Schmöllner Weihnachtsmarkt

Schmölln in the Altenburger Land region

Schmölln is a small town in the Altenburger Land district, in eastern Thuringia on the border with Saxony. With around 11,000 inhabitants, it is the second-largest town in the district after Altenburg. Historically known as the "button town" (in the 19th century, 60 percent of German horn buttons were produced here), Schmölln cultivates a distinct urban culture with festivals, markets, and associations. The Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Advent markets in eastern Thuringia.

Market square in Advent light

Schmölln's market square becomes a stage during Advent: around the large, light-adorned Christmas tree are the stalls of regional vendors — wood carvings from the Erzgebirge, knitted mittens and hats, beeswax candles, incense from the nearby Saxon Erzgebirge, candied almonds, gingerbread, stollen. Mulled wine stands and snack stalls with bratwurst, potato pancakes, and crêpes cater to visitors.

The Sandmann visits Schmölln

A special feature of the Schmölln market is the daily appearance of the Sandmann at 5 PM. In front of kindergarten and primary school children who come to the market square with their parents, the Sandmann (a popular children's figure in East Germany since GDR times) tells Christmas stories and distributes "sleep sand" — small bags of glitter for under the pillow. It is a charming, intergenerational tradition that distinguishes the market from interchangeable commercial Advent markets.

Children's carousel and family program

A traditional children's carousel on the market square attracts families. In addition, there are craft activities for children, cookie baking at the Tourist Info, and an Advent calendar that hides new activities daily. Those who want to explore the Altenburger Land region with children will find the Schmölln market an ideal starting point.

Connection to other Advent markets

An Advent excursion in the Altenburger Land region is worthwhile: the Skatbrunnen-Weihnachtsmarkt in Altenburg (the town of Skat, with the famous Skat fountain in the market square), the Advent market at Posterstein Castle, the "Adventslicht" in Schmölln itself. The entire region comes alive during Advent — Schmölln is one of the most authentic stops.