Christmas Markets in Leipzig 2024
The tradition of the Leipzig Christmas Market dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany with around 300 stalls in the middle of the historic old town.
There are different markets in Leipzig city centre but they are all organised by the city authorities with the same opening times.
One of the most important locations for the market is on the central Marktplatz (Market Square) near the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) with the traditional city Christmas tree. The stalls on the nearby Naschmarkt behind the Old Town Hall specialise in handicrafts.
The Market Square location is linked to the other main grouping of Christmas stands by the pedestrian Grimmaische Strasse, which turns itself into a fairytale forest with decorated trees.
This connects to Augustusplatz in front of the Opera, featuring more stalls, a nostalgic carousel and a Ferris wheel that provides stunning views over the city. There is also a small Finnish Christmas market here.
Both the St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) and the St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) also have smaller markets nearby.
Dates: 26.11.24 - 23.12.24
Opening Times
10.00 - 21.00 (Sunday to Thursday)
10.00-22.00 (Friday and Saturday)
(22.12.23 : 10.00 - 20.00)
On the final day only the stalls in Marktplatz will remain open.
Other Things To Do in Leipzig
During a visit to Leipzig, there are numerous attractions and activities to experience. Here are three popular options that cater to different interests:
Explore Leipzig's musical heritage: Visit the St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) where Johann Sebastian Bach served as a cantor and composed some of his most renowned works. Afterward, head nearby to the Bach Museum to learn more about the composer’s life and music through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and listening stations.
Discover Leipzig’s art scene: Make your way to Spinnerei, a former cotton mill turned contemporary art district, which houses numerous galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces. You can spend hours exploring the various exhibitions or join a guided tour for an in-depth understanding of the site’s history and its transformation into an artistic hub.
Visit the Monument to the Battle of Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal): This impressive monument commemorates the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, one of the largest battles in European history, which led to Napoleon’s defeat.
The monument stands at 91 meters (299 feet) high, and visitors can climb up to an observation platform for a panoramic view of Leipzig and its surroundings.
Find out more about the main sights in Leipzig at GermanSights.com
Plan Your Own Christmas Market Break in Leipzig
Leipzig/Halle Airport is located to the north of the city around 18km away from the centre. It is linked by the S5 regional train line to the main railway station. Many InterCity train services also stop at the airport.
Leipzig's main railway station, the Hauptbahnhof, is located just outside the city centre to the north. Leipzig/Halle Airport Express (or AEX) is a bus service which connects the train station to the airport. The city does not have an underground rail service but does have an extensive tram system. All the local services are integrated into a common ticket service by the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB).
Travel Information
Leipzig-Halle Airport: www.mdf-ag.com
National Railways: www.bahn.de
Local Public Transport: www.l.de
Tourist Office: www.leipzig.travel