Christmas Market of Wishes at Leuchtenburg
Set inside the medieval Leuchtenburg, the market brings together artisans demonstrating traditional crafts made from porcelain, leather, wood, and glass. Visitors can write their heartfelt wishes on porcelain plates and drop them into the depths from the 20-meter-long Skywalk of Wishes. The grounds feature live organ music in the porcelain church, a shadow cinema, the Porzellanwelten museum exhibits, and pony walks for children along the panoramic path.
What to Expect
Drop porcelain plates inscribed with your wishes from the castle skywalk.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Stiftung Leuchtenburg
Food & Drink
The market offers regional specialties and homemade baked treats from the Christmas bakery.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and craft-market fans
Vibe
Romantic, festive, hands-on
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
€
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: €12; children ages 6–16: €6; children through age 5: free. The table lists a family ticket for two adults and their children up to age 16 at €25, while the FAQ lists a Christmas family card at €19. Annual-card holders can use their card with no additional admission cost. Holders of an already purchased or gifted regular castle ticket may use it for the market, but no difference is refunded. Companions of disabled visitors whose ID has a B, Seitenroda residents who show ID, and press representatives are exempt from admission. – Get tickets
- Hours: Market: 11:00–18:00; castle and exhibitions open from 10:00 on market days.
- Parking: The road up to the Leuchtenburg is generally closed to traffic. Pre-registered shuttle minibuses for booked travel groups and supply and security vehicles are exceptions. Visitors may briefly drive up to drop off a disabled person, but must park the car back down below. Parking at the top is very limited; an independent disabled driver may be accommodated there after checking with staff. From the parking areas, the walk to the castle is 500 metres and 60 metres uphill, takes 10–20 minutes depending on parking place and fitness, and has benches along the way.
- Accessibility: The 500-meter asphalt path from the parking area has a 60-meter elevation gain without steps, and drop-offs at the top are permitted for visitors with disabilities.
- Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the castle and may enter the food venues and exhibitions.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online if you can, then go straight to the entrance at the castle gate instead of queuing in the visitor center.
- Bring your annual card or regular castle ticket with you, because staff can't let you in on an older ticket without seeing it.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the paved uphill walk from the parking areas, which climbs 60 metres and takes up to 20 minutes.
- Arrive early if you want to see the exhibitions first, since the castle opens an hour before the market stalls start.
- Write your wish on a porcelain plate and drop it from the 20-metre Skywalk of Wishes, because broken china is said to bring luck.
Special Events & Promotions
- Annual-card holders get into the market at no extra admission cost.
- Children up to age 5 get in free.
- Seitenroda residents get in free when they show ID.
- Companions of disabled visitors whose ID is marked B get in free.
- A family ticket covers two adults and their children up to age 16.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone who can't walk up the hill be dropped off at the castle?
Yes. The road up is closed to traffic, but you can drive up briefly to drop off a disabled person. Speak to the steward at the access road first. The car then has to be parked back down below. If a disabled driver is travelling alone, staff will try to arrange parking at the top, but those spaces are extremely limited.
How far is the walk from the parking areas to the castle?
It's 500 metres with a 60-metre climb on a step-free, paved path. It takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on where you park and how fit you are. There are benches along the way.
What is there for children?
Small St. Nicholas ponies walk with young visitors along the panoramic path. The castle's own goats move into the nativity crib in the courtyard for the market. There is also a shadow cinema, small surprises from Santa Claus and craft activities to make yourself.
Will my annual card or an existing castle ticket get me into the market?
Yes. Annual-card holders get in at no extra cost. A regular castle ticket you bought or were given is also accepted, but the difference isn't refunded. You must show the ticket, as there is no entry without it.
How can I apply as a vendor?
Fill in the 2026 vendor application form for the Weihnachtsmarkt der Wünsche and email it to kaiser@leuchtenburg.de.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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