Meiningen, this Thuringian pearl of classicism with its rich artistic and theatrical tradition, is also worth a visit, especially in winter. Meiningen was the capital and residence of the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen from 1680. The town became internationally famous above all for its theater, the theater reform under Duke Georg II and the heyday of the Meiningen court orchestra under the leadership of conductors such as Hans von Bülow and Max Reger. The Gothic and neo-Gothic town church "Unserer lieben Frauen", the highest monument in the town, is the focal point of the old town. It was here that Reger, master of the Meiningen court chapel, composed at the organ.

Meiningen Christmas magic © Meiningen GmbH

The English-style parks lie quietly
The special atmosphere of the town is particularly noticeable at Christmas time: the English-style parks lie quietly, reminiscent of the time when Meiningen rose to become one of the most important cultural centers in Germany, as Weimar's little sister. The English Garden lies in the middle of the town center - and the castle park lies between Elisabethenburg Castle and the Werra. The Werra flows through it and is spanned by cast-iron bridges - utterly romantic.

Royal history at Christmas time
And royal history was written right here in the baroque palace, as a small exhibition in the southern corner rooms of the Middle Gallery shows: For Adelheid Louise Theresa Caroline Amelia von Sachsen-Meiningen, born in Meiningen in 1792 as the daughter of Duke Georg I von Sachsen-Meiningen and his wife Princess Louise Eleonore zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg, was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Queen of Hanover from 1830.

The tradition of the Christmas tree
In this year 1830, shortly after William IV became king, Adelheid organized a big Christmas party at Brighton Palace and also put up a Christmas tree. For every child and grandchild in the palace there were toys, sweets and all the trimmings of a Meiningen Christmas. After the feast, music was played and there was dancing.
Queen Victoria, her successor and niece, wrote that she loved and trusted Aunt Adelheid more than her own mother. And she had seen a decorated Christmas tree at Adelheid's house as a child - with sweets and presents that the Meiningen woman had prepared for the children. Based on this diary entry by 12-year-old Victoria, it can therefore be assumed that Adelheid brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to Great Britain. The custom then spread throughout the country under the influence of Victoria's husband Albert of Saxe-Coburg.

Meiningen Christmas Magic © Meiningen GmbH - Peter Steinwachs

Meiningen Museums
But from England back to wintry Meiningen: In addition to the traditional Meiningen State Theatre, the "Zauberwelt der Kulisse" theater museum, where the famous illusionist stage sets from the Coburg workshop of the Brückner brothers are presented, is also worth a visit. Also on display are the stage and costume designs by the "theater duke" himself, who was influenced by the history painters Wilhelm von Lindenschmitt the Elder, Wilhelm Kaulbach and Peter von Cornelius. The museum building once served as a ducal riding hall.
Another part of the "Meiningen Museums" is the baroque Elisabethenburg Palace. A three-winged complex that was built in 1682 and was the residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen until 1918: the town's urban landmark with its various collections of art, music and theater, the town hall housed here and the castle church with the "Johannes Brahms Concert Hall".

Theatermuseum Meiningen "Magic world of scenery", Wallenstein's camp © Theatermuseum Meiningen

Meiningen Christmas magic
"Meininger Weihnachtszauber" is the name of the festive Christmas market that opens its doors daily in the picturesque town center from November 24 to December 21. As every year, the market square in front of the imposing town church shines in the splendor of the Advent season. A particularly romantic highlight is the majestic Christmas pyramid, which creates a warm, glowing image in the cold winter air, as well as the idyllic real ice rink. Whether experienced ice skaters or little beginners with a skating aid - at "Meiningen on Ice" around the Heinrichsbrunnen, young and old can have their winter fun. And of course this year, the festive sounds of the Meiningen tower brass band, wafting from the tower of the town church, create an atmospheric ambience and make the Christmas market even more magical.
November 24 to December 21, 2025

Arts and crafts market at Elisabethenburg Castle
And the little town has much more to offer in winter: The traditional Advent calendar at the town and district library delights visitors with fairy tales every day at 5 pm - the arts and crafts market at Elisabethenburg Castle offers traditional and modern items. As one of the first arts and crafts markets in the region, it started in 1999 on the second Advent. The annually changing exhibitors offer a select variety of art, design and crafts. As always, admission includes a visit to the museum and all events. The "Zwickchenmarkt" offers culinary delights, Christmas floristry and much more. The museum café also awaits its guests with Christmas treats. And on the third weekend of Advent, the pottery market attracts visitors with its romantic flair and a Christmas tree auction.
December 6 and 7, 2025

The Meiningen State Theater in winter
Meiningen in winter is a town where art history is palpable, where many cultural events invite you to a romantic weekend visit, very close by, in the middle of Germany. Next year, the city will once again be in the spotlight as it celebrates the 200th birthday of the theater duke in 2026. The entire 2025/26 season of the Staatstheater will be dedicated to the Duke.
The prologue to the Georg Year 2026 began at the opening of the season with productions and projects on Meiningen's theater history.

And a very special pre-Christmas tip:
On December 9, 2025, the gala concert "A special night before Christmas" with soloists Markus Engelstädter, Steffi Denk and Lisa Wahlandt will be performed in the Great House. The musical spectrum ranges from rocking Christmas songs to classics from the "Great American Songbook" and ballads.

Staatstheater Meiningen "A Christmas Story" © Staatstheater Meiningen, Christina Iberl

A Christmas tale for children aged 6 and over is the play "A Christmas Story" by Charles Dickens, performed in Gabriela Gillert's version. The work, written 181 years ago, is still moving. Dickens' message is still impressively alive: What we give can change lives - and no one is too old to make a new start. Meiningen offers all this - and much more - in winter.
November 8, 2025 to January 18, 2026

Text Marc Peschke

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