April 6, 2026
Dating back to 1458, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the oldest running markets in Germany. Hosted yearly in and around Leipzig’s Market Square, it boasts over 250 stalls offering all sorts of goodies.
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It’s a buzzing area filled with German street food, craft items, and festive decorations. If you want to make the most of your visit to Leipzig, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Discover must-try treats, exciting things to do, and personal tips to consider while visiting the Leipzig Christmas Market in Germany.
Tips for Visiting Leipzig’s Christmas Markets
Below are some of my best tips for visiting the Christmas markets in Leipzig.
Visit the Markets Early
Christmas markets close early in Germany. So don’t plan your visit to Leipzig too late, as the market closes on 23 December.
Don’t Think Glühwein Is the Only Hot Drink
This warm and delicious German mulled wine isn’t the only boozy drink to look forward to. Feuerzangenbowle (translating to “fire tongs punch”) is a hot punch made by burning a rum-soaked sugarloaf over mulled wine. It’s as tasty as it is interesting and will definitely warm you up on those chilly nights.
Bring Cash for the Pfand
The Pfand is the deposit you need to pay for your Christmas mug when buying any drinks. It costs €4, which you can get back by returning your mug. Alternatively, you can keep the mug as a festive souvenir.
Don’t Just Visit One Market
Leipzig’s main market is situated in Market Square, in front of the town hall. But there are many other markets just a short walk away. The Mediaeval market is a great step back in time. You’ll find other markets in Naschmarkt Square and Augustusplatz Square — including a Finnish market where you can buy smoked salmon.
Don’t Count the Calories
Don’t limit yourself to how much you can eat. There are so many exciting things to try that you likely won’t find back home or outside of the festive season.
Learn How to Bake German Sweet Treats
Don’t just try the exciting treats, learn how to bake them so you can make your own at home. The Kleinert Bakery is a short walk from Market Square and provides baking classes for delights like the Leipzig Lerchen.
Bring Lots of Cash
Many stalls don’t take credit cards, so carry plenty of cash with you. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the beautiful handcrafted ornaments and delicious food.
German Christmas Market Food to Try at Leipzig Markets
The Leipzig Christmas Market has all sorts of goodies to hunt down and try. Be on the lookout for some of these mentioned below.
Savoury Treats at Leipzig Market
Love potatoes? The kartoffelpuffer is a German potato pancake often served with apple sauce. Don’t let the odd combination scare you; it may sound wrong, but it tastes so right. The Kartoffeltornado is another potato treat perfect for eating on the go.
Be sure to try the red cabbage-topped hot dogs and flammkuchen, a sort of German-style pizza. These are especially great if you’re looking for veggie-friendly foods.
German Hot Drinks
Having rich hot chocolate is an obvious choice at Christmas time. You can also try Glühwein, Germany’s answer to mulled wine. The interesting feuerzangenbowle, a rum-filled punch, is another heartwarming drink. Or you can head to the Medieval Market to find honey wine.
Festive Leipzig Deserts
There are plenty of tasty things to treat yourself to at the Leipzig markets. Be sure to try the Leipziger Lerche, a local staple that’s almost like a small tart. The pastry is made with brandy and filled with nuts and jam.
Other delicious bites include the Krappelchen, a sweet pastry covered in icing, and baumkuchen, cakes made on a rotating spit. You’ll also come across Glühwein cheesecake (two delights in one!) and waffles filled with vanilla whipped cream.
Book: Leipzig 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour
Other Things to Do While in Leipzig
There’s more to Leipzig than its exciting markets. Consider these great things to do in Leipzig while in the city.
Conduct Your Own Orchestra at the Mendelssohn Haus
Leipzig is known for its rich musical heritage and as the birthplace of composer Richard Wagner. Try your own hand at conducting a (virtual) orchestra with a visit to the Mendelssohn Haus near Leipzig University.
Watch a Christmas Concert
The modern Gerwandhaus zu Leipzig sits a short walk from Augustusplatz and hosts festive concerts around Christmas. It’s the perfect place to escape the cold for a bit and enjoy some musical entertainment.
Book: Music in Leipzig – Bach, Wagner and the Thomanerchor
Admire the Art in Plagwitz
Situated in west Leipzig, the artsy district of Plagwitz is an area filled with art and cultural sights. The Leipzig Spinnerei is home to various art galleries and studios. There’s also an arthouse Cinema, Luru, where you may be able to catch a festive film.
Explore Leipzig’s Festive Corners
There are plenty of opportunities for festive photos in Leipzig. Head to the train station to admire a vintage merry-go-round. Or visit the historic Mädler-Passage to see its towering Christmas tree.
Leipzig Christmas Market | FAQ’s
Still, have some burning questions about visiting the Christmas market in Leipzig? Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
When is the Leipzig Christmas Market 2025?
The Leipzig Christmas Market is scheduled to take place from 25 November to 23 December in 2025.
Where Are the Leipzig Christmas Markets?
The main market is situated on the Leipzig Marktplatz (Market Square). From there, you can walk to Augustusplatz, another market spot that hosts a merry-go-round. And the Naschmarkt is just behind the town hall. You may find other areas with festive stalls, so don’t be afraid to wander around.
Bookable Tours For Your Trip To Leipzig
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