Things to Do in Leipzig in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Leipzig
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas market season is in full swing - Leipzig's markets run late November through December 23rd, and they're genuinely atmospheric without the crush you'll find in Dresden or Nuremberg. The main market at Marktplatz stays open until 9pm most nights, and you'll actually have space to browse the Erzgebirge wooden crafts without being elbowed
- Indoor cultural scene peaks in December - the Gewandhaus Orchestra runs its full winter program, Oper Leipzig has premium productions, and museums extend evening hours on Thursdays. This matters because you'll want indoor options when daylight ends around 4pm, and Leipzig's classical music heritage means the quality is exceptional
- Hotel rates drop significantly after December 20th - you're looking at 30-40% lower prices compared to September-October peak season. A decent hotel near the Zentrum that costs €120 in autumn will run €75-85 in late December, and you'll have your pick of properties since business travel shuts down
- The city feels genuinely lived-in rather than touristy - December brings out local traditions like Stollen baking and Advent coffee gatherings. You'll see actual Leipzigers at the markets buying gifts and meeting friends, not just tour groups, which gives you a more authentic sense of how the city actually functions
Considerations
- Daylight is brutally short - sunrise around 8am, sunset by 4pm. This gives you roughly 6-7 hours of usable daylight for outdoor exploring, and the flat winter light makes photography challenging. If you're planning to see multiple outdoor sites, you'll need to be strategic about timing
- The cold is damp rather than crisp - that 70% humidity means 0°C (32°F) feels colder than you'd expect. It's the kind of penetrating cold that gets into your bones during long walks, and you'll find yourself ducking into cafes more frequently than planned. Not ideal if you hate being cold
- Many smaller businesses close December 24-26, and some stay closed through New Year - this includes neighborhood restaurants, independent shops, and some attractions. The city doesn't shut down completely, but your options narrow considerably, especially if you're here over the actual holiday dates
Best Activities in December
Christmas Market Circuit Tours
Leipzig runs about eight distinct Christmas markets, each with different character. The main Marktplatz market handles the crowds, but the medieval-themed market at Nikolaikirchhof and the artisan market at Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz are less packed. December weather actually helps here - the cold makes the Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle taste better, and the early darkness means the lights look spectacular from about 4pm onward. Markets typically run through December 23rd, so plan accordingly if you're visiting late month.
Classical Music Performances
December is peak season for Leipzig's classical music scene. The Gewandhaus Orchestra performs Bach, Mendelssohn, and seasonal works multiple times weekly, while the Thomanerchor boys choir does Friday evening and Saturday afternoon Vespers at Thomaskirche. The indoor venues are heated, programs run 90-120 minutes, and the acoustics are world-class. This is genuinely what Leipzig does better than almost anywhere, and December programming tends to be the year's best.
Museum Circuit Days
December weather makes this ideal museum time, and Leipzig has several worth dedicating hours to. The Stasi Museum in the former secret police headquarters is genuinely chilling, the Museum der bildenden Künste has excellent German Romantic and contemporary collections, and the Bach Museum is interactive rather than stuffy. Most museums stay open until 6pm, with Thursday late hours until 8pm, which helps with the limited daylight.
Historic Cafe Culture Sessions
Leipzig's traditional cafes become essential in December - not just for warming up, but because the cafe culture here has actual history. Café Riquet has Art Nouveau interiors and serves proper Leipziger Lerchen pastries, while the cafes around Barfußgäßchen stay open late. The damp cold makes these indoor sessions feel necessary rather than indulgent, and you'll see locals settling in for 2-3 hour stretches with newspapers and Sachertorte.
Südfriedhof Cemetery Walks
This sounds odd but Leipzig's South Cemetery is a 19th-century park cemetery that's genuinely beautiful and eerily atmospheric in December fog. It's where you'll find graves of composers, artists, and historic figures, with Art Nouveau mausoleums scattered through the grounds. The bare winter trees and frequent mist make it photogenic in a Gothic way, and you'll have the place mostly to yourself. Free admission, open daily until dusk around 4pm.
Plagwitz Industrial District Exploration
The Plagwitz neighborhood west of center is Leipzig's converted industrial zone - old factories turned into galleries, studios, and independent cafes. December means fewer crowds and you can actually explore the Baumwollspinnerei art complex without fighting through opening night crowds. The raw industrial spaces feel appropriate in grey winter weather, and the independent coffee roasters here are significantly better than tourist zone options. Tram 14 gets you there in 15 minutes from Hauptbahnhof.
December Events & Festivals
Leipzig Christmas Markets
The main markets run from late November through December 23rd. The Marktplatz market is the largest with 250+ stalls, but the Nikolaikirchhof medieval market and the Finnish Christmas village at Augustusplatz offer different atmospheres. Markets open around 10am and run until 9pm most days. You'll find traditional Erzgebirge wooden pyramids, Stollen bread, and enough Glühwein varieties to require strategic sampling.
New Year's Eve at Augustusplatz
The city runs an official outdoor New Year's celebration at Augustusplatz with live music, food stalls, and midnight fireworks. It's well-organized compared to some German cities, with multiple stages and heated tents. Expect crowds of 15,000-20,000, mostly locals and regional visitors. Free admission, though food and drink vendors operate on cash or card.
Thomanerchor Christmas Concerts
The Thomanerchor boys choir performs special Christmas Vespers and concerts throughout December at Thomaskirche. These are the same choir that Bach directed, and the December program focuses on Christmas motets and cantatas. The Friday 6pm and Saturday 3pm Vespers are free but packed - the special Christmas concerts require tickets and book out weeks ahead.