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Welcome to the 2026 Christmas Markets in Sondershausen
During Advent, the small residence town of Sondershausen in northern Thuringia turns festive in two places at once, on the market square below the castle and in the historic courtyard of the Residenzschloss itself. Both markets complement each other and are easy to combine in a single visit.
Sondershausen's Christmas Markets at a Glance
Sondershausen Christmas Market: The Traditional Market by the Palace
The classic Sondershausen Christmas Market takes place on the Marktplatz, right below the impressive Residenzschloss. Over four days before Christmas Eve, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, Thuringian bratwurst and rostbrätl, a carousel for younger guests, and a daily afternoon visit from Santa Claus. Exact 2026 dates have not yet been officially confirmed; in previous years the market ran around the third Advent weekend.
Palace Christmas Market: The White Palace Christmas in the Courtyard
In the courtyard of the Residenzschloss, the White Palace Christmas turns the historic setting into a small but especially atmospheric winter wonderland. Around 20 carefully selected vendors offer crafts, gift ideas and culinary specialties, along with an ice rink, daily live music and a supporting program from the palace museum. Exact 2026 dates are still pending; in 2025 the event ran from December 18 to 28, daily from 2pm to 9pm.
Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Sondershausen
The Advent season traditionally opens with a mulled wine event in the city center on the first Sunday of Advent. This is followed by the main Christmas market on the Marktplatz, while the White Palace Christmas in the courtyard stays open into the Christmas holidays, offering daily live music and special tours from the palace museum.
Tickets and Admission for the Sondershausen Christmas Markets
Both the Sondershausen Christmas Market on the Marktplatz and the White Palace Christmas in the courtyard are completely free to enter. Only the ice rink, along with food and drink at the stalls, come at their usual cost.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Sondershausen
- The Marktplatz and the palace courtyard are only a few minutes apart on foot, making it easy to combine both markets in one evening
- Sondershausen is located in the Kyffhäuserkreis district and is well connected by train via Erfurt or Nordhausen
- Warm clothing is especially worth packing for a visit to the ice rink in the palace courtyard
- Since Sondershausen is much smaller than Erfurt, accommodation in the area should be booked early
- It is worth checking the city of Sondershausen's website shortly before Advent, since dates and program details are updated regularly
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
