If you’re interested in visiting somewhere with stunning Christmas markets, look no further than the Christmas markets in Dresden!
If you’re wondering whether a trip to Dresden is worth it during the dark, cold month of December, then the answer is, yes!
This post will give you an overview of each of Dresden’s 9 Christmas markets to help you plan your Christmas adventure.
Dresden at Christmas
Chances are, if you’ve landed here you already know a little about this East German city.
The stunning capital of Saxony sits on the banks of the Elbe and offers a view directly into the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
It’s renowned for its arts, culture and museums, being referred to as the Florence on the Elbe.
I’d say it’s well worth a visit any time of year, but let’s focus on Christmas right now.
Dresden experiences a dreary winter, with grey skies and misty rain. It’s not an inviting image, I know.
BUT.
And here comes the but.
Dresden and the entire region of Saxony takes Christmas very seriously.
Locals prepare for it throughout the year.
There are set dates and traditions which are adhered to because, as my Mother-in-law says, “Tradition is tradition”.
Prepare to experience absolute Christmas magic.
Interested to learn more about Christmas traditions in Dresden? Check out my post here.
What’s a Christmas market?
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.
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t worry. In December it‘s dark between 4 and 5pm, allowing everyone to enjoy a visit to the christmas markets in Dresden.
The twinkling lights, Christmas trees and the intoxicating smells of Glühwein, mixed with gingerbread will leave you feeling like you’re in a Christmas movie.
Typically, Christmas markets run from the first Advent all the way through to December 24 (and some even into the new year).
In 2024, first advent will be marked on Sunday, December 1.
How’s Dresden different?
Let’s be honest. Dresden isn’t the only city with stunning Christmas markets. They are a feature of Christmas celebrations throughout Germany and indeed many parts of Europe.
So what makes Chirsmtas markets in Dresden experience so special?
Oldest Christmas market
Dresden boasts the Striezelmarkt, the oldest Christmas market in Germany and possibly Europe.
It has been an annual part of Dresden Christmas celebrations since 1434.
Not only is it the oldest Christmas market but the Striezelmarkt also boasts the largest Candle Arch in the world, using this13.03m wide and 5.85m high structure as its entrance.
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt takes its name from the Middle High German word „Struzel“ or „Striezel“, the now world-renowned Christmas specialty cake, Stollen.
Regional specialties
Dresdner Stollen is a local delicacy that no family is without during the Advent time.
Widely available at Bakeries, shops and Christmas markets, be sure to grab yourself a slice of this local cake and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or Glühwein.
But there’s more than just Stollen!
Did you know that Saxony is also the home of Gingerbread? Called locally Pfefferkichen, it’s sold in every shape and size imaginable.
If you have more of a savoury palate, enjoy a Bratwurst or another regional dish, a hearty lentil soup.
Handmade Wooden decorations
Have you ever seen a nutcracker that looks like a soldier and wondered “what has that got to do with Christmas?”.
Originating from the the Ore Mountains not too far from Dresden, these traditional Christmas decorations can be seen everywhere throughout the Advent time.
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.
The number and variety of markets available
In total, there are 9 Christmas markets in Dresden, each with its own particular history and specialty offerings.
Many of Christmas markets in Dresden are held in the historic Old City, making it easy to wander between them.
Planning a trip to Dresden? Read my post “5 Things you need to know before you visit Dresden” here.
Wait, 9 markets?
That’s right, there are 9 Christmas markets in Dresden to explore.
Learn more about each market here (jump straight to number 9 if you want to know my favourite!).
1. Striezelmarkt
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 Ore Mountains, including candle arches, Christmas pyramids 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 candle arch entrance way, the world’s largest Christmas Pyramid 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.
At a glance:
- Held in the Altmarkt (Old City).
- Open daily between 10am and 9pm.
- Entry is free.
More information about the Dresdner Striezelmarkt available here.
2. Middle Ages Christmas market
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.
There is an entrance fee of 5€ for adults and 3€ for kids every weekend from Friday to Sunday.
This market is an absolute thrill to visit and is one of my two favourites every year.
It remains open after Christmas until early January, so if you visit Dresden for the new year, you won’t miss out on all of the Christmas market fun.
At a glance:
- Held at the Stallhof (the old stables of the Residential Palace)
- 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).
