Plauen Christmas Market

300 Years of Tradition in Vogtland

The Plauen Christmas Market dates back to 1726, making it one of Saxony's oldest Christmas markets. Today, it is considered the largest in the Vogtland region. From November 24 to December 22, 2026, it opens daily from 11 AM to 8 PM — four weeks of pre-Christmas atmosphere around Altmarkt, Nikolaistraße, and Neumarkt in the city center of Plauen (independent city, seat of Vogtlandkreis, Saxony).

Plauener Spitze as a Characteristic Feature

A special feature of the Plauen Christmas Market is its decoration with the world-famous Plauener Spitze (Plauen Lace) — a testament to the Plauen lace industry that has shaped the city's image since the 19th century and made Plauen known worldwide. The market features stalls selling Plauen Lace and incorporates it into the festive decorations. The landmark on the market square itself is the rotating Ore Mountains Christmas pyramid, complemented by mulled wine stands, baked apples, candied almonds, and Saxon specialties.

Weihnachtstipfl, Sterntalerparade, and Bergparade

Three traditional program highlights distinguish the Plauen market: the annual 'Weihnachtstipfl' competition for the most beautiful Plauen Christmas souvenir design — won in 2026 by Sophie Weiß with a dark green motif depicting market alleys with strolling visitors and father-son scenes at a candy stall; the Sterntalerparade for children; and the Bergparade, which, like elsewhere in the Saxon Ore Mountains and Vogtland, celebrates the region's mining traditions. Accompanying events include an online advent calendar, accommodation packages with Advent wreath themes, communal carol singing in the market square, and an ice rink (open until February 22, 2026).

Saxony, Vogtland, and Plauen

Plauen, an independent city and the largest in Vogtland with around 60,000 inhabitants, is located in southwestern Saxony, near the borders of Bavaria and the Czech Republic. The city's economy is dominated by its historical lace industry — Plauen Lace is still woven and embroidered today — as well as textiles and mechanical engineering. Alongside the Plauen Lace Festival (summer), the Christmas market is one of the most important city events, attracting visitors from all over Vogtland as well as neighboring Bavaria (Hof, Marktredwitz) and the Czech Republic (Cheb, Karlovy Vary).