Open Day — Herrnhuter Sterne Manufactory
Colorful action day around the world-famous Herrnhuter Sterne Manufactory and other institutions in Herrnhut — on May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Open Day Herrnhut
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Herrnhuter Sterne — a World Product from Saxony
The Herrnhuter Sterne are one of the most famous Advent products from Germany. Since the 19th century, these multi-pointed stars made of paper or plastic have been handcrafted in the small Upper Lusatian town of Herrnhut — originating as a school project of a Moravian Church school, it has become a world-renowned product. Today, the Herrnhuter Stern hangs in living rooms, shops, and churches around the globe, from Berlin to New York, from Tokyo to Cape Town. The manufactory in Herrnhut continues to produce by hand — and once a year, it opens its doors to the public.
May 2, 2026 — The Whole Town Opens Up
The Open Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But it's not just the manufactory that is open — the day is a joint event of the manufactory, the Moravian Church, and the town. Workshops, community rooms, historical sites of the Moravian Church, and several attractions in Herrnhut invite you for a free visit.
What's Offered at the Sterne Manufactory
In the main building of the Herrnhuter Sterne Manufactory (Oderwitzer Straße 4), you'll find: production tours every 30 minutes (registration on-site) — here you can see the steps of star-making: cutting the paper parts, folding the points, assembling the modules, installing the electrical wiring for the illuminated models. Crafting activities from the DekoHaus — those who wish can craft their own small stars. Children's carousel for the youngest visitors. Live music from local bands and orchestras creates a festive atmosphere.
Other Activities in Herrnhut
In parallel, other institutions are opening their doors: workshop tours at Oberlausitzer Werkstätten — a social workshop for people with disabilities with demonstration productions. Handcar rides at the old train station — a nostalgic railway experience. Origami workshop at the Ethnographic Museum with a connection to the global network of the Moravian Church's mission. Presentations in the church hall of the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine — the spiritual community explains its traditions and history.
Saxony, Upper Lusatia, and Herrnhut
Herrnhut is a small town with around 2,500 inhabitants, located in the Görlitz district in eastern Upper Lusatia, near the border with Poland and the Czech Republic. The town was founded in 1722 by the Moravian Church — religious refugees from Bohemia and Moravia found refuge here under the protection of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. The famous Herrnhuter Sterne, the Herrnhuter Losungsbuch (with Bible verses for each day, published since 1731), and much more originate from this Moravian Church tradition. The Open Day is an opportunity to get to know this unique piece of Saxony.
Open Day Herrnhut — edition 2026
May 2, 2026 — The Whole Town Open
Seven hours, multiple locations, one day — the Open Day is the only opportunity of the year to experience the production of the world-famous Herrnhuter Sterne live and at the same time discover many other historical institutions of the Moravian Church town.
At the center: the Sterne Manufactory with half-hourly production tours, crafting activities, a children's carousel, and live music. Adjacent, the Oberlausitzer Werkstätten, the old train station (handcar rides), the Ethnographic Museum (origami workshop), and the church hall of the Moravian Church are opening their doors. A unique insight into a town with a world-product history and centuries-old tradition of faith.
Programme Open Day Herrnhut 2026
Program Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Herrnhuter Sterne Manufactory (Oderwitzer Straße 4)
- Production tours every 30 minutes — registration on-site, insight into all steps of Herrnhuter Sterne manufacturing
- Crafting activities from the DekoHaus — make your own small stars (materials for a small fee)
- Children's carousel for the little ones
- Live music from local bands and orchestras in the courtyard
- Star show sale at special conditions
Oberlausitzer Werkstätten
- Workshop tours — social workshop for people with disabilities
- Demonstration productions in various areas (wood, textiles, ceramics)
- Sale of workshop products
Old Train Station
- Handcar rides on historic railway lines
- Nostalgic railway atmosphere
- Registration on-site, limited spots
Ethnographic Museum
- Origami workshop related to the global network of the Moravian Church's mission
- Exhibition viewing free of charge
- Demonstrations and explanations
Church Hall of the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine
- Presentations on the Moravian Church tradition
- Explanations about the Herrnhuter Losungsbuch (since 1731)
- History of the global mission of the Moravian Church
- Sing-along services
Other Stations in the Town Area
- Cafés and restaurants with special menus for the day
- City tours focusing on the history of the Moravian Church
Detailed program and exact times of tours will be published shortly before the event on herrnhuter-sterne.de and herrnhut.de.
Highlights Open Day Herrnhut 2026
- Only opportunity of the year: live production tour of Herrnhuter Sterne
- Several historical sites of the town open
- Oberlausitzer Werkstätten with demonstration production
- Handcar rides at the old train station
- Origami workshop at the Ethnographic Museum
- Presentations on the Moravian Church tradition
- Live music and crafting activities for families
- Free admission
Prices Open Day Herrnhut 2026
Free admission. Crafting materials in the DekoHaus for a small fee (approx. €2–5 per star kit). Handcar rides with a small contribution (approx. €2–5 per ride). Star show sale at special manufactory conditions. Food and drinks in cafés and restaurants for a fee.
Practical information — Open Day Herrnhut
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Venue
Herrnhuter Sterne Manufaktur, Oderwitzer Straße 4, 02747 Herrnhut. Other event locations in the town (Oberlausitzer Werkstätten, train station, Ethnographic Museum, church hall).
Admission
Free admission. Crafting materials in the DekoHaus for a small fee.
Getting There
By car via A 4 Dresden–Görlitz, exit Weißenberg, then B 178 towards Zittau to Herrnhut. By train IC/RE to Löbau or Zittau, then bus or connecting train to Herrnhut.
Organizer
Herrnhuter Sterne Manufaktur in cooperation with the town of Herrnhut and the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Open Day Herrnhut al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Open Day Herrnhut
Herrnhuter Sterne Manufaktur und Stadtgebiet Herrnhut
Oderwitzer Straße 4, 02747 Herrnhut