Dresden Christmas Market, locally known as Striezelmarkt, is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. It takes place in Dresden's old town along the Elbe River and opens from Friday, November 29, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024. Dresden Christmas Market has three markets, namely, Augustusmarkt, Neumarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt. The market caters to 3 million Christmas market visitors annually and expects the same volume of visitors for the year 2023. The market features 250 wooden stalls that sell traditional decorations, ornaments, arts and crafts, toys, textiles and a variety of food and drinks. The market is free to enter, with rides, concerts and workshops available for additional fees. It offers a festive atmosphere to enjoy live music, shop for local crafts and taste regional delicacies.
What are the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Dresden Christmas Markets, known as Striezelmarkt, is one of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets. It takes place in the old town of Dresden and gradually expanded its duration and offerings over the centuries. Originally focused on selling mainly baked goods and seasonal delicacies, it later evolved to include a wide array of handcrafted items, traditional decorations, toys and unique gifts. The present-day markets feature over 250 stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations, ornaments, nativity figures, wooden toys and local food and drink specialties like Stollen cake and mulled wine, opening on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closing on Sunday, January 01, 2024.
Dresden Christmas Markets started as a single-day Christmas Eve market in 1434, allowed by Saxon nobles Friedrich II and Sigismund in Altmarkt Square, the present-day site of the market. Dresden evolved into one of Germany's most traditional and beloved Christmas markets. It became an integral part of Dresden's cultural heritage and a significant event on the city's annual calendar.
Listed below are the best Christmas markets in Dresden.
- Augustusmarkt. Augustusmarkt is the original market on the Hauptstrasse. It is located on Neustädter Markt, passing through the Dreifaltigkeitskirche. The market opens on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 07, 2024. There are 200 wooden stalls selling Christmas decorations, crafts, food and drinks that will be set up across Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Wittelsbacherplatz and Rindermarkt. Traditional German treats like stollen, mulled wine and international cuisine are highlighted at the Augustusmarkt Christmas market. An estimated 3 million visitors are expected at the market this year. Multiple transportation options, including walking, tram, metro and parking garages, provide access to the city center location.
- Neumarkt (Advent on the Neumarkt). Neumarkt (Advent on the Neumarkt) is a Christmas market in Neumarkt, Germany, that opens on Thursday, November 30, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 07, 2024. It is located in the historic central square, it features over 120 festive stalls and expects over 200,000 visitors. Stalls sell traditional Christmas items, ornaments, foods and drinks and there will be daily live music, including Christmas carols, classical, folk and more. Events include an opening ceremony, children's choirs, dance groups and brass bands. The 16th-century Old Town Hall provides a backdrop overlooking the market and hosts a small Christmas market inside. Neumarkt is accessible by direct train from Nuremberg in 30 minutes or via the A3 autobahn.
- Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher). Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher) is located on the Prager Strasse in central Stuttgart, Germany. The market is open from Thursday, November 30, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. This popular market attracts over 4 million visitors to its 200 wooden stalls selling gifts, decorations, food and drinks along the pedestrianized street. The market features a 15-metre-tall illuminated Christmas tree, festive music, traditional German fare like bratwurst and potato pancakes, as well as international foods. Visitors can easily reach Prager Strasse by public transport to experience the festive atmosphere of the renowned Dresdner Winterlitcher Christmas market.
1. Augustusmarkt
The Augustusmart 2023 opens on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 07, 2024, in the city center of Augustusmart. The market spans across Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Wittelsbacherplatz and Rindermarkt. There will be over 200 wooden stalls set up that will sell Christmas decorations, ornaments, arts and crafts, textiles, toys and a large variety of food and drinks.
Vendors at the Augustusmarkt feature traditional German Christmas treats like stollen, gingerbread, roasted nuts and mulled wine. There are international cuisine options available, from French crepes to Italian paninis. Several grills will sell hot sausages, potato pancakes and other savory items to enjoy while walking through the market.
