Christmas shift at the Upper Harz Mining Museum 2026 | Clausthal-Zellerfeld
The Upper Harz Mining Museum, in collaboration with the Clausthal-Zellerfeld Tourist Information Centre , is set to host a very special ‘Christmas shift’ at the museum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, provisionally scheduled for the first weekend of Advent – 28 and 29 November: On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, visitors can explore the buildings both above and below ground and experience mining in a festive setting. The combination of the industrial charm of the ‘Wood Age’ in mining and festive cosiness makes this market an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
On the lovingly decorated museum grounds, visitors and locals will then have the chance on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy mulled wine, punch, Lumumba and sweet treats, as well as hearty dishes, whilst browsing through the range of arts and crafts on offer.
Many local artists and stalls will be taking part, offering visitors the chance to pick up their first Christmas presents. You can also have your own coin struck as a souvenir or gift at the Oberharz History and Museum Association’s stall. There is also a special stamp available from the Harz Hiking Badge.
Christmas in the mine
One of the highlights, in addition to the musical programme, will be the guided tours on both days at hourly intervals from 11 a.m. through the Christmas illuminated above-ground and underground show mine. Here, over 200 Christmas lights provide a completely new perspective on the mining history of the Upper Harz.
Various trombone choirs and horn players as well as singers and children's groups provide musical entertainment. Christmas lectures and readings, some in the Upper Harz dialect, are also a must.
Programme 2026
Provisional programme (subject to change)
| SATURDAY 28 November 2026 | |
| 11.30 am – 1.00 pm | Lenk Trumpet Duo |
| 12.00 | Grand opening and welcoming speeches |
| 12.30 – 13.30 | Live music with ‘Sete Estrelas’ |
| 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm | Christmas music with Katinka |
| 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm | Christmas music with the Bergsänger |
| 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm | Crafts for children |
| 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Baking bread on a stick for children over the winter fire |
| 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm | Trombone choir |
| 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm | Harz Prize reading with Lyrik lebt e.V. |
| 5.30 pm – 6.00 pm | Open Advent Door: a short Christmas devotional |
| SUNDAY 29 November 2026 | |
| 11.30 am – 12.30 pm | Lenk Trumpet Duo |
| 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm | Christmas melodies with Natalie and Rainer |
| 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm | Father Christmas and his angels visit the Christmas service |
| 3.00 pm – 3.30 pm | RKS dance group |
| 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm | Baking bread on a stick for children over the winter fire |
| 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm | Crafts for children |
| 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm | Performance by the Clausthal-Zellerfeld Mining School Choir |
Guided tours of the Christmas-lit exhibition mine*: Saturday and Sunday: from 11.00 am at half-hourly intervals until 17.00 * Book at the ticket office on the day
Please check for updates on the event’s status and any changes before attending.
