Marienberg Christmas Market

Ore Mountain Advent Magic

Marienberg is one of the four Saxon mining towns with UNESCO World Heritage status (Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region) and is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district in the state of Saxony. The town was founded in 1521 as a mining town after the discovery of silver-bearing ores in the surrounding hills. This mining and craft tradition continues to shape the Marienberg Christmas Market today: From November 26 to December 21, 2026, the central market square with its baroque townhouses and Renaissance town hall transforms into a four-week Christmas world. Around 30 to 35 stalls offer Ore Mountain handicrafts, Saxon specialties, and mulled wine.

The 7-Meter Christmas Pyramid

The landmark of the market is the central Christmas pyramid, a 7-meter-high wooden structure with three tiers and rotating figures. The pyramid depicts classic Ore Mountain motifs: miners, angels, riders, and Christmas scenes. It is a typical product of Ore Mountain folk art — smaller pyramids for the home living room table have been common in the region since the 18th century and are part of the Ore Mountain Christmas tradition. The market pyramid will be ceremonially set in motion for the first time at the market's opening on November 26 at 6 PM.

Eisarena Erzgebirge and Miners' Parade

On the four Advent weekends, the Eisarena Erzgebirge opens directly at the market — a mobile ice rink where families can ice skate for a small fee (skate rental available on site). A special highlight is the Grand Miners' Parade Marienberg on the 3rd Advent Sunday (December 13, 2026): around 350 costumed participants and 180 brass band musicians in historical miner uniforms march through the city center — one of Saxony's largest miners' parades, a living heritage of the UNESCO-recognized mining region. On the same day, the "Open House Day during Advent" also takes place, where farms and workshops open their doors for visits.

Saxon-Ore Mountain Specialties

Culinary traditions are dominated by regional specialties: Buttermilchgetzn (Ore Mountain potato pancakes), Klitscher, mushroom ragout from the surrounding forests, Saxon Stollen from several bakeries, Ore Mountain ham roulades, and of course mulled wine in various versions (classic, elderflower, white mulled wine). The incense cones typical of Marienberg are produced locally — for example, by the Crottendorf incense cone manufactory, which is only a few kilometers away. The unmistakable sweet-smoky scent of these incense cones is part of the Marienberg Advent memory.

Further Program Items

During the four weeks, smaller program items take place daily: performances by the Zschopautal Male Choir, brass quartets from the Schlettau parish, accordion concerts, and nativity plays by kindergartens. On the final day (December 21), a raffle is drawn among customers, and the "most beautiful stall" is awarded — a small gesture that strengthens the sense of community among the market vendors. Admission to the market is free (ice rink use incurs a small fee).