland can dip and individually decorate their own candles in the Krietzschwitz Candle Workshop. Lanterns, bowls, and vases made of wax can also be created.
Sports, play and more
The children's play area in the Sebnitz SoliVital sports and leisure center offers fun and games in any weather. Even the youngest children have their own play area there with building blocks and a ball pit. Older children will be thrilled by the climbing maze over two
floors or can practice somersaults on the six-part trampoline facility. Tickets are also available online.