Bautzen Wenzelsmarkt
Set against the backdrop of historic baroque townhouses, wooden market stalls stretch across the old town from the Hauptmarkt along Reichenstraße to the Kornmarkt. Around 80 merchants and food vendors offer treats such as bratwurst, roasted almonds, and regional mulled wine alongside handmade goods, Herrnhut stars, and Christmas pyramids. Families can enjoy live holiday music, puppet theatre, and visits from Santa Claus.
What to Expect
Germany's oldest chronicle-recorded Christmas market, dating back to 1384.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stadt Bautzen
Food & Drink
Around 80 vendors offer bratwurst, donuts, roasted almonds, regional and international mulled wine, and fish products.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and historic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Parking is available close to the old town; visitors are advised to use the parking guidance system.
Tips & Advice
- Follow Bautzen's parking guidance system when you drive in, since it leads you to the parking right next to the old town.
- Bring children along to watch Santa Claus open the Advent calendar with the kids, which happens every day of the market.
- Stop by the Pop-Up Wenzelsmarkthütte more than once, because its regional traders and Oberlausitz products keep changing through the season.
- Walk the whole market from the Hauptmarkt along Reichenstraße to the Kornmarkt and the museum forecourt, since the stalls stretch across all of them.
- Visit on one of the two Advent shopping Sundays to combine the market with the decorated shops and vaulted boutiques around it.
Special Events & Promotions
- Two shopping Sundays in Advent, with the town's shops open alongside the market.
- The Pop-Up Wenzelsmarkthütte, run by the city-centre management, with constantly changing offers from regional Oberlausitz traders.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids and families?
Christmas music, puppet shows and fairy-tale hours keep families entertained. Every day, Santa Claus opens the Advent calendar together with the children.
What food and drink is there?
Around 80 traders and food vendors serve everything from bratwurst, donuts and roasted almonds to mulled wine from the region and around the world, plus fish specialties.
What can I buy?
Christmas decorations, handicrafts, handmade goods, textiles and toys. Look out for German honey, sheep and alpaca wool, classic Herrnhut stars, Christmas pyramids and plenty of gift items.
Where should I park?
There's parking right by the old town. Follow the city's parking guidance system to find a space.
Why is it called the Wenzelsmarkt?
It's named after the Bohemian King Wenzel IV, who granted Bautzen market rights in 1384. That makes it the oldest Christmas market in Germany named in a chronicle.
More Christmas Events Near Bautzen
More Christmas Events near Bautzen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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