Like most well known Christmas Decorations, the German Christmas Light Arch or Schwibbogen has its roots in the Erzgebirge. On Christmas Eve, the minors would hold a special prayer service and meal in the mines. They would hang their lanterns in an arch pattern on the wall. This would fill the room with beautiful light.
After the late 1700s, the arch of minor lamps was recreated in a smaller model that was set in windows. A row of candles at the top of the arch, and special symbols underneath. They were made as gifts to the mining guilds, and were originally made from metal. Later as the mines of the Erzgebirge were tapped out, the minors switched over to making Christmas Decorations like Pyramids and Nutcrackers to support their families… they naturally built small Schwibbogen from to sell. Originally, they were lit by candles… but like many other decorations, the switch was made to electric light.
KWO Schwibbogen Candle Arch Erzgebirge German Smoker SMK211X68
And thankfully, in the past few years it’s been possible to buy them with a light kit for the United States, as well as replacement bulbs for the candles.
Today a setting a Schwibbogen in the window takes on whole new meaning. At the beginning of the 2020 Covid 19 Pandemic, people placed a German Christmas light arch in the window of their home as a sign of solidarity… as light against the darkness, as a way of brightening up a dark time.
Dregano Carolers Village Schwibbogen Candle Arch, Germany
German Christmas Light Arch- a Schwibbogen
They aren’t just for Christmas anymore! These beautiful lights against the darkness can be set up year round.
Traditional Schwibbogen have 11 Lights over the arch, and symbols related to mining or the Erzgebirge. Often you will see the famous small round Seiffen Church, a symbol of the area. Today’s light arches are much looser in their interpretation… Houses, snowmen, singers, trees, if you can dream it, you will find it in a modern Schwibbogen. Some are battery powered, some must be plugged in… check before you order.
With so many different interpretations and styles… Which is the perfect one for your home?
Elaborate Schwibbogen!
These are amazing! Lots of carving and figures… Kids (and adults) can spend hours admiring the details. Set one in the window, or on a sideboard. They electric lights make them safe.
BRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Old Town Winter Scene – 17.7 x 4.7 x 10.6 InchesBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Winter Landscape – 17.1 x 10.6 x 4 InchesClever Creations Wooden Christmas Advent Calendar, Countdown to Christmas, LED Holiday Decoration, Battery, Snowy VillageCandle Arch Schwibbogen Nativity by Lee KoldewynOld World Christmas Schwibbogen (GCD115) Tealight Display, MultiKurt Adler 18-Inch Battery-Operated LED Village TablepieceBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Winter Village – 11.8 x 3.5 x 9.8 Inches
Clever Creations Traditional LED Wooden Christmas Village | Light Up Winter Snow and Christmas Tree | Solid Wood Construction | Festive Holiday Decoration | Battery OperatedCandle Arch Schwibbogen Heidelberg CastleBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Winter Landscape – 17.1 x 10.6 x 4 InchesBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Old Town Winter Scene – 17.7 x 4.7 x 10.6 InchesBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Winter Village – 11.8 x 3.5 x 9.8 InchesBRUBAKER Christmas LED Light Arch – Winter Landscape – 12.2 x 3.1 x 9.5 InchesKurt Adler 18-Inch Battery-Operated LED Village Tablepiece
Schwibbogen for REAL CANDLES
These don’t plug in, and they aren’t battery operated. They require candles and a bit of care (keep them away from curtains!)
Seiffener Volkskunst German candle arch, length 25 cm / 10 inch, natural, original Erzgebirge by SV 15303Müller German candle arch Nativity scene with manger, length 30 cm / 12 inch, natural, original Erzgebirge by Mueller Seiffen MU 12314ISDD German candle arch Carolers, small village, length 32 cm/19 inch, natural, original Erzgebirge by Richard Glaesser SeiffenSeiffener Volkskunst German Candle Arch, Length 25 cm / 10 inch, Natural, Original Erzgebirge SV 15305
Electric or Battery operated Candle Light Arches from the Erzgebirge
These special Schwiboggen are all hand carved in the Erzgebirge. They cost a little more, but these pieces are destined to become family heirlooms. With careful handling and storage, they can last for year.
Authentic German Erzgebirge Handcraft Candle Arch – Musicians and Forest People – 67 x 42cm / 26 x 17 inch – Dregeno SeiffenDREGENO SEIFFEN eG Dregano Star Nativity Schwibbogen Arch Made in GermanyAuthentic German Erzgebirge Handcraft 3D-Double-Arch – Seiffen in Winter – 44x29x7cm / 17x11x3 inch – RATAGSAuthentic German Erzgebirge Handcraft 3D-Double-Arch – Marketer – 43x30x7cm / 17x12x3 inch – RATAGSCandle arch blank – 63x37cm / 25×15 inch – Dregeno SeiffenMüller German candle arch Carolers, length 30 cm / 12 inch, natural, original Erzgebirge by Mueller Seiffen
Richard Glässer Seiffen German Candle Arch, Nativity Scene, Length 80 cm / 31 inch, Natural, electrically Illuminated, Original Erzgebirge by Richard Glaesser SeiffenRichard Glässer Seiffen German Exhibition Workshop, Length 48 cm / 19 inch, Natural, electrically Illuminated, Original Erzgebirge by Richard Glaesser Seiffen
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