Events in Saxony are as diverse as the region’s sights and attractions – and a great way to experience many of the things that make this destination so unique. Choose from stand-out classical music moments, one-of-a-kind traditional events in the Ore Mountains and, of course, some of the best Christmas markets around. Find your favourite in every season, for families, friends, or couples, in nature or the city!
Events
Discover a range of inspiring events in Saxony
Celebrate Albert Lortzing at “Lortzing 26” in Leipzig
In 2026, Leipzig will honour composer, singer, and actor Albert Lortzing with a special festival marking his 225th birthday and 175th death anniversary. The ten-day event, “Lortzing 26”, runs from April 24 to May 3 and is part of Leipzig’s annual citywide festival days.
Lortzing, known for his comic and revolutionary operas, had a deep connection to Leipzig, where many of his works premiered. Highlights of the festival include ten performances, two new productions of The Armorer and Regina and repertoire favourites like Tsar and Carpenter and Undine. The program also features chamber and choir concerts, a scholarly conference, family-friendly events and city walks exploring Lortzing's life and legacy in Leipzig.
© Kirsten Nijhof
© David Pinzer
Dresden State Art Collections announces first exhibition highlights
From December 13, 2025 to mid-March 2026, the Albertinum will present an exhibition marking 20 years of the Gerhard Richter Archive. This milestone offers a moment to reflect on the archive's beginnings and its founder, Martin Roth, whose unconventional spirit and passionate dedication moved Gerhard Richter to entrust his archive to the Dresden State Art Collections—a gesture the artist acknowledged in 2017.
Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch stand out as pioneering figures in 20th-century painting. Through their expressive and emotionally charged works, they explored profound questions about human existence—from birth to death—offering bold, innovative artistic responses to the concerns of their time. This exhibition will “Life’s Big Questions” be on view at the Albertinum from February 8 to May 17, 2026.
2026 Highlights
In 2026, Saxony once more has very special events on the agenda. Choose one (or more) to your liking and combine your visit with a city break or an exploration of the region’s beautiful nature.
From 06 September 2025, Dresden:
To mark William Kentridge's 70th birthday, the Dresden State Art Collections are dedicating several exhibitions to the South African artist's work.
20 September 2025 to 22 February 2026, Dresden:
“The blue swords- Meissen in the GDR” - this special exhibition will tell for the first time the story of the Meissen porcelain manufactory in the second half of the 20th century.
From end of November 2025
Christmas Markets will open all over Saxony. Whereas the big ones are open for visitors daily, check out our Christmas section for more information about the hidden gems, which are sometimes only available on weekends or on specific days.
20 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, Pillnitz:
Enjoy the magic of Christmas lights at the Christmas Garden in Pillnitz, Dresden
From 24 January 2026, Leipzig:
Exhibition-opening of Yadegar Asisis 360° panorama “Antarctica”
31 January, 3 April, 6 April, Dresden:
Enjoy Richard Wagner's “Parsifal” at the Dresden Semper OperaFrom 27 March 2026, Dresden:
Exhibtion- opening of Yadegar Asisis 360° panorama “Great Barrier Reef”
11 and 12 April 2026, Dresden:
Enjoy the Steam Train Festival
01 May 2026, Dresden:
Traditional Fleet Parade of the Saxony Steamship Company
From 10 May to 17 May 2026, Dresden:
Be enchanted by the 54th International Dixieland Festival, Europe's longest-established old-time Jazz festival.
From 15 May to 14 June 2026, Dresden:
Enjoy the beauty of classical and contemporary music at the Dresden Music Festival.
From 22 May to 25 May 2026, Leipzig:
Wave Gotik Convention - largest Gothic festival worldwide
From 11 June to 21 June 2026, Leipzig:
Bach Festival - "In Dialog"
From 22 August 2026 to 10 January 2027, Dresden:
Exhibtion „Correggio“- one of the most influential painters (1489-1534)
3 Saturdays in September 2026, Moritzburg:
Marvel at beautiful horses at the Stallions' parades in Moritzburg
18 September to 20 September 2026, Meissen and Radebeul:
Enjoy Saxon wine at the Meissen Wine Festival and the Autumn Wine Festival in nearby Radebeul.
From 20 September to 27 September 2026
EURORANDO 2026 - the largest hiking event in Europe comes to the Ore Mountains
From 1 November to 08 November 2026, Leipzig:
Mendelssohn Festival - Mendelssohn masterpieces and the music of the Romantic period are the focus of this year’s Mendelssohn Festival
From 25 November to 24 December 2026, Dresden:
592nd Dresden Striezelmarkt
Saxony to Celebrate Jewish Culture in 2026 with a Year-Long Program of Events
In 2026, the German state of Saxony will shine a spotlight on its rich Jewish heritage with a year-long celebration titled “Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony.” This landmark cultural initiative will feature a wide range of events across the region, highlighting the historical contributions, contemporary life and vibrant traditions of Jewish communities in Saxony.
The celebration aims to foster greater understanding and visibility of Jewish culture through concerts, exhibitions, theatre productions, film screenings, public lectures, and interfaith dialogues. From Dresden to Leipzig, Chemnitz to Görlitz, institutions and cultural venues will collaborate to present programs that explore Jewish history, art, and thought—past and present.
A central focus will be placed on Jewish life in Saxony through the centuries, from the flourishing of Jewish communities in the Middle Ages to their tragic destruction during the Nazi era, and the resilient rebuilding of Jewish life in post-war and modern times. Visitors and locals alike will have the chance to engage with exhibitions on Jewish intellectuals, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who helped shape Saxon society.
The full schedule will be announced early 2026.
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