Eibenstock Fairytale Christmas Market

Christmas Market with a Fairytale Theme

Eibenstock in the Erzgebirgskreis district is one of Saxony's most unusual Advent towns. Instead of a classic Christmas market, the mining town focuses on a consistent fairytale theme on the first Advent weekend: stalls, lighting, stage program, and the grand procession on Saturday — everything is geared towards fairytales. This consistent staging makes the market an attraction for families from all over the Ore Mountains and beyond, which has gained renown far beyond the small town.

The Fairytale Procession — The Heart of the Festival

The fairytale procession on Saturday afternoon is the heart of the Eibenstock Fairytale Christmas Market. Approximately 300 actors depict around 30 fairytales — Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Cinderella, Mother Hulda, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, The Snow Queen, and many more. Some of the fairytales are presented on floats with elaborately built sets, while others parade on horse-drawn carriages or on foot through the town. This variety is extraordinary — hardly any other town in Germany organizes a fairytale procession of this magnitude. The procession starts at 2:00 PM after the festive pyramid lighting ceremony.

Eibenstock Embroidery and Ore Mountains Handicrafts

For generations, Eibenstock has been a center for embroidery and lace-making — Eibenstock embroidery is considered a special form of Saxon textile art. At the Fairytale Christmas Market, it is one of the most popular gifts. In addition, Ore Mountains handicrafts dominate: nutcrackers, candle arches (Schwibbögen), pyramids, angels, miners. This wood and fabric art is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region and can be experienced in Eibenstock throughout the entire city center.

Postplatz and City Center Adorned with Lights

The Christmas market extends from Postplatz with the central stage and pyramid along Otto-Findeisen-Straße and Dr.-Leithold-Straße through the entire city center. The lighting is consistently fairytale-like: fairy lights, stars, illuminated angels on the roofs, small fairytale shop windows. Those who have time to stroll during the Advent days can explore the town almost without haste — the main activity begins with the pyramid lighting ceremony on Saturday afternoon and the procession in the afternoon.

Eibenstock — Mining Town in the Western Ore Mountains

Eibenstock is located in the western Ore Mountains in the Erzgebirgskreis district of Saxony, at an altitude of around 640 meters. The mining town is surrounded by extensive forests and has developed into a tourist destination in recent decades — with a spa, ski resort, hiking trails, and mountain bike routes. Those arriving for the Fairytale Christmas Market can easily combine it with a stay in the Saxon Ice Experience — the Eibenstock public swimming pool offers ice experience sauna baths with a view of the forest. A sleigh ride or snow hike in the surrounding area is also worthwhile.