Saxony Christmas Markets & Ore Mountains
Travel from Dresden via the woodcarving village of Seiffen and Annaberg to Leipzig, exploring festive markets and artisan workshops.
This itinerary connects the two major Christmas markets of Dresden and Leipzig with the woodcarving and mining traditions of the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge). Staying overnight in Seiffen allows you to avoid the daytime tour buses and experience the toy village illuminated at night. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Christmas atmosphere. Note that mountain roads can be snowy and require winter tires, and public transit is limited. Early booking for accommodation in Seiffen during peak season is essential. The trade-off is skipping Erfurt and Nuremberg.
Christmas markets generally run from late November to late December. Check official websites for exact dates each year.
Day by day
Day 1 · Dresden Striezelmarkt
Dresden（Altmarkt & Striezelmarkt、Frauenkirche & Neumarkt、Dresden Castle & Green Vault、Kreuzkirche）
Explore the Old Town on foot. The Altmarkt, Frauenkirche, and Royal Palace are all within a 10-minute walk.
The Green Vault is closed on Tuesdays. The Christmas markets are most crowded on weekend evenings.
Stay: Altstadt
Day 2 · Freiberg to the Seiffen Toy Village
Chemnitz（Freiberg Old Town & Cathedral、Seiffen Toy Village）
Drive from Dresden to Freiberg (about 45 minutes), then continue along mountain roads to Seiffen (about 1 hour).
Accommodation in Seiffen is extremely tight during Advent. Ensure your car is equipped with winter tires for mountain roads.
Stay: Seiffen
Day 3 · Annaberg & Chemnitz
Chemnitz（St. Anne's Church, Annaberg-Buchholz、Frohnauer Hammer、Karl Marx Monument）
Drive from Seiffen to Annaberg-Buchholz along mountain roads (about 48 km, 1 hour), then continue to Chemnitz (about 45 minutes).
Stay: City Center
Day 4 · To Leipzig Christmas Market
Leipzig（Old Town Hall & Market Square、St. Nicholas Church、Mädler Passage）
Take the autobahn from Chemnitz to Leipzig (about 1 hour). Explore the Old Town on foot from the afternoon onwards.
Stay: Leipzig Old Town
Day 5 · Leipzig: Bach & Departure
Leipzig（St. Thomas Church、Bach Museum、Leipzig Hauptbahnhof）
Walk to St. Thomas Church and the Bach Museum in the morning. Return your rental car at the Central Station in the afternoon before departing.