Zwickau – Zwickauer Schlossweihnacht 2026

Zwickauer Schlossweihnacht 2026 takes place from Friday, 27 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026, on all four Advent weekends at Schloss Osterstein. The organiser, Krauß Event GmbH, describes this edition as a family Christmas event featuring arts and crafts, warm fire pits and plenty of activities for children. Festive lights also illuminate the historic castle walls. Various areas for browsing and relaxing are set up around the grounds and inside the castle. Unlike the Zwickau Christmas market on the Hauptmarkt, Schlossweihnacht is a separate event with an admission fee.

Zwickauer Schlossweihnacht 2026: all four Advent weekends

The market opens on Friday, 27 November, and is also open from 4 to 6, from 11 to 13, and from 18 to 20 December. This makes twelve event days in total. It is open only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The programme starts in the afternoon on Fridays, while on Saturdays and Sundays it starts earlier. There is no regular Schlossweihnacht market from Monday to Thursday. For the exact opening times on each of the three weekdays, refer to the opening times section of this calendar listing. This lets you plan your visit for a specific weekend day.

Admission and Christmas token as a season ticket

According to the organiser's official press release dated 3 November 2026, adults pay a one-off cultural admission fee of five euros. Your admission ticket is a high-quality zinc Christmas token. It is transferable and valid for all twelve market dates. Children and young people under 18 years can also visit the market for free. Individual stalls, food and drinks cost extra, of course. The admission fee applies to the market grounds; the organiser describes many of the children's attractions there as free of charge. The cultural admission fee is therefore clearly separate from optional spending at the event.

Zwickauer Schlossweihnacht 2026: crafts at Schloss Osterstein

According to the organiser, more than forty regional traders and craft demonstrators are expected in 2026. For example, you can discover handmade items made from wood, ceramics, paper and soap. Schwibbogen candle arches and Christmas decorations are also on sale. Areas for exhibitors are planned in the historic Silberkammer and Schloss-Hofstube. The market thus combines the castle's distinctive architecture with a focus on traditional crafts. Whether you are looking for a gift or want to enjoy the atmosphere, you can stroll through the various indoor and outdoor areas. The allocation of individual stalls may change from one weekend to another.

Family programme with a fairy-tale cinema and campfire bread

Krauß Event promises several attractions for younger visitors. These include a toboggan run, a children's carousel, a fairy-tale cinema, baking bread on sticks over a campfire and encounters with alpacas. The programme also includes castle tours, story carving, fairy-tale storytelling and a session with Father Christmas. Check the official event calendar for exact show times. These activities are not a confirmed line-up of rides with named operators. For that reason, no potentially inaccurate attraction profiles are linked here. For families in particular, the combination of crafts, stories and the illuminated castle offers a change from the large city market.

Heated tents, food and drink, and getting there

There are sheltered areas even in cold weather. Three large heated tipi tents with Swedish fires provide around 200 seats in total. There is also a grill kota and covered fire pits where you can warm up on sheepskins. The bacaru tipi bar serves food and drinks. The site is at Schlossgrabenweg 1, 08056 Zwickau, just a few minutes' walk from the centre. According to the organiser, there is a larger car park at Alter Gasometer. You can take public transport to Neumarkt and then walk to the castle. Find out more about the event and tickets on the official Krauß Event website and in the press release 2026. You can find more Christmas markets in the Kirmestermine calendar.