For full details, head here.
3. Christmas market at the Frauenkirche
Set beside the historic Frauenkirche, this small market is only a short walk from the Striezelmarkt.
It’s significantly less crowded and also offers stunning photo opportunities.
The 8-meter, climbable Christmas Pyramid acts as a stunning focal point for photos, or meeting place if you’re separated from your group.
Lose yourself in the twinkling lights, grab yourself a Glühwein and soak in the magic of a German Christmas under the silhouette of this incredible and historic church.
Specializing in locally crafted pottery, glassware and Vogtland lace, you’ll also find plenty of food and drink options.
Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to see the reduced prices here compared with the Striezelmarkt.
For families, this market is a must with Santa visiting daily at 4pm with gifts for all children.
At a glance:
- Held in the Neumarkt Square directly in front of the Frauenkirche.
- Entry is free.
- SANTA VISITS DAILY AT 4pm with gifts for all children.
4. Advent at the Neumarkt
While technically a separate market, it’s so close to the Christmas market at the Frauenkirche that it’s hard to knowwhen 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 of 2022 at this market was mulled gin. Warming and absolutely delicious.
At a glance:
- Held on the Neumarkt.
- Entry is free.
For full details, head here.
5. Romantic Christmas market at the Dresden Castle
This smaller and less busy market is in the style of the nineteenth century.
Offering traditional Dresden treats, including Stollen, this market offers a more relaxing market experience than the Striezelmarkt.
At a glance:
- Entry is free
For full details, head here.
6. Augustusmarkt
A short walk over the Elbe, directly opposite the Old City, is the Augustmarkt.
Stroll over the Augustus Bridge and you’ll be greeted by the twinkling Golden Rider statue.
Stretching the entire length of the Hauptstraße, Augustusmarkt celebrates youthfulness and strives to combine old tradition with new, taking its Christmas cues from around the world.
What it lacks in traditional handicrafts, it more than makes up for in playful, winter vibes.
It’s Dresden’s second largest Christmas market but is significantly less crowded and oh so cozy.
If you’re interested in exploring the Neustadt, the Augustusmarkt offers you the perfect place to start.
At a glance:
- On the Hauptstraße between the Goldener Reiter (Golden Rider) and Albertplatz.
- Entry is free.
For full details, head here.
7. Dresden Winter Lights on Prager Straße
Dubbed The gateway to the City of Christmas, the Winter Lights market transforms Dresden’s main shopping precinct into a Winter Wonderland.
The name says it all – lights.
Magical, twinkling Christmas lights everywhere, creating a Christmas experience unlike any other.
The Dresden Winter Lights boasts a 15 meter tall Christmas Tree which visitors can see lit-up every night.
Children and adults alike will relish the sight (and possibly a ride on) the two historic carousels at this market.
At a glance:
- Prager Straße shopping mall.
- Entry is free.
For full details, head here.
8. Elbhangfest Christmas market
Hidden away from the Old City in the stunning suburb of Loschwitz is my favourite Christmas market in Dresden.
Nestled in one of the most scenic parts of the city, you’ll have over the Elbe, up into the forested hills and be able to soak up the oldest remaining corner of Dresden.
Offering all of the traditional trappings of the Striezelmarkt without the bustle, this Christmas market is an experience to remember.
It’s slow pace, small size and stunning location make it well worth a visit!
If you’re after an authentic Christmas market experience while you’re in Dresden, this is the one for you.
While you’re in Loschwitz, take a ride on the famous Dresden Funicular and take in the breathtaking view over the valley; visit Kaffee Wippler, a bakery cafe that is an institution in Dresden or simply take in the most (in my opinion) beautiful corner of the city.
At a glance:
- Runs for only two weeks in December.
- Entry is free.
- Easily accessible by bus to Körnerplatz.
For further information, head here.
9. Postplatz
In 2022, Postplatz hosted an Apres Ski lodge during the Advent time.
In 2023, this square welcomed a Finnish Christmas market.
Check back here for further details about what 2024 will bring!
For more information about all things Christmas markets and celebrations in Dresden’s neighbouring cities, head here.
Not sure how to get around the city while visiting? Read more about how to get around Dresden here.
Bring on Christmas!
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 any Christmas markets in Dresden? Let me know which one your favourite was in the comments below.
