Christmas markets are cozy, outdoor spaces offering the perfect place to meet with friends and family.
Here you can purchase the perfect gift, warm up with a mug of Glühwein (warm, spiced wine) and soak up the Christmas spirit.
While many markets are open during the day, they’re best enjoyed after the dark.
The twinkling lights, Christmas trees and the intoxicating smells of Glühwein, mixed with gingerbread and roasting meats will leave you feeling like you’re in a Christmas movie.
Why Christmas Markets in Dresden?
Let’s be honest. Dresden isn’t the only city with stunning Christmas markets. They are a feature of Christmas celebrations throughout Germany and many parts of Europe.
So what makes Christmas markets in Dresden so special?
In total, there are 10 Christmas markets in Dresden, each with its own particular history and specialty offerings.
Dresden boasts the Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Germany, celebrating it’s 590th year in 2024.
It’s also home to the world-renowned Christmas cake, Stollen. So beloved is Stollen here, that it has its very own annual festival on the Saturday before the second Advent (December 7 2024).
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt takes its name from the Middle High German word „Struzel“ or „Striezel“, the now world-renowned Christmas specialty cake, Stollen.
But there’s more than just Stollen!
Have you ever seen a nutcracker that looks like a soldier and wondered “what has that got to do with Christmas?”.
Well, it turns out, a lot! At least in this region.
Along with candle arches, wooden tree decorations and the Christmas Pyramid (a candle holder with spinning pieces), these iconic Christmas items are hand-created by certified craftspeople according to traditional methods.
That’s right, there are 10 Christmas markets in Dresden to explore.
Set in the historic old city of Dresden, the Striezelmarkt will wrap you up in a warm Christmas spirit hug.
It’s enormous Christmas trees, giant Christmas decorations, twinkling lights and the intoxicating smells of Gluhwein, gingerbread and roasting meats will leave you giddy.
The stalls offer everything you need to stuff stockings and fill the space under the Christmas Tree.
Of particular interest here are the hand-carved Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), including Schwibbogen (candle arch), Pyramide (Christmas pyramid) and tree hangings.
Not only is this the oldest in Germany but it’s the largest Christmas market in Dresden. If you’re after magical photo opportunities, surrounded by merriment, this is your market.
Whether you take a snap of the Schwibbogen entrance, the world’s largest Pyramide standing at 14.62m tall or the enormous, glistening Christmas trees, your Insta feed will get an immediate boost of Christmas cheer.
Striezelmarkt is the busiest of Dresden‘s Christmas markets. Expect large crowds, long lines and to pay a premium price for food and drink.
Held in the Stables of the Residential Palace , this Middle Ages Christmas market is a scene straight from history.
Everything at this market is on theme. Staff costumes, live music, roving entertainers and even the food and drink. Mead, anyone?
An assortment of handmade goods are available, including carved wood, leather work and metal products. Some of these are even made at the market, giving you a sneak peak into traditional methods of creation.
If you’re traveling on a budget, schedule your visit to this market during the week to avoid paying entry.
This market is an absolute thrill to visit and is one of my two favourites every year. It remains open after Christmas, so if you visit Dresden for the new year you won’t miss out on all of the Christmas market fun.
At a glance:
Free entry Monday to Thursday.
5€ for adults and 3€ for kids every weekend from Friday to Sunday (adult tickets include entrance into the raffle).
While technically a separate market, it’s so close to the Christmas market at the Frauenkirche that it’s hard to know when you’ve strayed from one into the other.
This is the market to visit if you want to experience tradition.
Tradition from the early 20th century to be exact, with staff dressing the part and all the details to match.
Here, traditional craftsmanship from the Guilds is celebrated.
Peruse the goods crafted by bell makers, sign writers, bag makers, engravers, watchmakers and toy makers.
Christmas spirit is further buoyed by the presence of carollers and festive music.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, here too the prices are slightly less inflated than those of the Striezelmarkt. Why not sample some local cuisine, like Langos, a Hungarian fried bread, typically served with sour cream, cheese and bacon)?
My favourite discovery at this market was mulled gin. It’s warming and absolutely delicious.
In 2024, Dresden will welcome the return of the Finn Village for its second Christmas in Dresden.
Featuring flame-grilled salmon, Glögi (Finnish mulled wine) and traditional Finnish handicrafts as gifts, the Finn Village on Postplatz offers a unique Christmas market experience.
and even a visit from the beloved children’s character Mumintroll, the Finn Village promises an experience unlike anything else in Dresden.
Open again for lovers of all things Alpine, particularly enjoying a cozy meal by the fire or a solid afterwork party.
This cute hut resembles what you’d find up on the ski slopes of the Alps, but right here in the heart of the city.
Offering traditional Christmas meals of Goose and red cabbage at some times and schnapps-fuelled parties at others, this is worth a visit if you’re travelling alone or just enjoying a night without the kids.
My favourite Dresden Christmas market is Hidden in the stunning suburb of Loschwitz.
If you’re after an authentic Christmas market experience while you’re in Dresden, this is the one for you. It‘s easily accessible with a short bus ride from the Old City.
Loschwitz offers the best views of Dresden. With the river Elbe on one side and the green hills on the other, this market is a true delight.
Offering food and drink typical of the region, you are also treated to traditional handicrafts and musical entertainment of all genres.
When you’ve soaked up all of the Christmas cheer, why not take a ride on the famous Dresden funicular and take in the breathtaking view over the valley? Or simply take a walk around this breathtakingly old and, in my opinion, the most beautiful corner of the city.
Now that you know about the 10 Christmas markets in Dresden, explore them all for yourself and have a wonderful time.
If you have time, there are even more stunning Christmas Markets in our neighbouring cities and castles. Why not head out to the Christmas market at Moritzburg Castle or to the traditional Canaletto Market in Pirna? You can learn more about the other Christmas Markets in the region here.
Dresden is well worth a visit any time of year, but its strong Christmas traditions and variety of Christmas markets make it all the more special to visit during the Advent Time.
Have you visited Dresden at Christmas time? Let me know about it in the comments!
