Schlossweihnacht Blankenburg

Advent in a Baroque Castle in the Harz

The Schlossweihnacht Blankenburg uses one of the most impressive settings in Saxony-Anhalt: the Great Castle Blankenburg, a Baroque complex from the 17th century, perched high above the Harz town. On the first Advent weekend, the castle courtyard becomes a market: festively lit, with mulled wine stands, stalls, fairy lights, and a programme that alternates between classical Advent music, small theatre productions, and even a cinema format.

This is what makes the festival special. Where other Christmas markets simply set up stalls in a square, the Schlossweihnacht uses several areas: the castle courtyard with sales stands, the castle interior with special exhibitions and programme items, a medieval tour along historic rooms, and finally the Ducal Garden, which develops its own unique atmosphere in the Advent lighting.

The festival is organised by the Verein Rettung Schloss Blankenburg (Association for the Rescue of Blankenburg Castle), which has been working for years to renovate the structurally precarious complex. The entrance fees contribute to the upkeep of the castle – an additional reason to see the visit as more than just drinking mulled wine.

Blankenburg (Harz) is located on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains in the Harz district, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. A few kilometres away: Quedlinburg (UNESCO World Heritage site), Wernigerode with its castle, the Brocken as the highest peak in the Harz, and the Rübeland show caves. Anyone planning a short break in the Harz for Advent should mark this date.