What is Haus-Garten-Freizeit – and What’s behind HANDWERK Live?
The Haus-Garten-Freizeit (HGF) is one of Germany’s largest public trade fairs: nine days of shopping, advice, and hands-on activities centered around living, building, gardening, culinary delights, pets, and leisure – ideal for families, DIY fans, and anyone who wants to make their home more beautiful or smarter. In parallel, HANDWERK live is running: Here, guilds, businesses, and young talents demonstrate how modern craftsmanship works – with demonstrations, advice, and many “hands-on” moments. Both events are closely intertwined and showcase their strengths as a duo.
When and where Does the Trade Fair Duo Take Place?
The date for the double event is Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 8, 2026 on the grounds of the Leipzig Trade Fair. The dates are officially confirmed; HANDWERK live runs concurrently over the same period.
What are the Opening Hours?
For 2026, the daily opening hours are communicated as 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM – leaving enough time to explore halls, attend demonstrations, and calmly test, compare, and shop.
What can I expect at the exhibition grounds?
The HGF focuses on experience worlds instead of mere product lines: Garden & Green Living, Craftsmanship & Building, Enjoyment & Culinary, Family Experience with a farm and pet area, show kitchens, hands-on activities, and a stage program. The idea: find inspiration, speak directly with exhibitors, and – if it fits – buy or book immediately. In parallel, HANDWERK live conveys how traditional techniques and modern innovation come together: from insulation updates to energy-efficient solutions, to manufacturing quality and young talent formats.
Who should visit?
For families looking for a relaxed trade fair day with a program for everyone. For house and apartment owners planning construction or modernization projects. For hobby gardeners and animal lovers who want tips and accessories. And for DIY and craft fans who want to see professionals at work live – including direct advice. Through the combination with HANDWERK live, you get a market overview and practical knowledge in one place.
How Do Tickets Work – and What Do They Cost?
Tickets are available from November. Good to know: One ticket is valid for both fairs. So you buy once and have access to HGF and HANDWERK live. Ticket prices for 2026 are €15.00 in advance/online or €17.00 at the box office. Reduced admission costs €12.00 (online) or €14.00, children (6–12 years) pay €6.50, there are family tickets (€33.00) as well as an afternoon ticket from 2 PM (€10.50). Extra practical: Public transport is included – your trade fair ticket is valid on the day of your visit in MDV tariff zone 110.
Are there Combined Offers with other Fairs?
Yes. On February 7 and 8, 2026 applies “1 Ticket – 3 Fairs“: With the combined ticket, you also visit the concurrently running Motorcycle Fair – at no extra charge. Perfect if different interests meet within the family.
Stay Centrally & Relaxed in our Leipzig Hotels
For short distances during the trade fair, we recommend our two hotels: the Hotel am Bayrischen Platz in Zentrum-Süd and the Hotel Alt-Connewitz in lively Connewitz. Both are close to the city with direct public transport connections to the Leipzig Trade Fair (e.g., Tram 16 towards the exhibition grounds or S-Bahn). At Hotel am Bayrischen Platz, you are within walking distance of KarLi and quickly in the city center – ideal if you still need some Leipzig flair after a long day at the fair. Hotel Alt-Connewitz offers charming neighborhood flair near the green areas in the south – perfect for unwinding. Reliable Wi-Fi, strong coffee in the morning, and flexible check-in times ensure that your trade fair visit runs smoothly.
By the way, for both hotels, we have a trade fair deal: With the code lBh_HGF26, you save 5% on all overnight stays from 2026-01-30 – 2026-02-09.
How Do I Best Plan My Trade Fair Day?
Start with a rough plan: What is your main goal – garden update, kitchen upgrade, pet supplies, or construction project? Check the program beforehand and mark the demonstrations you want to see. Plan breaks in the culinary areas and use the advice directly at the stands – from financing to funding opportunities. Thanks to the included public transport ticket, you travel stress-free and save yourself the search for parking.
Why is a Visit in 2026 Particularly Worthwhile?
Because Leipzig consistently designs the trade fair duo as an experience and shopping fair: You can test, compare, take things with you – and at the same time gain sound expertise from the crafts. This saves research time, is fun, and leads to better decisions for home, garden, and leisure more quickly. In addition, there’s the long duration of nine days and the broad range of topics – ideal for planning a family day or specifically advancing projects.
Summary
Haus-Garten-Freizeit & HANDWERK live 2026 are the perfect duo for everyone who wants to combine inspiration and implementation: 2026-01-31 – 2026-02-08, daily 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, one ticket for both fairs, public transport included – and at the end, perhaps already the new hedge, the better kitchen, or the next DIY project in your luggage. Leipzig makes the spring kick in February possible – with trade fair flair, a hands-on mentality, and many “aha!” moments.