The Augustusmarkt caters to 3 million visitors annually. Its central location in the city and reputation as one of the best Christmas markets in Germany contribute to its popularity. There will be live entertainment and activities scheduled throughout the market. A large Christmas tree decorated with over 3,000 lights will be set up in Marienplatz. Children can visit the Weihnachtsstadt, known as Christmas Village, where they can decorate cookies, make arts and crafts and listen to storytellers. Ice skating will be available at the market's outdoor rink located in front of the town hall building.
Visitors have several transportation options to reach the Augustusmarkt. The city center is walkable and several surface tram lines stop within the market grounds.
Tourists can take the metro, with the Marienplatz station providing direct underground access and numerous parking garages that surround the area. Travelers are encouraged to use public transit as vehicle traffic and parking is expected to be heavy.
2. Neumarkt (Advent on the Neumarkt)
The Neumarkt (Advent on the Neumark) in Neumarkt, Germany, opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. This Christmas market is located in the historic central square of Neumarkt and features over 120 festively decorated wooden stalls, with 200,000 Christmas market visitors expected to attend the festive market this year.
Visitors can browse the stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations, ornaments, wood carvings, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, toys, woolens and local food specialties. The cultural program includes daily live music performances on the stage in the center of the market. Musicians play traditional Christmas carols and classical, folk, pop and jazz music to entertain visitors. Special events include an opening ceremony, children's choirs, dance groups, brass bands and more.
The Chemnitz Old Town Hall provides a backdrop for the Neumarkt. The Renaissance building dating back to the 16th century, features a stepped gable and ornamented bay windows overlooking the market. The town hall hosts a small Christmas market inside on weekends.
Neumarkt is easily accessible for those looking to visit its famous Christmas market. Direct trains frequently run from Nuremberg Central Station to Neumarkt Station, taking around 30 minutes. Drivers can reach Neumarkt via the A3 autobahn and find parking in the town center. Regional buses connect surrounding towns and villages to Neumarkt's central bus station next to the train station. Neumarkt is walkable and the Christmas market stalls are within 5-10 minutes of the train and bus stations.
3. Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher)
Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher) opens on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. It is considered the most important Christmas market, renamed “Dresdner Winterlichter” (Dresden Winter Lights) in 2012. This popular market is located on Prager Strasse in Stuttgart, Germany.
Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher) in Prager Strasse is a busy shopping street in central Stuttgart. The street is closed to vehicle traffic and filled with wooden stalls selling gifts, decorations, food and drinks. The market features over 200 stalls along the mile-long street and attracted over 4 million Christmas market visitors.
Weihnachtsmarkt (Dresdner Winterlitcher) offers traditional German foods like bratwurst, potato pancakes, stollen and roasted almonds. Visitors can find international foods as well, including French crepes, Greek gyros and Italian paninis. The market features a Christmas Tree that is 15-metre-tall illuminated every night and festive music rings out.
When will the Dresden Christmas Markets open for 2023?
Augustusmarkt, the main Christmas Market in Dresden, opens on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 01, 2024. Neumarkt opens on Thursday, November 30, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 01, 2024. Weihnachtsmarkt opens on Thursday, November 30, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Where are the Dresden Christmas Markets taking place?
Dresden Christmas markets will take place in multiple locations in Dresden. Augustusmarkt takes place across the Augustus Bridge and the Elbe, along the main pedestrian street of the new town, Inner Neustadt. Aneumart takes place in the New Square, Neumarkt, next to Frauenkirche. Dresdner Winterlitcher is located between the city center and the main railway station of Dresden Hauptbahnhof.
Why should you visit the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Listed below are the reasons why you should visit Dresden Christmas Markets.
- Taste Feuerzangenbowle mulled wine. Feuerzangenbowle mulled wine is a regional specialty that combines rum, red wine, lemon, cloves and cinnamon, soaked in rum and set on fire to caramelize before adding to mulled wine. It is commonly served at Dresden Christmas markets.
- Make your own ceramics. Make your own ceramics at Dresden Christmas markets by attending hands-on ornament painting workshops. Visitors can choose porcelain, stoneware or wood pieces to craft personalized nutcrackers, miniatures and decorations. Create ideal homemade gifts.
