Things to Do in Leipzig in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Leipzig
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Leipzig's Christmas markets open late November through December - four distinct markets within walking distance, each with its own character, from the medieval-themed market at Augustusplatz to the candle-scented crafts at Marktplatz.
- + Museum crowds thin out after the first Advent weekend; you'll find space to sit at the Bach Museum's listening stations and get unobstructed photos of the 1723 organ console.
- + The Gewandhaus orchestra schedules its most accessible programs in December - matinee concerts with English program notes, and tickets tend to release two weeks ahead instead of selling out months early.
- + Hotel prices stay moderate; Leipzig still flies under the radar compared to Dresden or Nuremberg, so you can book a room overlooking the Rosental park for the same price a hostel bunk costs in Berlin.
- − Daylight is scarce - sunrise after 8 AM and sunset before 4 PM - so any outdoor sightseeing needs to be front-loaded into the morning or you'll be photographing Nikolaikirche in twilight at 3:30 PM.
- − S-Bahn engineering works hit the suburban lines most weekends. If you're day-tripping to the Naumburg cathedrals or Wörlitz gardens, check the replacement bus timetable the night before.
- − Outdoor beer gardens shut by early December. The lakeside decks at Karl-Lieberknecht-Straße drain their lines and stack chairs, so the city's famous canal-side sundowners move inside to smoky speakeasy bars.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Leipzig in December smells of mulled wine. Fairy lights glow between the gabled market stalls. The air is crisp with the scent of roasted almonds. Low afternoon sun stretches shadows across wet cobblestones. The city's rhythm turns inward. Locals gather under the illuminated arches of the Old Town Hall for the ceremonial lighting of the towering Christmas pyramid. Their breath hangs in the cold air. Choir voices from that balcony signal the season's start. This tradition pulls everyone into the old town's heart. Later, the grand Gewandhaus concert hall has a reprieve. Its cavernous interior warms with the sound of Bach and carols during the Saturday Advent concerts. Light comes only from the great chandeliers overhead. This specific atmosphere blends historical ceremony with communal warmth. It defines a visit this month.
Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig
walking_tourThe Gruseltour Leipzig walking tour peels back the cheerful Christmas facade. It examines the city's macabre history. Over ninety minutes, guides lead you through dim alleys past centuries-old buildings. They narrate tales of medieval justice, plague pits, and local legends. These stories echo off cold stone. The experience is a deliberate counterpoint to holiday cheer. It reveals the historical layers under your feet.
Leipzig: Segway tour with a lot of driving fun • our bestseller!
guided_experienceThe Leipzig Segway tour is a swift, breezy way to cover ground. It goes from large parklands to the compact old town. You will feel the cool December air on your face. Glide silently past illuminated shop windows on Grimmaische Strasse. Circle the frozen pond in Clara-Zetkin Park. It combines modern mobility with panoramic sightseeing. This activity focuses on movement and perspective. It is good for those who prefer an overview before they start a deeper examination.
Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off
transportThe big city tour Leipzig hop on hop off bus provides a sheltered, narrated circuit. It covers essential districts from the monumental Battle of the Nations monument to the modern glass facades of the city center. Sit on the upper deck. You will hear the engine's hum and the guide's commentary. Watch the December world of Leipzig pass by through large windows. It is a practical framework. Use it to understand the city's layout before you walk out into the cold.
Leipzig exclusive: Old Town tour for a private group
private_tourThe Leipzig exclusive old town tour for a private group allows a tailored exploration. Your guide can adjust the pace. Linger in a courtyard's warmth. Discuss the intricate stonework on the Old Town Hall. Hear the detailed history of the trade fairs that built Leipzig's wealth. Feel the uneven cobblestones underfoot. Ask specific questions without a larger group's din. This is the definitive way to understand the city's architectural and commercial heart.
Guided tour of the historic South Cemetery for a private group
culturalThe guided tour of the historic South Cemetery in Leipzig is a serene walk. You will walk among elaborate gravestones and bare, towering trees. It is one of Europe's most significant park cemeteries. The silence is profound. It is broken only by the crunch of gravel and the distant call of crows. Your guide illuminates the stories of the composers, academics, and artists buried here. Winter light casts long, dramatic shadows across the monuments. This emphasizes the place's artistry.
Leipzig: modern guided tour of the old town - innovative & entertaining!
guided_experienceThe modern guided tour of the old town of Leipzig uses interactive elements. It connects the medieval past with the contemporary city. Guides point out subtle scars and symbols on building facades that most people miss. You might taste a traditional Leipzig treat like a *Leipziger Lerche*. You could hear a Bach melody played from a guide's speaker at a relevant spot. This creates a multi-sensory link to history. The approach is accessible and memorable. It works well for those new to the city's complex narrative.
Where to Stay in Leipzig in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
The official lights-on happens the Tuesday before the first Advent - choir sings from the balcony of the Old Town Hall, then the 3-storey Christmas pyramid spins for the first time. Mulled-wine stalls open immediately after. Locals bring their own mugs to avoid the €3 deposit queue.
Every Saturday at 4 PM the Gewandhaus orchestra plays a 70-minute 'Adventmusik' - half Bach, half carols, lights dimmed to chandelier level. Tickets are paperless. Show the QR on your phone and keep brightness up for the ushers.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Leipzig Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Leipzig.
See All Leipzig Tours on Viator