In an age of mass-produced trinkets and oversaturated glitz, Seiffen, a small village nestled deep in Germany’s Ore Mountains, offers something rare: an authentic Christmas experience where tradition, craftsmanship, and festive wonder are carved—quite literally—into every corner. Each spinning pyramid, carved angel, and glowing arch tells a story: of miners seeking light in the darkest winters, of generations preserving their wooden artistry, and of today’s visitors stepping into a living Christmas legend.
And this year, as Seiffen celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its beloved Christmas festival, there’s no better time to experience the magic for yourself.
A Journey Through Time and Tinsel
Your journey to Christmas begins in a small, snow-dusted village first mentioned in 1324 as “Cynsifen”. Originally a mining settlement, Seiffen was once famed for its tin and silver. But when the veins dried up, the villagers didn’t despair—they turned to the forests and the tools they knew best.
The solution? Wood. Ingenious miners reinvented themselves as toymakers, carving whimsical figures and nativity scenes in the long winter nights. By the 17th century, these creations were being sold at fairs across Europe, and Seiffen’s reputation as the “Toy Village” began to take root.
The Crafts That Built Christmas
Wander through Seiffen today and you’ll see the legacy of those early craftspeople alive and well. Local workshops still create the traditional toys and decorations that made this village famous:
Nutcrackers – Once political satire carved in wood, now beloved symbols of Christmas.
Schwibbögen – Ornate wooden arches lit with candles, often placed in windows, symbolising hope and homecoming.
Christmas pyramids – Tiered, candle-powered
carousels that spin slowly, depicting nativity scenes, carol singers, or miners at work.
Reifendrehen (ring-turning) – A unique craft where turned wooden rings are sliced into dozens of tiny animals and figures.
These aren’t museum pieces—they’re made today, by hand, by artisans in workshops you can visit. The Seiffener Volkskunst eG co-operative is a fantastic place to see craftspeople at work and even try your hand at the lathe.
A Village That Becomes Christmas
From late November to mid-December, Seiffen transforms into a glowing wonderland for its annual festival: “Weihnachtliches in Seiffen”—or simply, “Christmas in Seiffen.” Now in its 33rd year, the celebration draws visitors from across Europe, all eager to immerse themselves in the heart of German Christmas tradition.
Picture it: every shop window illuminated by candlelight, snow falling gently on cobbled streets, and the scent of Glühwein, roasted almonds, and fresh gingerbread drifting through the air.
This year’s festival features more than 40 stalls
(some listings even suggest over 50), offering everything from hand-carved decorations to warm regional delicacies. Local traditions include:
The Miners’ Parade – In full traditional costume, locals march through the village in honour of Seiffen’s mining roots.
The Living Toys Procession – Children dressed as wooden figures bring Seiffen’s heritage to life.
Lantern walks, carol concerts, and craft workshops for children and adults alike.
Museums That Tell a Story
No trip to Seiffen is complete without a visit to the Toy Museum, home to over 5,000 handcrafted pieces spanning centuries. Right next door, the Open-Air Museum recreates 19th-century rural life, complete with original workshops, homes, and tools used by early toymakers.
These spaces aren’t just exhibitions—they’re experiences. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the toys you may have known all your life.
A Perfect Christmas Getaway
For UK travellers, Seiffen offers a festive escape far from the crowded streets of bigger markets. It’s located about 60 km from Chemnitz in Saxony, close to the Czech border. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Dresden or Leipzig and drive (about 1.5 to 2 hours), or take a train and scenic bus route.
The village itself is compact and walkable, with plenty of cosy accommodation in traditional timber-frame houses. Guesthouses, inns, and small hotels welcome visitors with regional food and warm hospitality. Many even offer views over the snowy valleys and forested hills.
This Year, Step Inside a Snow Globe
So whether you’re hunting for the perfect heirloom ornament, sipping mulled wine in a candlelit square, or watching a master carver bring a tiny angel to life, Seiffen doesn’t just show you Christmas—it lets you live it. So skip the shopping centres this December, and instead, follow the sound of carols and the scent of spice to Germany’s magical Toy Village. Seiffen is waiting to wrap you in the warmth of a Christmas that never forgot its roots.
Christmas Opening Hours (approx.):
Mon–Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
Sat & Holidays: 10 am – 2 pm
Dec 1–23: 10 am – 5 pm
Dec 31: 10 am – 1 pm
Closed Dec 24–25, 29 and Jan 1
Tourist Information Seiffen
Located inside the Toy Museum: Hauptstraße 73, 09548 Kurort Seiffen
✉️ info@touristinfo-seiffen.de
🌐 www.seiffen.de
