In Advent, the Saxon Ore Mountains become Christmas land. One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany can be found in the silver city of Freiberg. Traditional yet new, the Freiberg Christmas Market has been opening its doors since 2012 as the first miners' Christmas market in the Ore Mountains under the motto "Original miners' Christmas in the Ore Mountains". From the Tuesday before the 1st of Advent until 22 December, experience genuine Erzgebirge tradition and mining customs in the heart of Saxony.

Christmas customs and traditions in the entire Erzgebirge region, where mining has been practised for centuries, still bear witness to the miners' urge for light and warmth. The discovery of silver almost 850 years ago brought wealth and prosperity to Freiberg alone, which allowed the whole of Saxony to flourish.

The mining Christmas market experience

At Freiberg's historic Obermarkt, you enter a sparkling Erzgebirge Christmas world where angels and miners, typical figures from the mining industry, greet you. The more than 90 lovingly designed wooden huts are decorated in a Christmassy, miner's style and offer genuine Erzgebirge folk art, sweet treats, handmade toys, warm hats and slippers, Christmas gifts and many a miner's rarity. In keeping with the theme, the "smelter", who used to smelt ore into silver in the mining industry, now provides delicious mulled wine. A photo wall with a miner's family, the "Little Mining Workshop" for children, Otto's Hut around the fountain monument of the town's founder "Otto the Rich", various theme days and the 9-metre-high Erzgebirge pyramid bring the mining adventure to life in the heart of the silver town.n.

Miners´ parade and Bach cantata

The miners of yesteryear also come alive: on the Saturday before the Second Sunday of Advent, the Historische Freiberg Berg- und Hüttenknappschaft (Historical Mining and Ironworks Association) marches majestically through the old town by torchlight for the Mettenschicht. There are also numerous Christmas concerts and events throughout the city. Highlights include the "Freiberg Christmas", a performance of the nativity play in the mining tradition (Friday before and on the 3rd of Advent) in the Nikolaikirche concert and conference hall, and Bach's Christmas Oratorio in St. Marien Cathedral.

Sunday sale

On two sundays in Advent, Freiberg's city centre traders will be inviting visitors to enjoy a pre-Christmas shopping spree from 13:00 to 18:00.