Olbernhau Christmas Market

Olbernhau in Advent Magic

Olbernhau, the «Toy Town in the Ore Mountains», cherishes a tradition of woodcraft and toys that has grown over centuries. In Advent, this identity becomes a grand stage: the Olbernhau Christmas Market is set up in the historic Rittergutshof on the outskirts of town — an Advent market featuring Ore Mountains folk art, hearty cuisine, and an atmospheric ambiance of lights in the baroque courtyard ensemble.

Rittergutshof as a Stage

The Rittergutshof Olbernhau, originally the residence of noble families, now serves as an event venue. Market stalls are set up in the inner courtyard, and there's a warming area in the vaulted cellar for cold hours. The architecture of the Rittergutshof — old walls, chimneys, sparkling windows — lends the market an atmosphere that clearly differs from purely urban markets.

«Christmas in the Vault»

A special feature of the Olbernhau Christmas Market is the format «Christmas in the Vault» (Weihnachten im Gewölbe): In the vaulted cellars of the manor, companies, workshops, and associations gather, not only selling Ore Mountains folk art but also demonstrating it live. Woodcraft, stars, nutcrackers, Schwibbögen (candle arches), pottery, sheep wool socks can be found here — and the craftspeople show their techniques: woodturning, carving, lacemaking, knitting. Anyone who has ever wanted to know how a nutcracker is made can see it here in real-time.

Theater Variabel and Stage Program

The Theater Variabel, based in the Rittergut, offers special performances during the market. The stage in the inner courtyard presents a changing music program — miners' choirs, brass choirs, pipe bands from the Erzgebirgskreis district. Mulled wine, Stollen (fruit bread), bratwurst, and the famous Ore Mountains gingerbread cookies complete the culinary offerings.