Dresden Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Dresden and surrounding areas
Dresden sparkles for the holiday season with the historic Dresdner Striezelmarkt at Altmarkt and a host of festive events across the baroque center and along the Elbe. Christmas lights illuminate the Frauenkirche and Semperoper while winter festivals and seasonal concerts complement traditional market stalls. Enjoy holiday activities, family-friendly attractions, and regional specialties as Dresden blends centuries-old customs with joyful modern celebrations.
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Christmas Markets
61 eventsGermany's oldest Christmas market with unique historical attractions.
Christmas Shows
21 eventsTraditional Christmas song evening by the renowned Dresdner Kreuzchor
Christmas Parties
10 eventsFestive Advent tour with wine tasting and traditional treats.
Christmas Activities
15 eventsBaroque estate ice stock sport with culinary packages.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Dresdner Striezelmarkt
Germany's oldest Christmas market with unique historical attractions.
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Dresden Striezelmarkt - Germany's Oldest Christmas Market
Germany's oldest Christmas market with unique festive traditions
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Bautzen Christmas Market (Wenzelsmarkt)
(Bautzen)
Germany's oldest Christmas market since 1384
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Schlesischer Christkindelmarkt zu GΓΆrlitz
(GΓΆrlitz)
Family-friendly Silesian Christmas market with ice skating.
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Dresdner Stollenfest
Procession of a giant Stollen
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Romantic Christmas Market at Dresden Castle
Romantic Christmas market at Dresden Castle
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Lights Near Dresden
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Dresden.
Christmas Garden Dresden
Step into a world of enchantment at Christmas Garden Dresden, transforming Schloss &...
View full details βWein & Licht at Schloss Wackerbarth
Experience the enchanting 'Wein & Licht' event at Schloss Wackerbarth, where the estate...
View full details βThree Wishes for Cinderella Winter Exhibition at Moritzburg Castle
Step into the enchanting world of 'Three Wishes for Cinderella' at Moritzburg Castle,...
View full details βDresden Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Dresden
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Dresden!
Dresden Christmas FAQ
The Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, is Dresden's premier annual event. Other significant events include various themed markets and festive concerts.
Dresden is famous for the Stollen cake, a traditional Christmas fruit bread, which is celebrated at the Striezelmarkt. The city also has a long history of Christmas markets dating back centuries.
The historic Altstadt, particularly around the Frauenkirche and Altmarkt, is beautifully illuminated. Exploring neighborhoods like Neustadt can also reveal charming local light displays.
The Altmarkt hosts the main Striezelmarkt, while Neumarkt and other squares feature additional markets. Look for smaller artisan markets in various districts for unique handmade goods.
Wandering through the Christmas markets, admiring the city's festive lights, and enjoying the ambiance of the historic squares are wonderful free activities. Many churches also offer free holiday concerts.
Families will enjoy the Striezelmarkt's carousels and festive atmosphere, as well as potential Santa meet-and-greets. Look for children's theater performances and family-friendly concerts.