Christmas Market of Wishes at Leuchtenburg Castle
Atmospheric castle Christmas market high above the Saale Valley
About Christmas Market Leuchtenburg
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The Queen of the Saale Castles
Leuchtenburg Castle has towered over the Saale Valley near Kahla in the Saale-Holzland district since the 12th century and is considered the «Queen of the Saale Valley». Today, it is a modern experience museum with the world-famous Porcelain World – and in Advent, it transforms year after year into one of the most beautiful settings for a historical Christmas market in Thuringia.
Three Advent Weekends Full of Christmas Magic
The Christmas Market of Wishes will take place in 2026 on three Advent weekends: December 5th/6th, 12th/13th, and 19th/20th. The castle gates open from 10 a.m., and the market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stalls with porcelain, leather, woodwork, ceramics, and regional specialties are spread throughout the castle courtyards and halls – all offered by the craftsmen themselves.
The Bridge of Wishes
One of Leuchtenburg Castle's trademarks is the 20-meter-long «Bridge of Wishes», which juts spectacularly into the depths. In Advent, it becomes part of the market: visitors write their wishes on porcelain plates, walk across the bridge with them, and symbolically throw them down – a gesture that has become a tradition and makes the market unmistakable.
Pony Rides, Shadow Theatre, and Castle Illumination
Families will find a wide range of activities at the castle: pony rides in the courtyards, shadow theatre in the historic halls, live music, and the permanent porcelain exhibition with the world's tallest porcelain tower. When darkness falls, the castle walls glow in the light of hundreds of candles – a sight that alone is worth the journey.
Arrival by Christmas Bus
On market days, a dedicated Christmas bus runs between Kahla train station and the castle parking lot. This allows Leuchtenburg Castle to be reached without a car – an important advantage for a pre-Christmas day trip.
Christmas Market Leuchtenburg — edition 2026
The courtyards and halls of Leuchtenburg Castle transform into a historical Christmas market on the three Advent weekends. Stalls with porcelain (also from the in-house porcelain workshop), leather, wood, and ceramics alternate with Thuringian gingerbread, mulled wine, and hearty castle gastronomy.
On the Bridge of Wishes, visitors can write their Advent wish on a porcelain plate and throw it from the castle wall down into the Saale Valley. Pony rides, shadow theatre, and live music complete the program. A special shuttle from Kahla train station makes getting there easier.
Programme Christmas Market Leuchtenburg 2026
1st Advent Weekend — December 5th/6th, 2026
- Market opening 11:00 a.m.
- Craft stalls in the castle courtyards
- Bridge of Wishes open
- Shadow theatre (multiple performances)
- Pony rides in the castle courtyards
2nd Advent Weekend — December 12th/13th, 2026
- Expanded market stalls, regional producers
- Live music in the castle chapel
- Porcelain World open (world's tallest porcelain tower)
3rd Advent Weekend — December 19th/20th, 2026
- Final weekend with special program
- Festive castle illumination in the evening
- Last day of the Bridge of Wishes during Advent
Christmas bus shuttle between Kahla station and the castle parking lot on all market days. Details at leuchtenburg.de.
Highlights Christmas Market Leuchtenburg 2026
- Three Advent weekends in December
- Bridge of Wishes with porcelain plates
- Pony rides, shadow theatre, live music
- World's tallest porcelain tower in the Porcelain World
- Christmas bus shuttle from Kahla station
Prices Christmas Market Leuchtenburg 2026
Adults €12, children aged 6–16 €6, family ticket (2 adults + children ≤ 16) €19, children under 6 free. Tickets on-site and online via Leuchtenburg.
Practical information — Christmas Market Leuchtenburg
Getting There
By train to Kahla station, then take the Christmas bus to the Seitenroda castle parking lot. By car via the A9 (exit Eisenberg/Stadtroda) or the B88, parking lot at the foot of the castle.
Admission
Adults €12, children aged 6–16 €6, family ticket (2 adults + children ≤ 16) €19, children under 6 free.
Opening Hours
Castle from 10 a.m., market 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Advent weekends.
Tip
Combine your market visit with the Porcelain World and the Bridge of Wishes – the combined experience makes the day special.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Christmas Market Leuchtenburg al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Christmas Market Leuchtenburg
Leuchtenburg, Seitenroda (bei Kahla)
Dorfstraße 100, 07768 Kahla