- Taste original Dresden Stollen. Taste original Dresden Stollen and try the marzipan-filled Saxon fruitcake covered in powdered sugar. Dresden Christmas markets are the ideal place to sample this delicacy made from a 14th-century recipe.
- Enjoy the Advent music programs. Enjoy the Advent music programs that the Dresden Christmas features. It is daily live musical performances that get visitors into the holiday spirit. One highlight is listening to the world-famous Dresdner Kreuzchor boys' choir
What is the cost of entering the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Dresden Christmas markets do not charge an entry fee. Access to the market squares and streets is completely free. Visitors can explore the markets and all decorative displays, lights and most events at no cost. The only activities and items that require payment are carousel rides, special concerts, workshops, food, drinks and souvenirs. Rides cost between €2 ($2, £1) to €5 ($5, £4) per ride. Special concerts may charge €5 ($5, £4) to €15 ($15, £12) depending on who will perform. Workshops like crafting your own ornaments have a fee of €10 ($10, £16) to €20 ($21, £16). Food, drinks and souvenirs from market stalls range in price from €2 ($2, £1) to over €100 (USD $106, £87).
What are the attractions close to the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Listed below are the attractions close to Dresden Christmas Market.
- Semperoper. Semperoper is the Dresden opera house and home to the Saxon State Opera and the Dresden Staatskapelle. It is one of the best places to visit and is located 0.7 kilometers (0.4 miles) from the Dresden Christmas markets. This neo-Renaissance opera house opened in 1841 and seats over 1,300 people and caters to 50,000 Christmas market visitors to attend the Semperoper's holiday performances of operas, ballets and concerts.
- Zwinger. Zwinger is a palace complex built in the 18th century in Dresden's old town. It contains museums, galleries and gardens. The Dresden Christmas markets surround the Zwinger. The palace welcomes 500,000 Christmas market visitors during the Christmas season.
- Procession of Princes. The Procession of Princes is a famous Meissen porcelain mural located inside the Royal Palace. The “Procession of Princes” portrays Saxonian kings, lords and electors between 1127 and 1904, including the famous king Augustus the Strong. It is in the Royal Palace, which is 0.3 kilometers (0.2 miles) from the Dresden Christmas markets, with 200,000 Christmas market visitors touring the palace to see the mural on the 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles.
- Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr. Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr is a military museum located in the Albertstadt district of Dresden, 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) away from the Dresden Christmas markets. The museum displays artifacts from the 16th century to the present day related to German military history. The museum sees 20,000 Christmas market visitors who want to explore Dresden's cultural attractions.
Is there an alternative name for Dresden Christmas Markets?
Yes, the Dresden Christmas market has an alternative name which is Striezelmarkt. The Dresden Christmas market is known locally and historically as the Striezelmarkt. Striezel is the Saxon word for sweet stollen bread traditionally sold at the market.
The name Striezelmarkt dates back to 1434, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. It is sometimes referred to as the “Dresden Christmas Market” in English. Its official and original name used locally is the Striezelmarkt.
What are the Dresden Christmas Market's impacts on the Local Economy and Tourism?
Dresden Christmas Market has a significant positive impact on the local economy and tourism in Dresden. These are revenue generation, support for local businesses, employment opportunities, driving tourism and preserving tradition. The market generates significant revenue for local businesses, vendors, restaurants, hotels, transportation providers and other services. The market vendors, shops, cafes and other local businesses see increased sales and patronage from all the foot traffic in the area during the weeks of the market. Jobs are created, temporary and permanent, to support the vendors, operations, maintenance, security, transportation and other services needed to run such a large Christmas market event. The market draws domestic and international visitors to Dresden, increasing demand for hotels, holiday rentals, tours, guides, transportation and other tourism-related spending that provides revenue for the local tourism industry. Dresden maintains its heritage of arts, crafts, foods and music associated with the region and passes those traditions to new generations.
