Christmas Markets in Saxony-Anhalt 2026

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Harz Saale-Unstrut World Heritage Region Altmark Central Elbe Vacation Region Magdeburg/Halle/Dessau

In the Harz Mountains, the Advent season blends with history and the landscape. Half-timbered towns glow by candlelight, and castles and monastery courtyards open their gates. Between the Brocken and charming little towns, a special atmosphere takes hold—contemplative yet lively.

A selection of Christmas markets:

• Nov. 20–Dec. 22, 2026 Wernigerode (Info)
• Nov. 25–Dec. 22, 2026 Quedlinburg (Info)
• Advent in the Courtyards of Quedlinburg: Nov. 28–29, 2026; Dec. 5–6, 2026; Dec. 12–13, 2026
• Nov. 27–28, 2026 Christmas Courtyards in Halberstadt (Info)
• December 4–13, 2026 Sternthaler Christmas Market in Blankenburg (Info)

In the Saale-Unstrut region, the Christmas season is all about culture, local mulled wine, and tranquility. Historic city centers, vineyards, castles, and palaces provide the backdrop for festive markets and concerts. A detailed overview of all events is available on the Saale-Unstrut Tourism website.

A selection of Christmas markets:

• Naumburg: Nov. 23 – Dec. 20, 2026 (including “Christmas in the Courtyards” on Nov. 28–29, 2026)
• Advent in the Vineyards (Naumburg, Roßbach): Dec. 19–20, 2026
• Weißenfels: November 26 – December 20, 2026
• Querfurt Christmas Magic: December 18–20, 2026
• Merseburg Castle Christmas: December 3–6, 2026
• Zeitz Advent Market: December 4–13, 2026

This is where world history meets the Christmas season. At the UNESCO World Heritage sites around Dessau, Wittenberg, Köthen, and Bernburg, culture blends with a festive atmosphere. Market squares, castle grounds, and parks become stages for music, crafts, and social gatherings—set against the backdrop of the Bauhaus, the “Garden Kingdom,” and the Reformation.

A selection of Christmas markets:

• Lutherstadt Wittenberg, November 23–December 29, 2026 (Info)
• Market of Beautiful Things, Wittenberg: November 27–29, 2026 (Info)
• Dessau-Roßlau, November 23–December 23, 2026 (Info)
• Advent Market at St. Mary’s Church in Dessau, Dec. 8–13, 2026
• Stadtwerke EisArena Dessau starting November 23, 2026
• Heele-Christ Market in Bernburg, November 19 through January 2, 2026 (Info)
• First Sunday of Advent in Wörlitz Park, November 27–29, 2026 (Info)
• Köthen Castle Christmas, December 11–13, 2026 (Info)

In the Altmark, Advent is down-to-earth and heartwarming. Small towns and villages are transformed into places of light, where crafts, music, and tradition come to life. Amid brick buildings, half-timbered houses, and the open countryside, a sense of belonging takes hold. A detailed overview can be found on the altmark.de website.

A selection of Christmas markets:

• Diesdorf Open-Air Museum: Dec. 12 and 13, 2026
• Stendal: December 10–13, 2026
• Tangermünde: December 4–6, 2026
• Havelberg: December 4–6, 2026
• Lichterglanz in Kalbe: December 19, 2026
• Gardelegen: December 11–13, 2026

Advent takes on many forms along the Elbe: from the glittering city lights to Baroque gardens and wintry riverine landscapes. Historic squares, castles, and parks become gathering places—sometimes festive, sometimes tranquil, always close to the water and nature. Here’s an overview of all the events in the region.

A selection of Christmas markets:

• Haldensleben Star Market, Dec. 5–20, 2026 (Info)
• Bad Salzelmen Christmas Market November 28–29, 2026 (Info)
• Aschersleben Christmas Market, Nov. 27–Dec. 20, 2026 (Info)
• Oschersleben, Special Christmas Market: November 28–29, 2026 (Info)
• Hundisburg Castle, December 5 and 6, 2026 (Info)
• Staßfurt, December 17–20, 2026 (Info)

Magdeburg

Magdeburg, the state capital, offers an urban, romantic atmosphere during the Advent season. Stroll along the banks of the Elbe toward the cathedral, wander through the world of lights, and enjoy a glass of mulled wine on Rathausplatz—you’ll also find smaller markets in the city’s neighborhoods.

Highlights in Magdeburg (selection): 

• Historic Christmas Market at the Imperial Palace of Otto I, November 23 – December 29, 2026 (Info)
• Magdeburg Light Festival (Cathedral Square and City Center) Nov. 23 – Feb. 2, 2027 (Info)
• Winter Garden at the Swiss Milk Spa, Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027 (Info)
• Advent at the Ravelin, December 5 and 6, 2026 (Info)
• Winter Magic at the Green Citadel November 12 – December 30, 2026 (Info)
• Advent in the Vaults of Mark Fortress, December 11–13, 2026 (Info)

Overview of markets in Magdeburg.

Halle (Saale)

Halle combines music, history, and lights to create a special Advent atmosphere. From the Handel Monument to the banks of the Saale, in courtyards and cultural venues, markets both large and small with their own unique character come to life—accompanied by music, art, and social gatherings.

Overview of the markets:

• Christmas Market on the Market Square: Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2026
• Christmas Market at St. Ulrich’s Church: November 24 – December 23, 2026
• Hüttenzauber on Domplatz: November 24 – December 23, 2026
• Winter Magic at Hallmarkt: November 24 – December 30, 2026
• Halle Winter Market: December 26, 2026 – January 6, 2027

An overview of the markets in Halle (Saale).

Dessau-Roßlau

In Dessau, modern heritage meets the spirit of winter. Squares and paths around the Bauhaus, the “Garden Kingdom,” and the Elbe River become places for people to gather. Light, sound, and movement create a serene celebration amid architecture and nature.

The traditional Dessau Advent Market offers everything Christmas lovers could wish for: arts and crafts, carousels, treats, and the large Stadtwerke Ice Arena. It takes place from November 23 to December 23, 2026, on Dessau’s Market Square.

Additional events:

• December 8–13, 2026, St. Mary’s Church, Dessau
• December 12–13, 2026 Roßlau Water Castle
• December 21, 2026 – January 6, 2027: Dessau Christmas Circus (Info)

Find an overview of all the markets and events in Dessau here.