- 📅 Period: February 16 to 22, 2026
- 📍 Highlights in Jena: Romantikerhaus, Kunstsammlung
- 🎭 Program: Shadow theater, star tours, workshops
- 🚗 Excursion destinations: Gera, Erfurt, Nordhausen
- 🎟️ Prices: Children from 1 Euro, workshop fees vary
Jena, 09.02.2026 – Only a few days remain until the start of the winter holidays in Thüringen. A week off school often presents parents with the challenge of finding exciting activities, especially when the weather outside is rather uncomfortable. However, there is no need for boredom in Jena: the city’s cultural institutions have developed special programs for children and teenagers that encourage creativity and a thirst for knowledge.
Fairytales at the Romantikerhaus
Those wishing to dive into the world of Jena Early Romanticism have come to the right place at the Romantikerhaus. In the heart of the historic center, the shadow theater play ‘Hyazinth und Rosenblütchen’ will be performed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The piece is based on a fairytale by the young poet Novalis, who was closely associated with the city of Jena.
The play tells the story of two young lovers whose relationship is tested by melancholy and the search for wisdom. Hyazinth leaves his home and Rosenblütchen to search for a goddess – a journey that leads him to a surprising realization. The production uses the interplay of light and shadow to make the poetic atmosphere of the fairytale accessible for children.
Event facts:
Date: February 18, 2026, 3:00 PM
Location: Romantikerhaus Jena, Unterm Markt 12a
Admission: 3 Euro, children pay only 1 Euro.
A Journey to the Stars at the Kunstsammlung Jena
For little astronomers and art enthusiasts, the Kunstsammlung Jena offers a special highlight. As part of the special exhibition by Japanese artist Hiroyuki Masuyama, children can explore the Milky Way without leaving Jena. In one exhibition room, Masuyama has recreated the galaxy from countless small images – a sight that is now rarely possible in brightly lit cities.
On Friday, February 20, the museum invites children to the guided tour ‘Karte der kosmischen Farben’. Participants will not only view impressive works that visualize the forces of nature and time but will also have the chance to get active themselves and create their own ‘intergalactic’ artworks. As spaces are limited, pre-registration is recommended.
Event facts:
Date: February 20, 2026, 2:00 PM
Location: Kunstsammlung Jena, Markt 7
Costs: Children 1 Euro, adults 3 Euro.
Creative Excursions in the Region
Those wishing to expand their radius will also find exciting offers in the surrounding area. In Gera, the association ‘Virtuosen und Schmierfinken’ focuses on animated films. In two-day workshops (e.g., starting February 16), children learn how to bring clay figures to life using stop-motion techniques or create digital animations.
In the state capital Erfurt, the Galerie Waidspeicher is dedicated to the life of the writer Mirjam Pressler. In addition to an interactive exhibition, writing workshops are held here where teenagers can discuss growing up and compose their own texts. For technology enthusiasts, the Jugendkunstschule in Nordhausen offers workshops ranging from 3D printing to designing future spaces using Artificial Intelligence.
Conclusion
The 2026 winter holidays in Jena and Thüringen offer a successful mix of analog crafting, digital technology, and cultural education. The programs in Jena, in particular, allow families to experience art and literature in a child-friendly and cost-effective manner.