Are the Dresden Christmas Markets better than the Budapest Christmas Markets?
It depends. Both the Dresden Christmas Markets and Budapest Christmas Markets are renowned for their festive atmosphere and offerings during the holiday season. Budapest Christmas Markets display the rich heritage and artisanal craftsmanship of Hungary, offering a diverse array of handmade goods, including intricate ornaments, traditional textiles and Hungarian culinary delights. They are known for their lively entertainment, featuring local musicians, choirs and dance performances, making them a vibrant celebration of Hungarian culture. Dresden's Christmas Market, among the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, carries a historical significance deeply rooted in German traditions. It highlights local crafts, intricate wooden toys and handcrafted ornaments and presents an array of cultural performances that resonate with the essence of German Christmas festivities. Both markets attract crowds seeking an immersive experience of the local culture and holiday traditions. Both have unique qualities. Determining which is “better” depends on personal preferences.
What food can visitors eat in the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Listed below are the traditional German food that visitors can eat in the Dresden Christmas market.
- Stollen. Stollen is a sweet, dense fruit bread filled with raisins, citrus peel, marzipan and nuts that originates from Saxony. The famous Dresden Striezelmarkt is named after this Christmas treat and can be found at food stalls in Dresden Christmas markets.
- Bratwurst. Bratwurst is grilled over a wood fire and is a popular savory food. The best bratwurst has a perfect snap when you bite into it and a blend of pork and spices. It is paired with mustard and sauerkraut and served at stalls in Dresden Christmas markets.
- Lebkuchen. Lebkuchen is known for its thin, crispy gingerbread called Elisenlebkuchen. The best lebkuchen is soft, not too sweet and made with regional honey and almonds and is a specialty served at Dresden Christmas markets.
- Quarkkeulchen. Quarkkeulchen is sweet pancakes made with quark, a fresh dairy product similar to yogurt or sour cream. They are served at Dresden Christmas markets and are sprinkled with powdered sugar or fruit compote.
- Kartoffelpuffer. Kartoffelpuffer is a savory Dresden specialty made with potatoes, onions and flour fried to a crispy finish. It is served with applesauce or smoked salmon at the Dresden Christmas markets.
What to drink in the Dresden Christmas Market?
Listed below are the drinks you can have in Liege Christmas Market.
- Glühwein (Mulled Wine). Glühwein is a traditional hot spiced red wine that is a must-have drink at any Christmas market in Europe. Glühwein is available at the Dresden Christmas market. The red wine is infused with orange, lemon, cinnamon, star anise and cloves. It is usually served in commemorative mugs that you can take home.
- Feuerzangenbowle. Feuerzangenbowle is a mulled wine that has rum-soaked sugar set on fire to caramelize into the wine. It is a show to watch it being made and is available at the Dresden Christmas markets.
- Kinderpunsch. Kinderpunsch is a non-alcoholic hot fruit juice made with cherry, apple or grape juice that is available for kids and non-drinkers at the Dresden Christmas markets. It helps to keep you warm as you walk around.
- Heisser Kakao. Heisser Kakao is a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and is served in many stalls at the Dresden Christmas markets.
What can people buy at the Dresden Christmas Markets?
Listed below are the things you can buy at Dresden Christmas Market.
- Nutcrackers. Nutcrackers are carved wooden nutcrackers with mouths and arms, which are a famous Christmas tradition. They often depict soldiers, kings, miners or other characters, each hand-painted in brilliant colors, standing up to 2 feet tall. These are sold at the Dresden Christmas markets as souvenirs or gifts.
- Smoking men. Smoking men are fun incense burners made of wood carved into the shapes of men sitting and smoking ornate pipes. The smoke puffs out of the pipe's bowl. It is available in different styles like policemen, professors or woodchoppers and can be purchased at the Dresden Christmas markets.
- Pyramids. Pyramids are towering wood pyramids up to 8 feet tall and have tiers of rotating spires and figurines like angels. They are often illuminated from within by electric candles or LEDs. These pyramids are available at the Dresden Christmas markets.
