Advent and Christmas markets in the Harz Mountains 2025

Christmas market insider tips in the Harz Mountains

Are you looking for real insider tips among the Harz Christmas markets? In addition to the markets already mentioned, below we present other absolutely worthwhile options for enjoying festive stalls and pre-Christmas music.

Magic lights in Schierke

This year, Schierke will once again be ablaze with colourful lights. From 29 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, special houses, buildings and squares in Schierke will be illuminated with festive lighting in the glow of Advent and Christmas. The 35 illuminated locations include churches, the Schierker Feuersteinarena, the Mauseklippe cliff, the spa gardens and numerous tourist attractions such as restaurants, holiday homes and many more.

The Magic of Lights was first launched on the initiative of Claude Ciccolella, the restaurant manager of the "Montevino", with the idea of developing Schierke into an atmospherically illuminated village of lights in winter. He was inspired by the Wernigerode Christmas market and its atmospheric area around St Sylvestri's Church. In addition, the magic of lights is a further development of the former "Klippenglühen", which is now being realised on a much larger scale. The project was supported by the town of Wernigerode, the WTG, numerous associations, businesses and residents.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Christmas holidays, Schierke shines in modern LED light from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with mulled wine stands available at selected locations in addition to catering outlets. More than 289 LED spotlights and around 1,000 metres of cable provide colourful light installations at striking locations such as the Kalte Bode, the Mäuseklippen or historic buildings in the village.

This year's major highlight of the Schierker Lichterzauber is the MDR programme "Hol dir die Show", which will be broadcast live from the Schierker Feuerstein Arena on 5 December 2025 at 20:15. If you want to be there live, you can book tickets via this link. The ceremonial start of the Magic of Lights will take place on Saturday 29 November in the Kurpark. Visitors are invited to attend the official opening of the nativity scene from 4.30 pm.

Advent at the stud farm

For the first time in the history of the thoroughbred stud farm in Bad Harzburg, the doors will be opened to guests of all kinds for the Advent market. The Advent market, which takes place in a historic setting, offers stalls with all kinds of treats and drinks, 60 artisans and a living nativity scene for a particularly festive atmosphere. The Christmas atmosphere in the courtyard and stables is rounded off with a small music programme. Further information.

Kelbra Christmas market

The annual Christmas market in Kelbra will once again take place this year on the church square in front of St Georgii Church in Kelbra. The Christmas market café in the button-making museum will also be open once again.

Wegeleben Christmas market

The Christmas market in Wegeleben is taking place for the 26th time in a row in 2025 and attracts numerous visitors thanks to the large Christmas tree in the middle of the market square, which is brightly lit by fairy lights. The town hall and the Christmas courtyard, where lovingly decorated Christmas stalls offer all kinds of culinary delights, also shine in all their splendour. In addition to traditional winter stalls, there are also local clubs and organisations that invite you to go Christmas shopping. For children, there are various activities such as poetry, making wooden toys, baking biscuits, painting and handicrafts. Visitors can also make their own glass tree baubles. A varied stage programme with local artists and performances by kindergarten children and schoolchildren is also planned. There will also be carol singing on Sunday evening, after which the Christmas market will end in traditional style with a spectacular firework display. Further information.

Discover the magic of Christmas in the Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains already offer a wonderful mixture of historical ambience, warm hospitality and festive atmosphere. The atmospheric Christmas markets in the Harz are all the more suitable for getting in the mood for the most contemplative time of the year and sweetening the cold season a little. However, the unique atmosphere is by no means the only reason why a visit is worthwhile. Thanks to artisans from the region, the Advent markets in the Harz Mountains are also an ideal treasure trove for original gift ideas, from hand-carved wooden figures to lovingly crafted jewellery.

In addition, many of the winter markets offer an extensive supporting programme ranging from Christmas concerts and historical tours to living Advent calendars, which are also ideal for younger visitors. Not to mention the culinary delights such as Harz cheese, a simple bratwurst or a sweet Harz Baumkuchen. In summary, the Harz Mountains offer you a wonderful combination of traditional crafts, regional specialities and a festive atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Harz landscape. For all those who want to experience Christmas in a particularly romantic and historic atmosphere, the Christmas markets in the Harz region are an absolute must.

Have you got the urge to visit the Harz Mountains in winter and enjoy the Christmas markets, but you're still looking for the right accommodation? Then browse through our categories for hotels, holiday flats, holiday homes, group houses or campsites in the Harz to secure a place to stay for your winter holiday in the Harz early on.