Last updated: 11. November 2024
Experience the Christmas season in Dresden with our comprehensive event guide. From traditional Christmas markets to cultural events, the Saxon capital offers a rich festive program for locals and visitors alike.
The historic city center transforms into a festive winter landscape, with the Striezelmarkt at Altmarkt Square as the focal point. Additional markets line up along Prager Strasse to the main station, while the Frauenkirche and Royal Palace provide an atmospheric backdrop. In the adjacent districts of Neustadt and Loschwitz, visitors will find additional Christmas markets with regional character.
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Dresden Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Garden
- What to Expect
- Unique lighting designs and a diverse gastronomic offer.
- Description
- The Christmas Garden Dresden offers a unique light display in Pillnitz Palace and Park. Discover a world in magical atmosphere, accompanied by festive classics. Let the many glittering illuminations whisk you away to a uniquely illuminated Christmas wonderland.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Christmas Garden
Dresden Holiday Markets and Shopping
Dresden Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- World's largest Erzgebirge step pyramid and walk-in candle arch.
- Description
- The Dresden Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and attracts visitors with superlatives like the world's largest Erzgebirge step pyramid and a daily Christmas cultural program.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Dresden Christmas Market
Advent on Neumarkt
- What to Expect
- Historical market facades and stalls
- Description
- The Advent on Neumarkt offers a unique atmosphere, characterized by historical market facades and stalls. Visitors can enjoy hot winter cocktails, grilled savory meats, and browse fine handmade goods from selected vendors.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Advent on Neumarkt
Munzgasse and Frauenkirche Market
- What to Expect
- Unique atmosphere with baroque backdrops and traditional crafts.
- Description
- The Christmas market at Frauenkirche in Münzgasse offers a unique atmosphere, surrounded by the impressive backdrop of the baroque Frauenkirche. Visitors can discover handmade Christmas decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Munzgasse and Frauenkirche Market
Postplatz Christmas Magic
- What to Expect
- Unique Après-Ski atmosphere with specially created mulled wine and cozy fireplace setting.
- Description
- The Dresdner Hüttenzauber offers over 2000m² of pure Après-Ski and Hüttengaudi. Fans of Après-Ski and Hüttengaudi can enjoy the specially created mulled wine daily at 16:00 or savor the Christmas goose with apple cinnamon and dumplings in a cozy fireplace setting.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Postplatz Christmas Magic
Augustusmarkt in Neustadt
- What to Expect
- The Ferris wheel at the Golden Rider with a fantastic view of the historic old town.
- Description
- The Augustusmarkt in Neustadt is Dresden's second-largest Christmas market, distinguished by its young and international atmosphere. It offers a diverse range of beautiful items and culinary specialties, representing both Saxon and international cuisine.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Augustusmarkt in Neustadt
Dresden Stollen Festival
- What to Expect
- A giant Stollen paraded through the Old Town.
- Description
- The Dresden Stollenfest is a centuries-old celebration that honors the baking tradition and the lively craftsmanship of the Saxon capital. It begins with a giant Stollen paraded through the Old Town and ends with the sale of the traditional Christmas cake.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Dresden Stollen Festival
Wenzelsmarkt
- What to Expect
- The oldest Christmas market in Germany with a historic old town setting.
- Description
- The 641st Bautzener Wenzelsmarkt opens from November 29 to December 22, 2024, offering a variety of culinary delights, Christmas decorations, handicrafts, and toys. Christmas music and puppet shows create a unique experience.
- Where
- Bautzen | More Info : Wenzelsmarkt
Chemnitz Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique wooden huts and regional specialties.
- Description
- The Chemnitzer Christmas Market offers a variety of Christmas items, food stalls, and hot beverages. Visitors can enjoy traditional Erzgebirge wooden Christmas decorations, delicious baked goods, and various specialties.
- Where
- Chemnitz | More Info : Chemnitz Christmas Market
Teschenmarkt
- What to Expect
- Audience with the princess and the Saxon Baroque ensemble
- Description
- The Teschenmarkt in Hoyerswerda is a traditional Christmas market held annually on the third weekend of Advent. It commemorates the work of Princess Ursula Katharina von Teschen in the 18th century and brings festive atmosphere around the market square in the old town.
- Where
- Hoyerswerda | More Info : Teschenmarkt
Meissen Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Visit by Santa Claus every Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 PM.
- Description
- The Meißner Weihnachtsmarkt offers a variety of Christmas items, including Erzgebirge woodcarvings, Christmas decorations, candles, and ceramics.
- Where
- Meissen | More Info : Meissen Christmas Market
Canaletto Market in Pirna
- What to Expect
- Unique lighting concept and wonderful town hall projections.
- Description
- The Canalettomarket in Pirna is a unique Christmas market that has been taking place since 2013. Inspired by the Italian painter Canaletto, it offers an breathtaking atmosphere with historic buildings and wonderful town hall projections. The market features a variety of traditional crafts and regional products, including delicious treats and beverages.
- Where
- Pirna | More Info : Canaletto Market in Pirna
Zittau Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Children's programs and surprises for the kids
- Description
- The Zittauer Weihnachtsmarkt offers a pre-Christmas atmosphere with mulled wine, sausages, gingerbread, and punch. Visit the festively decorated stalls featuring Oberlausitz handicrafts and enjoy the cultural program with Christmas tunes and children's activities.
- Where
- Zittau | More Info : Zittau Christmas Market
Moritzburg Castle Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional Stollen transport and Advent singing
- Description
- The Moritzburg Castle Christmas Market features regional vendors offering handmade products and seasonal items. A diverse program awaits all ages with Advent singing, puppet shows, spinning wheel demonstrations, and children's book readings.
- Where
- Moritzburg | More Info : Moritzburg Castle Christmas Market
Dresden Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dresden Christmas Circus
- What to Expect
- International artists and animal performances.
- Description
- The Dresden Christmas Circus offers a show full of international highlights with excellent artists and animal performances.
- Where
- Dresden | More Info : Dresden Christmas Circus