Bach spent the last 27 years of his life as Thomaskantor here, and that deep musical tradition still shapes the city’s Advent season. The Leipzig Christmas Market has been running since 1458, making it one of Germany’s oldest, and the Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio) performances in the Thomaskirche are as much a part of the experience as the stalls outside.
Leipzig Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Leipzig dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Dates were announced in May. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via the City of Leipzig.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Marktplatz, Augustusplatz, Naschmarkt and St Nicholas Square.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Opening ceremony: 5pm to 9pm.
22nd December: Final day at Augustusplatz, Naschmarkt and St Nicholas Square. 10am to 8pm.
23rd December: Marktplatz only: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: The secret passages and alleyways of Leipzig Old Town.
Public transport: Metro: Markt.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Q-Park Marktgalerie has accessible parking.
Where to stay: Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel is 3-minutes from Marktplatz.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Tree lighting: Opening day at 5pm.
Santa: Some days.
Ice skating: Augustusplatz.
Reason to visit: The 500-year-old Advent market tradition makes this one of the oldest in Germany.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Lebkuchen, Dresden stollen, Thüringer sausage and Pulsnitzer pfefferkuchen.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended due to large crowds.
Convenient Hotels
For easy access to the market, consider staying in Leipzig’s city centre, particularly near Marktplatz. For a comfortable and convenient stay, the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel is ideally located for your winter visit.
Read our complete German Christmas Markets list.
Location
Wrapped up your winter visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
What to Expect
A prominent feature is a giant Saxon spruce tree, beautifully decorated and lit, adding to the warm atmosphere. The historic market features almost 300 stalls, a medieval market and a fairytale forest for kids. A unique attraction is the world’s largest freestanding Advent calendar, displayed in the windows of the old city hall.
Regional Specialties
- Sächsischer Sauerbraten: A marinated pot roast from Saxony, typically made with beef, sometimes venison or pork, featuring a sweet-sour gravy, often with raisins.
- Quarkkeulchen: Small, fried pancakes made with quark, usually sweet and often served with apple sauce.
- Allerlei: A traditional dish from Leipzig, including carrots, peas, asparagus, and morels, sometimes with crayfish or prawns.
- Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen: Gingerbread cookies from Pulsnitz, spiced with cinnamon, anise, clove, and nutmeg.
- Saxon Potato Soup (Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe): A hearty soup made with potatoes, vegetables, and often sausage.
- Gose Beer: A local sour wheat beer from the region.
- Allasch: A caraway-flavoured aquavit, a strong, clear spirit unique to the city.
- Lerche: A pastry named after the lark, filled with almonds, nuts and a cherry.
- Linden-Taler: A round chocolate piece featuring the image of a Leipzig Linden leaf.
- Räbchen: Prunes stuffed with marzipan, shaped like potatoes, and dusted with sugar.
- Thuringian Bratwurst: Sausages known for their herbal flavour and delicate texture, served in a bun.
- Dresdner Stollen: A fruit, nut, and marzipan-filled bread from Dresden.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional gingerbread.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Roasted and caramelised almonds.
- Kartoffelpuffer: Potato pancakes, crispy outside and soft inside, typically served with apple sauce.
- Pretzels: Twisted bread with coarse salt.
Sustainability Tips
- Stay Green: Opt for hotels that utilise renewable energy.
- Save Energy: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Avoid Food Waste: Eat mindfully to minimise leftovers.
- Shop Local: Buy gifts and decorations locally to support the economy and reduce shipping emissions.
- Eat Sustainably: Order plant-based meals and limit meat consumption to lessen environmental impact.
- Choose Eco-Friendly Transport: Walk, bike, or use public transport instead of driving to reduce air pollution in Leipzig.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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