- Glühweinspices. Glühweinspices sachets or pre-mixed bags containing cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, citrus peel, vanilla, cardamom and more. It allows you to make authentic glühwein at home and is available on stalls at the Dresden Christmas markets.
How to get to the Dresden Christmas Markets?
There are four ways to get to Dresden Christmas Market. These are by plane, train, metro, taxi and on foot. Firstly, by plane, Dresden Airport has flights from across Germany and Europe on carriers like Lufthansa and Eurowings. It is located 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) north of the city. The S-Bahn metro line S2 provides a direct 30-minute ride from the airport to Dresden Neustadt station, just a 5-minute walk from the market. Secondly, by trains, Dresden Hauptbahnhof central station has high-speed ICE trains to cities like Berlin, Leipzig and Munich. Regional trains also connect across Saxony. The station is only a 10-15 minute walk or quick tram ride away from the Christmas market in Altmarkt Square. Thirdly, by metro, Dresden's two metro lines, S-Bahn S1 and S2, both stop at stations just outside the Christmas market area along the pedestrian zone. The Transport Authority offers all-day passes for using the trams and metro to get around the city and market area. Thirdly, by taxi, taxis are easy to find at the airport, train station, hotels and throughout downtown Dresden. Rates start around €3 ($3, £2) and rides to the market are generally under €10 ($10, £8). Taxis can take you from your arrival point directly to one of the Christmas market entrances. Lastly, on foot, once in central Dresden, the compact Christmas market is walkable from most hotels and attractions within a 20-minute stroll. Just follow the festive lights and decorations. Guided walking tours of Dresden also frequently include a stop at the market as part of exploring the city.
Where to stay in Dresden during the Dresden Christmas Market?
Listed below are the best hotels to stay near Dresden Christmas Market.
- Hostel Lollis Homestay. Hostel Lollis Homestay is located in the Neustadt district, just 1.5 kilometers (miles) from Dresden Christmas markets. It offers simple and private rooms and dorms with shared bathrooms. There's a communal kitchen and lounge with a fireplace where guests can socialize.
- The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski. The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski is a 5-star hotel located right in the historic city center, 0.3 kilometers (0.2 miles) from the Dresden Christmas markets. It offers elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms. The on-site Frèd restaurant serves gourmet cuisine. The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski room rates can be confirmed here. The Taschenbergpalais Kempinski is a great option for staying in Germany, given its central location, luxurious accommodations and proximity to the Dresden Christmas markets.
- Hotel Bülow Residenz. Hotel Bülow Residenz is a 4-star boutique hotel in a 19th-century building in the Neustadt district. It is located 0.7 kilometers (0.4 miles) from the Dresden Christmas markets. The hotel features stylish, modern rooms and a spa with an indoor pool. The hotel's restaurant focuses on seasonal Saxon cuisine.
What are the best restaurants to eat in Dresden?
Listed below are the best restaurants in Dresden
- Pulverturm. Pulverturm restaurant is housed in a medieval powder tower overlooking the main market square. The restaurant has an array of elevated traditional German cuisine like duck confit, wiener schnitzel and flammkuchen pizzas baked fresh in their wood-fired oven with a starting price of €18 ($20, £15). It is advised to make an early reservation in advance during the busy Dresden Christmas market season. Pulverturm is a great option for eating in Germany with its traditional German dishes, historical setting and views of the Dresden Christmas markets.
- Zum Schwarzen Adler. Zum Schwarzen Adler is located 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) from the Dresden Christmas market. The restaurant is known for game dishes like venison goulash costs €25 ($28, £21) and wild boar sausage costs €18 ($20, £15). The restaurant features an Extensive wine list with German Rieslings.
- Zum Stadtkeller. Zum Stadtkeller is a tavern for snacks and beers starting before or after the Christmas market. The restaurant is best known for giant roasted pork knuckles, bratwurst platters, homemade pretzels with a starting price of and €15 ($17, £12). The restaurant is located 0.2 kilometers (0.1 miles) from the Dresden Christmas markets.
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