Schneeberger Weihnachtsmarkt

«Christmas City of the Ore Mountains»

Schneeberg, once a wealthy mining town thanks to silver and cobalt ore, is now the self-proclaimed «Christmas City of the Ore Mountains» — and this nickname is more than just self-promotion. Anyone who has experienced the mining town during Advent understands the claim: arches in almost every window of the old town, festive city lighting, intricate pyramids, Schwibbögen (candle arches), and folk art displays characterize the cityscape. In the Erzgebirgskreis district, Schneeberg is one of the most beautiful Advent destinations of all.

Anlichteln — The Opening

The «Anlichteln» on the Saturday before the 1st Advent is the iconic moment: at precisely 6:00 p.m., all the lights in the market square and the surrounding alleys are lit simultaneously — a luminous moment that attracts hundreds of Schneeberg residents and guests to the market square every year. The ceremony is accompanied by mining music, a brass choir, and a festive address.

Baroque Market Square Ensemble

The baroque ensemble of houses on the market square forms the backdrop for the market. The 35 wooden stalls are specially made for this location and match the style and color scheme of the historical ensemble. At the center stands a 10.80 m high pyramid with 33 figures — one of the most impressive examples of large-format Ore Mountains folk art. The figures depict scenes from miners' lives, the Christmas story, and Ore Mountains traditions.

Ore Mountains Folk Art to Touch

At the stalls, turners, carvers, lacemakers, and toy makers offer their works: incense smokers, nutcrackers, angels, Schwibbögen, miner figures — the entire spectrum of Ore Mountains folk art. In addition, there is mulled wine, Stollen (fruit bread), Pulsnitz gingerbread, bratwurst, candied almonds, and the famous Ore Mountains «Neunerlei» (nine traditional dishes) specialties. Live demonstrations of turning, carving, and lacemaking bring the craft tradition to life.