ADVENT 2026 · QUEDLINBURG · HARZ
Quedlinburg Christmas market 2026: dates, places and opening times
The main Christmas market on Marktplatz runs from 25 November to 22 December 2026. A second market at Mathildenbrunnen, three courtyard weekends and two smaller markets in Gernrode and Bad Suderode complete the Advent calendar. Here is what opens when, and how to plan around it.
When is the Quedlinburg Christmas market in 2026?
The Christmas market on Quedlinburg's Marktplatz is announced for 25 November to 22 December 2026. It opens Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 20:00, on Fridays from 11:00 to 22:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 22:00. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 17:00 on 25 November. The winter market at Mathildenbrunnen runs from 27 November to 21 December, and the private Advent courtyards open only on 28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December, from 11:00 to 19:00.
- Marktplatz
- 25 Nov – 22 Dec
- Mathildenbrunnen
- 27 Nov – 21 Dec
- Advent courtyards
- 3 weekends, 11:00–19:00
- Opening ceremony
- 25 Nov, 17:00
Which Christmas markets are there in Quedlinburg?
Quedlinburg has two regular markets in the centre and a series of courtyard weekends. Gernrode and Bad Suderode belong to the municipality but are separate excursions.
Marktplatz
The main market runs from 25 November to 22 December. It opens Sunday to Thursday 11:00–20:00, Friday 11:00–22:00 and Saturday 10:00–22:00. Start with a slow circuit and agree a meeting point at the edge of the square, because among similar lights an individual stall is not a reliable landmark. Daylight helps you get your bearings, and the evening lighting gives a second impression.
Mathildenbrunnen
The winter market in the historic New Town combines food and drink with a light installation. It runs from 27 November to 21 December. Monday to Thursday it opens only from 15:00 to 20:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00–22:00 and Sunday 11:00–20:00. On 21 December it closes at 18:00. On weekdays, visit it later in the day.
Advent in den Höfen
On the first three Advent weekends, private courtyards between the timber-framed houses open from 11:00 to 19:00: 28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December. Not every courtyard takes part each weekend. Schützenhof, number 6 on the official plan, is announced only for the second and third weekends. Check the current courtyard plan before you go.
What happens in Gernrode, Bad Suderode and at Finkenherd?
These events run on fixed dates or at fixed times. Plan them as their own part of the day rather than as a quick extra stop.
Advent im Stiftshof
Beside the collegiate church of St Cyriakus in Gernrode, this market runs from 11 to 13 December: Friday 16:00–22:00, Saturday 14:00–22:00 and Sunday 11:00–19:00. Parts of the programme are described only for Saturday and Sunday, so do not assume they also run on Friday. You need a separate journey there and back.
Grubenlichtermarkt
A one-day market in the Kurpark on 28 November, from 14:00 to 20:00, themed on local mining traditions. The official leaflet gives 17:00 as the start of the miners' parade. Ask on site about the route and viewing areas, and check your return transport before you set off, because evening services may be less frequent.
Living Advent Calendar
From 1 to 23 December, participants meet at Finkenherd 1/2 at 16:30 and walk together to a different house each day. On 24 December the start is at 13:00. It is a fixed departure, not a drop-in window, and no finishing time is confirmed. Arrive in good time and avoid a tight connection afterwards.
How do the opening times affect a visit to Quedlinburg?
The markets, courtyards and museums keep different hours. Putting them in the right order saves time.
Old Town first, New Town later
Monday to Thursday, Mathildenbrunnen only opens at 15:00. A sensible order is a museum or Old Town walk first, Marktplatz in the early afternoon and the New Town towards the evening. The castle museum is closed on Mondays, so do not plan it as your morning activity on that day.
A selection, not a marathon
Choose two or three courtyards that match your interests, such as glass, ceramics or garden gifts, and order them by their actual entrances. Courtyards close at 19:00, while Marktplatz stays open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. That makes the main market a natural place to finish the evening.
The fourth Advent weekend
By the fourth Advent weekend the courtyard series has finished. The weekend still works for a market and culture trip: the castle museum in the morning, Marktplatz in the afternoon, then Mathildenbrunnen or the Advent Calendar at Finkenherd. Marktplatz closes at 22:00 on Saturday and 20:00 on Sunday.
Quedlinburg Advent calendar 2026
The key dates in order, as announced at our research date. Individual courtyards and activities may have their own times.
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25 Nov
Marktplatz opens
The main market begins its season; the opening ceremony is scheduled for 17:00.
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27 Nov
Mathildenbrunnen opens
The winter market in the New Town starts, with food, drink and a light installation.
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28–29 Nov
First courtyard weekend
Advent courtyards open 11:00–19:00. On 28 November the Grubenlichtermarkt takes place in Bad Suderode, 14:00–20:00.
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1 Dec
Living Advent Calendar begins
Daily departures from Finkenherd 1/2 at 16:30 until 23 December.
-
5–6 Dec
Second courtyard weekend
Courtyards open 11:00–19:00; Schützenhof joins from this weekend.
-
11–13 Dec
Third courtyard weekend and Gernrode
Courtyards open on 12–13 December; Advent im Stiftshof in Gernrode runs from Friday to Sunday.
-
21–22 Dec
Season ends
Mathildenbrunnen closes at 18:00 on 21 December; Marktplatz ends on 22 December.
Before you choose your date
All dates and routes in one PDF
The Quedlinburg Christmas Markets 2026 guide brings the market dates, courtyard weekends and smaller events together with seven day routes. It also covers museums, parking, trains and a rainy-day plan.
- Full 2026 dates table with opening windows
- Seven routes, from four weekday hours to a two-day stay
- 50 pages, instant PDF download
Frequently asked questions
When does the Quedlinburg Christmas market open in 2026?
The market on Marktplatz opens on 25 November 2026, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 17:00. It runs until 22 December. Daily hours are Sunday to Thursday 11:00–20:00, Friday 11:00–22:00 and Saturday 10:00–22:00. The ceremony and the daily trading hours are separate pieces of information, so check both if the first evening matters to you.
When are the Advent courtyards open in Quedlinburg?
Advent in den Höfen takes place on the first three Advent weekends: 28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December, from 11:00 to 19:00. Some courtyards keep different times or take part only on certain weekends. Schützenhof, for example, is announced only for the second and third weekends. The courtyards are not open on weekdays or on the fourth Advent weekend.
Is the Quedlinburg Christmas market open on Mondays?
Yes. Marktplatz opens on Mondays from 11:00 to 20:00, and Mathildenbrunnen from 15:00 to 20:00. A Monday can work for a relaxed market visit, but the castle museum is closed and the courtyards are not part of the weekday programme. Plan an Old Town walk for the earlier part of the day instead.
Is there a Christmas market in Quedlinburg after Christmas?
No. The main market ends on 22 December and the Mathildenbrunnen winter market on 21 December. The Christmas pyramid is announced to stay open longer, but that does not mean the stalls continue into January. On 24 December the Living Advent Calendar meets at Finkenherd at 13:00, which is the last fixed Advent event in the guide.
How far are Gernrode and Bad Suderode from the Quedlinburg markets?
Both belong to the municipality of Quedlinburg but are not part of the central walking circuit. Treat them as separate excursions and look up transport there and back for your exact date. Gernrode's Advent im Stiftshof runs from 11 to 13 December, and the Grubenlichtermarkt in Bad Suderode takes place on 28 November only.
More for your Advent trip
Research status 26 October 2026: this is an independent Tabiara guide, not an official publication, so please check the official Quedlinburg sources before you travel.