Waldsassen Christmas Market

Advent in the Stiftland

The Waldsassen Christmas Market traditionally takes place on the first weekend of Advent. Around 40 exhibitors offer a diverse range of crafts and culinary specialties. The market is spread across Kunstgasse and the Neue Gärten park – immediately next to the famous baroque Collegiate Basilica of Waldsassen.

More Than a Market

In addition to the stalls, the program includes nativity scene exhibitions, a model railway, city tours, musical performances, and children's readings. Traditional highlights are the visit of St. Nicholas and the Grölldeifl, a local traditional figure. Thus, the market combines arts and crafts, culinary delights, and lived Upper Palatinate traditions.

Advent Atmosphere Around the Basilica

To accompany the Advent season, Waldsassen features a Glass Advent Calendar: 24 hand-blown Lamberts glass pictures adorn the facade of the guesthouse from December 1st until Candlemas. Eight nativity scenes are also exhibited at Basilikaplatz (Diepoldbrunnen). The baroque Collegiate Basilica forms the unique backdrop for the market.

Location in the Upper Palatinate

Waldsassen is located in the Tirschenreuth district in the state of Bavaria, in the Stiftland region of the northern Upper Palatinate, near the border with the Czech Republic and Saxony. The Cistercian Abbey with its Collegiate Basilica shapes the cityscape – the Christmas market fits harmoniously into this historical ensemble.

For Whom?

• Friends of traditional Christmas markets and crafts
• Families (St. Nicholas, Grölldeifl, children's readings, model railway)
• Those interested in culture and traditions in the Stiftland