Closing of the Capital of Culture year
Programme in Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture region
An outstanding year is coming to an end for the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 and 38 municipalities in the region. Under the motto "C the Unseen", countless committed stakeholders have put together a unique programme. Many people from near and far accepted the invitation to discover Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture region. On the weekend of 29 and 30 November, we will celebrate the finale of the Capital of Culture year and ring in the Advent season at the same time. On 5 December, the two European Capitals of Culture 2025, Chemnitz and Nova Gorica/Gorizia, will hand over the symbolic baton to Oulu 2026 in Finland and Trenčin 2026 in Slovakia.
When: 29 November 2025
Where? Various locations in Chemnitz and cultural capital region
Please observe the house rules for the "Feierabend!" event.
Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH
Maker Advent Christmas workshop
Sa, 29.11. / 12:00–18:00 / Stadthalle Chemnitz
On this day, the foyer of Chemnitz City Hall will be transformed into a large Christmas workshop. From Erzgebirge wood art to 3D printing, from ceramics to laser cutting: Stadthalle Chemnitz is the place for anyone who wants to try their hand at creativity and offers an insight into the extensive programme for this year's Maker Advent with many different hands-on activities.
European Mountain Parade
Sa, 29.11. / 14:00 / Theaterplatz
The Christmas season in Chemnitz traditionally begins with the Great Mountain Parade. Around 1000 traditional costume wearers, mountain musicians and mountain singers make up the impressive procession through the city centre. Mountain brothers and sisters from Thuringia, Brandenburg and the Czech Republic will also be travelling to the end of the Capital of Culture year. The parade starts at Theaterplatz and leads via Richard-Tauber-Straße, Straße der Nationen and Brückenstraße back to the starting point.
Christmas singing
Sa, 29.11. / 17:00 / Theaterplatz
The Christmas carol singing on the theatre square in front of the beautiful backdrop of the opera house has already been a great success in previous years and has attracted visitors from near and far. At the end of the Capital of Culture year, everyone is cordially invited to sing well-known Christmas carols together with the choirs of Chemnitz Theatre. The brass players of the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the musical accompaniment.
Closing time!
Sa, 29.11. / 20:00 / Brückenstraße
In the evening, we will come together on the stage on Brückenstraße to look back on the Capital of Culture year. This is also the moment to say thank you for a great Chemnitz 2025. Together we will celebrate the finale with artistic contributions from Oulu, the next European Capital of Culture in 2026, and take the great commitment, creative energy and many new impulses with us into the future.
From 9 pm, DJs from the United Club Convention will take over and Brückenstraße will become a dance floor.
Light art: James Turrell, Beyond Horizons 2025
Sa + Su, 29. + 30.11., Oelsnitz/Erzgeb.
In Oelsnitz/Erzgeb., the light installation "Ganzfeld - Beyond Horizons 2025" will open from 29 November on the site of the former Karl-Liebknecht mine in a former industrial hall that has been renovated for the artwork. The light sculpture by world-renowned American artist James Turrell completes the PURPLE PATH art and sculpture trail and is also a glowing finale to the Capital of Culture year. Tickets for the light artwork by James Turrell are available online via the website of the Museum Kohlewelt.
30.11th, 10 am - 4:30 pm: Bus tour along the PURPLE PATH (FULLY BOOKED)
Discover Artworks in Chemnitz and the region in the open air
A guided bus tour along the PURPLE PATH art and sculpture trail will take place on 30 November from 10 am to 4:30 pm. During the journey, you will gain insights into the background and contexts of selected works. The bus tour will take you from station to station, starting and finishing in Chemnitz. Participation is free of charge and only possible after registration. Individual stops are not possible. Please allow sufficient time and catering.
Tour start: 30 November, 10:00, Brückenstraße 4, 09111 Chemnitz
The tour starts at the artwork Seeds & Seats by Gabriela Oberkofler and Jacob Strobel opposite the smac.
End of the tour: Around 16:30, Schillerplatz, 09111 Chemnitz
The bus tour is already fully booked.
Full programme at the weekend
Around the final weekend, numerous events organised by our project partners and partner municipalities in Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture Region invite you to discover them. Whether exciting events and exhibitions in the museums, festive atmosphere at the Christmas markets or the lively nightlife: There is something to experience everywhere.
