Zerbster Weihnachtsmarkt

Advent on the Schloßfreiheit

While the neighboring town of Köthen holds its Schlossweihnacht in the castle courtyard, Zerbst/Anhalt has found its own pre-Christmas magic: the Zerbster Weihnachtsmarkt on the Schloßfreiheit, the large forecourt of Zerbst Castle. For five days in December, the historic square in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, state of Saxony-Anhalt, fills with stalls, lights, scents, and music.

The concept is classic, but with two special accents. Firstly: the Christmas parade as the market's opening — a festive procession with costumed figures (Santa Claus, angels, snowmen, fairy tale characters), brass band music, and fairy lights, which proceeds from the city center to the Schloßfreiheit, officially opening the Advent market. This parade has developed its own tradition and has become a hallmark of the Zerbster Weihnachtsmarkt.

Secondly: ice stock sport on a modern artificial ice rink. The 18-meter-long plastic ice rink operates without electricity or water — an environmentally friendly solution that has proven its worth even in mild December weather. Clubs, companies, or groups of friends can reserve the rink and compete in the winter sport — a charming Advent tradition that has established Alpine customs in the heart of Anhalt.

Around 30 stalls are arranged on the market square itself, offering arts and crafts (wood turners, glassblowers, felt work, incense products), culinary delights (mulled wine, stollen, bratwurst, potato pancakes, candied almonds, crêpes), and small gift items. A stage provides a music program — from brass ensembles and choirs to live bands playing Advent songs. Each year, a new, limited edition Zerbster Weihnachtsmarkt mug is released — in 2026 featuring the motif of Zerbst Castle, sponsored by the local company Glanzexpress (Peter and Ramona Schondorf).

A City with Depth

Zerbst has a remarkable history: Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688–1758), a contemporary of Bach, spent 36 years here as court Kapellmeister — the occasion for the International Fasch Festival, held every two years. Sophie Auguste Friederike, who went down in history as Catherine II, Empress of Russia, grew up here. And here stands the striking castle, whose main wing was destroyed in World War II — today a memorial and partially reconstructed. The organizer of the Christmas market is the Weihnachtsmarktverein Zerbst/Anhalt e.V. (Zerbster Weihnachtsmarkt Association), which has continuously developed the concept in recent years.