Cottbus Market of a Thousand Stars
- 23 November 2026 – 23 December 2026
- Cottbus, Brandenburg
The Market of a Thousand Stars transforms Cottbus city centre with over 1,000 Herrnhut stars, a three-tier pyramid and a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel. Noticeably smaller and calmer than the big western German markets, with a focus on regional crafts.
Source: https://www.reiseland-brandenburg.de/veranstaltungen-hoehepunkte/veranstaltungstipps/weihnachtsmaerkte/ · Checked 2026-10-08
What the Cottbus Market of a Thousand Stars is
The Weihnachtsmarkt der 1000 Sterne in Cottbus fills the city centre with over 1,000 Herrnhut stars, according to our event data, along with a three-tier pyramid and a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel. The 2026 edition is listed as confirmed, from Monday 23 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026. It is a regional market in the Lusatia region of Brandenburg.
Compared with the big western German markets, it is noticeably smaller and calmer, with a focus on regional crafts. That makes it a good choice for those who prefer a relaxed visit. The dates are confirmed, but opening hours and programme are set by the organiser, so check the official page shortly before you go.
Dates and the Advent calendar in 2026
The market opens on a Monday, 23 November, six days before the first Sunday of Advent on 29 November, and closes on Wednesday 23 December, the day before Christmas Eve. It therefore covers all four Advent weekends: 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December, and 19 and 20 December.
Because the opening day is a Monday, the first week is quiet. The busiest times are Advent Saturdays and the last weekend before Christmas, when people from the surrounding villages travel to the city. Weekday evenings, when the stars are lit, offer a calm atmosphere with plenty of space.
Character and what to see
The stars are the signature of the market. Herrnhut stars are the traditional folded paper or plastic stars that originated in the Moravian community of Herrnhut in Saxony, and the market uses them as its main decoration. The pyramid and the Ferris wheel provide the classic Christmas look, and the market offers stalls with regional crafts and gifts.
Cottbus is also worth exploring for its own attractions. The Branitz Park, a landscape garden designed by Prince Pückler, is a major sight, though in winter the park is quiet. The city also has a Sorbian-Wendish cultural presence, and the Staatstheater Cottbus has an Art Nouveau building with a December programme.
What to eat and drink
Typical market food includes Bratwurst, Glühwein, roasted almonds and sweet pastries. Lusatian specialities such as potatoes with linseed oil and quark and Spreewald gherkins might appear at regional stalls. We do not quote prices, which differ by stall and year.
For a sit-down meal, the restaurants near the market get busy on Advent weekends, so consider reserving. Warm drinks with local fruit are common in the region.
Getting there and where to stay
Cottbus has a regional express connection to Berlin that takes roughly an hour and a half, and further connections to Dresden and Leipzig via regional trains. The market is in the city centre, a short walk or tram ride from the station. By car, Cottbus is reached via the A15 motorway, and city parking is easier than in bigger cities.
Hotels in Cottbus are fewer than in large cities, but demand is lower than in Berlin. Booking ahead for weekends is still wise. Combining the market with a stay in the Spreewald is an option, though winter has fewer boat trips.
Public holidays and vacation days in Brandenburg
Brandenburg has no public holiday inside the market period. The first holidays after it are Christmas Day on Friday 25 December and Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December 2026. A visit on the first Advent weekend costs no vacation days. A full week from Monday 23 November to Sunday 29 November would take 5 vacation days.
To connect the market to the Christmas break, note that Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December are working days. With 24 December on a Thursday, taking 21 to 24 December off (4 days) gives you a block from Saturday 19 December to Sunday 27 December, since 25 December is a Friday holiday and 26 December a Saturday.
Tips and who it suits
The market suits couples, families and visitors who prefer a quiet, regional atmosphere to a big-city spectacle. It is less suitable for those who want a large programme of attractions. The wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel is a thoughtful feature for visitors with limited mobility.
Dress warmly, check the opening hours and bring cash for small stalls. If you combine your visit with the Branitz Park or the Spreewald, plan the daylight hours carefully, since winter days are short.
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Written and maintained by Basaveswara Rao. Last reviewed on October 10, 2026.