Thum Christmas Market with Grand Miners' Parade
Advent Market and Ore Mountains Miners' Parade for the 1st Advent
About Thum Miners' Parade
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An Advent Tradition of the Ore Mountains
When the Advent festival of lights begins in the Ore Mountains, the Thum Miners' Parade is one of the region's most beautiful experiences. The Ore Mountains are known for their Advent traditions of light – Schwibbögen (candle arches), Räuchermänner (incense smokers), pyramids, mining customs – and Thum is one of the central places of this culture. The Christmas market on the market square and the Miners' Parade on Sunday together form the program.
The Grand Miners' Parade
On the first Advent Sunday, the mining brotherhoods march in ceremonial uniforms with mining bands across the market square – over 400 people in traditional costume. The mining bands then give a joint concert on the market square, making the mining tradition of the Ore Mountains audible. Miners, pitmen, mining musicians, and representatives of the pitmen's associations come together from all over the Ore Mountains.
Christmas Market at the Market Square
The market offers Ore Mountains handicrafts – Schwibbögen, Räuchermänner, nativity figures, nutcrackers – along with mulled wine, bratwurst, stollen, and other Christmas specialties. The ceremonial opening on Saturday by Santa Claus and the cutting of a two-meter-long stollen are traditional highlights.
In the Erzgebirgskreis District, State of Saxony
Thum is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district (AGS 14521), state of Saxony, southwest of Chemnitz in the central Ore Mountains. The small town – districts Thum, Herold, and Jahnsbach – upholds the region's mining identity tradition. The Miners' Parade is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Montanregion Erzgebirge – even if Thum is not a UNESCO site itself, the town actively keeps this tradition alive.
Thum Miners' Parade — edition 2026
On Thum Market Square
Both days, the Advent program unfolds on the market square and surrounding alleys. The market with Ore Mountains handicrafts and mulled wine stands forms the backdrop for the Miners' Parade on Sunday afternoon.
Opening on Saturday
Santa Claus traditionally opens the market by cutting a two-meter-long stollen, which is then distributed to visitors. Mining bands accompany the opening with Advent carols.
Miners' Parade on Sunday
On the first Advent Sunday from 2 PM, over 400 miners, pitmen, mining musicians, and representatives of the pitmen's associations march in historical uniforms across the market square. Afterwards, there will be a joint concert by the mining bands.
Programme Thum Miners' Parade 2026
Key Dates
- Date: November 28 – 29, 2026 (1st Advent Weekend)
- Location: Marktplatz Thum, 09419 Thum
- Organizer: Stadt Thum / Bergbrüderschaft Thum e.V.
- Free Admission
Saturday, November 28, 2026 – Opening
- Ceremonial opening of the Christmas market
- Appearance of Santa Claus
- Cutting of a two-meter-long stollen
- Mining bands with Advent carols
Sunday, November 29, 2026 – Miners' Parade
- 2:00 PM – Grand Miners' Parade with over 400 miners and pitmen in historical costume
- Mining bands with a joint concert on the market square
- Representatives of pitmen's associations from all over the Ore Mountains
Christmas Market – Both Days
- Ore Mountains handicrafts: Schwibbögen, Räuchermänner, nativity figures, nutcrackers
- Mulled wine, bratwurst, stollen, Christmas specialties
Highlights Thum Miners' Parade 2026
Prices Thum Miners' Parade 2026
Practical information — Thum Miners' Parade
Getting There
By car via the A72 (exit Stollberg-West) and then via the B95. Thum is not directly connected by train – the nearest train stations are Annaberg-Buchholz and Chemnitz.
Admission
Admission to the Christmas market and the Miners' Parade is free. No registration required.
Tip
Plan your journey well in advance – thousands of visitors are expected on the Sunday of the Miners' Parade. Warm clothing is required.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Thum Miners' Parade al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Thum Miners' Parade
Marktplatz Thum
Marktplatz, 09419 Thum