SAXONY CELEBRATES THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

While the German state of Saxony is regarded as a “Christmas wonderland”, visitors are able to find the same atmosphere throughout the year.

The federal state has more than one reason to celebrate, as it has been declared the Official Cultural Destination of ITB Berlin 2021 and a year later will be the host country of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. ”The new concept of a cultural partnership is tailor-made for Saxony. This title provides a special opportunity to draw attention to Saxony as an outstanding and globally important destination for culture and cities along with unique natural attractions. We will be able to offer trade visitors from Germany and abroad a foretaste of events in 2022, when Saxony will be the official host country of ITB“, said Barbara Klepsch, State Minister for Culture and Tourism in the Free State of Saxony.

Indeed, when it comes to culture, Saxony is rich with hundreds of years of Christmas traditions and customs, many of which can be experienced throughout the year. These have been kept alive until today in such a multitude that one could refer to Saxony as having the highest density of Christmas experiences in Germany, with Dresden’s “Striezelmarkt” being the oldest Christmas market in the nation.  

Whether it be in factories, show workshops, museums, exhibitions or with performances of the Christmas oratorio by famous boys’ choirs like the “Thomanerchor” from Leipzig or the “Kreuzchor” from Dresden, there is a certain “cheer” unlike any other place in Europe. And of course, thousands of lights sparkle in Saxony from the first Sunday in Advent, illuminating streets and squares, castles and palaces, restaurants and cafés. 

Christmas in Saxony is closely connected to the old-established handicrafts. Their ambassadors are well-known all over the world. Wooden art from the Ore Mountains, Advent stars from Herrnhut, porcelain from Meissen, lace from Plauen, gingerbread from Pulsnitz and stollen from Dresden. Hand-crafted musical instruments from the Vogtland often define the magnificent sounds of festive Christmas concerts by famous orchestras like the Saxon State Orchestra or the Gewandhaus Orchestra. And the workshops, often looking back on many generations, grant their guests the proverbial glance over the shoulder of their master craftsmen on several occasions. 

When it comes to Christmas rituals, the Ore Mountains play a very special role with their unique tradition of artisanal manufacture of wooden art and toys. After all, the coolest guys ever come from the Ore Mountains. They have been carved out of wood and are known as nutcrackers and incense smokers, flanked by angels, “Schwibbögen” (candle arches), and Christmas pyramids as well as numerous figurines and decoration articles. They are part of the UNESCO world heritage in Saxony and an essential element of the Christmas wonderland. 

As we all know, Christmas time this year will probably be very different. Saxony is all the more happy to bring would-be travellers the magical Saxon Christmas atmosphere to their home, at least virtually, and set the mood for the up-coming festive time of year.

In combination with the joviality of Saxon hosts, a delightful “savoir vivre” awaits the guests in Saxony: https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/en/travel-topics/christmas-special/ 

Natural beauty, outstanding art and culture, world-famous traditional crafts and modern artisan businesses can be found side by side in Saxony’s seven travel regions. The local music scene has no equal anywhere in Germany. Spectacular castles, palaces and gardens are part of the state’s grand cultural heritage. Saxony also impresses visitors with its historical steam engines and automotive heritage.

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