The nostalgic carousel turns gently, the children’s eyes sparkle in the glow of countless lights, the aroma of freshly grilled Coburg bratwurst hangs in the air and lovingly crafted arts and crafts can be found in the charming stalls. It’s Christmas in the Coburg.Rennsteig region.
During the holiday season, the Coburg.Rennsteig region is transformed into a truly magical Christmas wonderland. One in which history, craftsmanship and tradition come to life. The artfully illuminated Christmas markets captivate visitors from near and far with their winter magic. First and foremost, the historic market square in Coburg, which was laid out in the 15th century, is surrounded by half-timbered and Renaissance buildings.
During the Christmas season, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria takes place here, in the warm sea of lights of the former Upper Palatinate royal seat. Visitors can stroll through the medieval streets with the night watchman on evening tours or explore the city on their own, while the soft melodies of Christmas carols and the crackling of the cold winter air can be heard. The “Winterzaubernacht” (Winter Magic Night) is not to be missed. Under the motto “Coburg shines”, sparkling illuminations bathe the Upper Franconian city in Christmas splendor.
Christmas decorations from the Lauscha glassworks
What would Christmas be without the rich tradition of the Coburg.Rennsteig region? Would Christmas trees be less colorfully decorated, with no little dolls and stuffed animals under the tree? For centuries, the handicrafts centers around Coburg have been blowing, stuffing, painting and sanding for the holy festival. It is not for nothing that the toy town of Sonneberg was once dubbed the workshop of Santa Claus.
The delicate art of the glassblowers of Lauscha creates a very special magic. Packed in cotton wool, the Christmas decorations rest like a treasure, waiting each year to take their place on the tree. The baubles are light as a feather, fragile and delicate. Mouth-blown Lauscha Christmas tree decorations have been part of the intangible world cultural heritage since 2021. The small town in Thuringia in the Coburg.Rennsteig region is considered the birthplace of this art. Christmas tree baubles as fragile and beautiful as little treasures, which can be admired today in endless shapes and varieties. Visitors to the Lauscha glassworks can not only buy handmade Christmas decorations and watch professional glassblowers at work, but can also create their own dream baubles – and not just during the Advent season.
Christmas markets in the region
A different Christmas market every weekend in the Christmas season? The Coburg.Rennsteig region makes it possible. Whether medieval charm in Sesslach or traditional Franconian Christmas in the spa town of Bad Rodach. At the Lauscha Christmas ornament market, especially on the first and second weekends of Advent, everything revolves around handmade Christmas tree decorations. In the toy town of Sonneberg, the toy museum enchants visitors of all ages with stories of dolls, teddy bears and other gifts. And for those who can’t wait: At the Historical Christmas Museum in the Old Christmas Factory in Neustadt near Coburg, visitors have been able to immerse themselves in the glittering world of the Christkind since September.
