Christmas Market of Wishes at Leuchtenburg Castle

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.