Crottendorf Christmas Market

Incense Cone Village in Advent

Crottendorf is a small community in the Erzgebirgskreis district (Saxony state) with just under 4,000 inhabitants and an unusual specialty: since 1839, Crottendorf incense cones have been produced here. These are small smoking products made from charcoal and fragrant oils, burned in little smoking figures or houses, releasing a distinctive sweet, smoky scent — a part of the Ore Mountain Christmas tradition. The Crottendorf incense cone manufactory «Knox» is now an important regional company and supplies worldwide. During the Crottendorf Christmas Market on the 2nd Advent weekend (December 5th and 6th, 2026), this tradition is evident: the scent of incense cones hangs heavy over the market, their production is explained at the stalls, and for many visitors, the market visit is linked to stocking up for their own Christmas room.

Pyramid Lighting and Program

The central pyramid on Crottendorf's market square is set in motion at 2:00 PM by the Crottendorf Brass Band during the opening ceremony — a traditional ritual where brass players «push» the pyramid with their music. At 3:00 PM, Santa Claus arrives with gifts for children and a small show. Throughout the weekend, the Zschopautal Men's Choir and the brass choir of the Schlettau parish will provide musical accompaniment with traditional Christmas carols. In cool weather, mulled wine (Glühwein) and fire tongs punch (Feuerzangenbowle) are served, along with Crottendorf specialties — buttermilk scones (Buttermilchgetzn), pancakes (Klitscher), and Stollen from regional bakeries.

Children's Program and Craft Corner

A warm craft corner is set up for children: here they can make their own incense cones (with guidance — a simplified version with non-toxic materials), fold stars, decorate gingerbread men, and paint small wooden figures. A highlight for many children is the Stollen cutting ceremony: a giant Stollen is ceremoniously cut and distributed in small pieces to those present — an old Saxon tradition preserved here in Crottendorf. Admission to the market is free.

Pyramid Lighting by the Brass Band

A special feature of Crottendorf is the pyramid lighting ceremony on Friday, November 27th, 2026 — a week before the actual market. On this day, the Crottendorf Brass Band plays the «Anschieb» songs on the market square, and the pyramid is officially set in motion for the Advent season. It's an opening to Advent that attracts locals and guests alike — even though the main market follows a week later.

Ore Mountains Folk Art

Crottendorf is located in the heart of the Ore Mountains folk art region — Schwarzenberg, Schneeberg, Marienberg, and other Ore Mountain mining towns are reachable within a 30-minute drive. Those planning a longer Ore Mountains Advent trip can combine a visit to the Crottendorf market with trips to Annaberg-Buchholz (Annaberg Christmas Market with its own incense house tradition), Marienberg (Marienberg Christmas Market with a large miners' parade on the 3rd Advent), or Seiffen (toy village atmosphere).