In accordance with the miner's yearning for light, white fairy lights are shining on market places, light angels and miner figures are illuminating the windows.
The annual parades and processions of miners in their historic costumes in the strongholds of the former mining industry are particularly moving. Originally, the mountain processions and parades served to pay homage to the sovereign or his entourage on special occasions or when distinguished guests visited. Today, they are the highlight of the Erzgebirge Christmas markets and Bergquartale.
The miners of yesteryear also come alive in Freiberg: on the Saturday before the 2nd Advent, the Historische Freiberger Berg- und Hüttenknappschaft marches majestically through the old town in torchlight for the Mettenschicht.