Weihnachtsschicht at the Upper Harz Mining Museum

Mine in a Magical Light

The Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld is one of Germany's oldest mining museums and preserves the heritage of a region whose economy was dominated by ore mining for centuries. With the Weihnachtsschicht, the museum combines this history with the atmosphere of the Advent season. Light installations at the entrance set the mood for the day. In the inner courtyard, the market area opens with stalls offering regional arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, smoked goods, honey, and spirits.

Above and Below Ground

The unique feature of the Weihnachtsschicht is the combination of an above-ground market and an underground experience. Visitors who purchase a combined ticket can join one of the tours, which start every half hour, and walk through the illuminated tunnels. More than 200 light sources bathe the passages in warm light, and small scenes made of fir branches, mining symbols, and Christmas decorations are set up at several stations.

Market, Mulled Wine, and Grill

Above ground, the market is one of the cozy formats in the region. Stalls serve mulled wine, Lumumba (a hot drink made of chocolate, rum, and cream), and non-alcoholic hot beverages. Bratwurst, lard bread, lard cakes, and sweet specialties complete the offerings. The atmosphere is consistently small-scale and tailored to the historic substance of the mining site.

Family Event with Mining Connection

Families benefit from a moderate entrance fee and a program that appeals to children as well as adults. The underground tours are conducted in a way that even younger visitors can fully experience the staging. Miners in historical costume explain the work in a mine along the way and highlight the connection to the Advent season.

Upper Harz in Advent

The Weihnachtsschicht is part of a dense Advent program in the Upper Harz. Together with the Oberharzer Adventszauber (Upper Harz Advent Magic) at the Salvatoris Church and smaller events in the mining towns, it forms a weekend program suitable for a short visit to the Upper Harz.