The Christmas season in Berlin is gradually getting underway. December beckons with its many winter activities that fill the capital: Ice skating through the forest of lights or planning the New Year’s Eve party. But there are also some destinations outside Berlin that are worth a visit – especially now at Christmas time. These include the Dresden Christmas market. The city itself is famous for its sights, but did you know that it is also home to the oldest Christmas market in Germany?
The Dresden Striezelmarkt is a classic among Christmas markets throughout the country. It was first mentioned in a document in 1434 and is celebrating its 591st anniversary this year. From November 26 to December 24, you can stroll through the market every day between 10:00 and 21:00.
Lots going on at the Striezelmarkt
In keeping with the region, you will find the largest selection of traditional crafts from the Ore Mountains here, including candle arches, smokers, nutcrackers and Herrnhut stars. And here is another superlative: Dresden’s Christmas market is also home to the world’s largest step pyramid.
There is also a living Advent calendar. Every day at 4:15 pm, Santa Claus opens a little door on the stage. With a fairytale house, a Christmas bakery, the plum potato house (a craft workshop) and the Secret Santa cinema, there is also plenty of entertainment for children. If you’re still bored, you can also take a look at a giant walk-in candle arch.
Dresden delicacies: Try these originals
And in addition to the program and cultural stalls, there is of course plenty to eat. If you go to Dresden, you will definitely be rewarded: the market has some unique delicacies to offer.
The emblem of the market, protected and only offered by certified bakers, is the original Dresden Christmas stollen. Of course, you can also bake it at home, but there is probably nowhere else that tastes as good as the original. The Dresden Christmas market is even named after the famous pastry (in Middle High German it is called “Striezel”).
You should also definitely try the Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen, another famous Saxon pastry, and a Pflaumentoffel: a traditional, edible lucky charm made from dried plums.
Not to be missed: Important festival days 2025
In addition to the daily highlights, the Dresden Christmas market offers you even more program on certain days. The Stollen Festival and the Pyramid Festival are very special highlights in Dresden. Here you will find an overview of the most important festive days:
- November 26 (Wed): Ceremonial opening and cutting of the first stollen
- December 6 (Sat): Dresden Stollen Festival: Big parade with the giant stollen weighing several tons, which is then cut and sold.
- December 13 (Sat): Dresden Pyramid Festival: Festive event around the large pyramid.
- December 20 (Sat): Grand Miners’ Parade: over 500 miners and musicians parade through the Old Town in traditional costume
As the Striezelmarkt is very centrally located on the Altmarkt, you can ideally combine it with a visit to Dresden’s famous sights. Landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Semperoper and Residenzschloss are all just a few minutes’ walk away.