Altenburg Christmas Market
Four-week Christmas market on the historic market square of the Skat town
About Christmas Market Altenburg
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Four Weeks of Advent on the Market Square
While most German Christmas markets close on December 23rd or by Christmas Eve at the latest, the Altenburg Christmas Market lasts significantly longer—from the day before the 1st Advent until December 29th. This makes it the only four-week Christmas market in the Altenburger Land and one of the longest in all of Thuringia. Those seeking peace from family hustle and bustle between the holidays or wishing to extend the Advent atmosphere will find a rare opportunity here.
Historic Market Square as a Backdrop
The Altenburg market square is one of the most beautiful Renaissance-style squares in Central Germany. The 16th-century town hall with its distinctive stepped gables, the historic burgher houses, St. Mary's Church in the background—all form the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. Stalls line the area around the market fountain, and in the center stands a nostalgic children's carousel that has brought joy to generations of Altenburg children. Fairy lights and a large Christmas tree complete the picture.
Handicrafts and Culinary Specialties
The market offerings are classic and regional: Erzgebirge wood art, candles, glass ornaments from nearby Lauscha, Christmas decorations, handmade textiles, and leather goods. Thuringian classics dominate the food stalls—Rostbratwurst, blueberry cake, gingerbread, candied almonds. For drinks, you can choose between hot mulled wine, apple punch for children, eggnog, and (an Altenburg specialty) hot mead. The regional stalls are operated by clubs, church communities, and small family businesses.
Altenburg — Skat Town in Eastern Thuringia
Altenburg is located in the Altenburger Land district in the state of Thuringia, on the border with Saxony. The town is known as the birthplace of the game of Skat (1813)—still the headquarters of the German Skat Association and home to the Playing Card Museum. The Residential Palace towers over the town and is atmospherically illuminated during Advent—a walk from the market up to the palace is worthwhile after dark. The Lindenau Museum houses a significant collection of Italian panel painting. Altenburg is easily accessible via the A4 motorway (Erfurt–Dresden) and is a worthwhile destination for a day trip or a short break.
Christmas Market Altenburg — edition 2026
Four Weeks of Christmas Market
From November 27th to December 29th, 2026, the Altenburg Christmas Market opens on the market square. With a duration of over four weeks, it is the only four-week Christmas market in the Altenburger Land and one of the longest in Thuringia.
Program
Stalls with handicrafts, Erzgebirge figures, Christmas decorations, and regional specialties; children's carousel; Christmas stage program on Advent weekends; Sundays with open shops around the market.
Programme Christmas Market Altenburg 2026
Program Highlights 2026 — Altenburg Christmas Market
- Friday, November 27th — Market Opening: Opening on the day before the 1st Advent by the City of Altenburg; fairy lights and Christmas tree on the market square switched on
- November 29th to December 23rd — Main Period: Market open Mon-Thu 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM–9:30 PM, Sun 12:00 PM–8:00 PM; stage program on Advent weekends with choirs, school performances, and regional musicians
- December 24th and 25th — Closed
- December 26th to 29th — Holiday Extension: Market open daily 12:00 PM–8:00 PM; ideal opportunity for visits between the holidays
- Permanent features: Stalls with Erzgebirge art, candles, Christmas decorations, leather goods; Thuringian Rostbratwurst, blueberry cake, gingerbread; mulled wine, mead, eggnog, children's punch; nostalgic children's carousel on the market square
The full stage program will be published in November on stadt-altenburg.de and in the Altenburger Land event calendar.
Highlights Christmas Market Altenburg 2026
- Only four-week Christmas market in the Altenburger Land region
- Historic 16th-century Renaissance town hall backdrop
- Nostalgic children's carousel on the market square
- Erzgebirge art and glass ornaments from nearby Lauscha
- Also open between the holidays (December 26th–29th)
Prices Christmas Market Altenburg 2026
Free admission. Goods, food, and drinks are paid for directly at the stalls. Carousel ride for a small fee.
Practical information — Christmas Market Altenburg
Date 2026
Friday, November 27th to Tuesday, December 29th, 2026 (closed on December 24th and 25th).
Opening Hours
November 29th–December 23rd: Mon-Thu 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM–9:30 PM, Sun 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. December 26th–29th: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Sales stalls close one hour earlier than food and drink vendors.
Location
Hauptmarkt (Market 1), 04600 Altenburg.
Getting There
By train: Altenburg station on the Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn (Leipzig–Hof), about a 15-minute walk from the station to the market square. By car: A4 exit Schmölln, then federal road to Altenburg. Parking available at Roßplan, Kleiner Teich, and the Topf- und Kornmarkt garage.
Admission
Free. Goods, food, and drinks are paid for directly at the stalls.
Tip
Combine your market visit with the Skat Museum (Playing Card Museum in the Residential Palace), the Lindenau Museum, or a walk to the Rote Spitze and St. Bartholomew's Church. Those wishing to stay overnight can find accommodation in the Schlosshotel or in nearby guesthouses.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Christmas Market Altenburg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Christmas Market Altenburg
Hauptmarkt Altenburg
Markt 1, 04600 Altenburg