The flickering candles of the half-arched candleholders sparkle in all the windows. Wooden figures turn on magnificent pyramids in the glow of the light and tell of the faith of the miners. The unequalled ambience of the Erzgebirge mining tradition is perhaps most impassioned during Advent and Christmas.
The Erzgebirge is known as “Germany’s Land of Christmas”. Year after year, residents and visitors alike thrill in the experience of the miners in traditional costume assembling for their mining and musical processions.
Many ancient traditions are still kept alive here such as the “Mettenschichten” (the miners’ last shift in the mine before Christmas) and the “Hutzenohmd” (evening of music and songs). One of the highlights of Christmas in the Erzgebirge is without a doubt the traditional “Neunerlei” nine-dish feast!
