As the late great Andy Williams said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”—and in Dresden, Germany, that couldn’t be more true. Known as the “Florence on the Elbe” due to its rich history, art, architecture, and cultural significance, Dresden transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with its cobblestone streets, historic squares, and stunning architecture serving as the perfect backdrop for some of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe. While the city is home to the famous Striezelmarkt—the oldest Christmas market in the world—there are several other markets scattered throughout Dresden, each with its own unique theme, charm, and festive delights. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the six best Christmas markets in Dresden (plus a couple of bonus ones), sharing everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. From traditional crafts to glowing light displays and delicious seasonal treats, this complete guide has everything you need to experience the magic of Dresden at Christmastime!
⬇️ Watch our “Dresden Christmas Markets” vlog for a closer look at our experience! ⬇️
Check out our Christmas Market Essentials Amazon list for ideas on what to pack and wear during your Christmas market visit!
If you’re looking for the best place to stay during your visit to the Dresden Christmas markets, check out these properties…
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Or, use the map below to find the perfect accommodations for you!
Quick Tips:
▪️ Bring Cash: Throughout Germany in general, cash is king, but this rings especially true at the Christmas markets with the large majority of vendors not accepting card or digital payment in any form. As far as how much cash to bring, we recommend €50–€60 per person, per day for food, drinks, and snacks. If you plan to do some Christmas shopping, you’ll want to bring an additional €50–€60 per day.
▪️ Understand the “pfand”: A pfand (AKA deposit) is the cost to rent a mug, plate, etc. at the German Christmas markets. If you return the mug, you'll get your pfand back. However, if you like the mug, you can simply not return it and keep the mug as a souvenir at the cost of the pfand. We’ve found that pfands range from €3 to €5.
▪️ Pay to potty: If you’ve traveled throughout Europe, you already know that it is very common to have to pay to use the toilets, and the same goes for Germany and the Christmas markets, so if you need to relieve yourself, be prepared to cough up the €.50-1.00 fee.
▪️ Learn some German phrases: Learning the language goes a long way with the locals, so learn some basic phrases before your arrival. And if you really want to impress the locals, use Babbel or Rosetta Stone in the months leading up to your travels to really embrace the local language and culture! Here are a few basic phrases/words to get you started:
▪️ Frohe Weihnachten (FROH-eh VIE-nock-t) = Merry Christmas
▪️ Danke/Danke schön (DAHN-kuh shh-OON) = Thank you/Thank you very much
▪️ Bitte/Bitte schön (BIT-uh shh-OON) = Please/You’re welcome
▪️ Eins (AI-ns) = One
▪️ Zwei (tsv-AI) = Two
▪️ Drei (dr-AI) = Three
▪️ Entschuldigung (en-TSHOEL-dee-gung) = Excuse me
▪️ Sprechen sie Englisch? (SHPREHKH-ehn zee EHNG-lish) = Do you speak English?
▪️ Layer up: Over the last 3 years, we’ve explored more than 30 Christmas markets with weather ranging from 20°F with freezing rain to 45°F and blue skies. The weather is predictably unpredictable at best but always prepare for rain/snow and cold with the ability to shed some layers if needed.
▪️ Wear comfortable shoes: Exploring the Christmas markets requires you to be on your feet a lot. Plus, you’ll be walking quite a bit as well, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes that are already broken in.
▪️ Come hungry: There are dozens of traditional German holiday foods to sample during your Christmas market exploration, so make sure to come with an appetite! Some of our favorites are Bratwurst (sausages) with Senf (German mustard), Reibekuchen/Kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Handbrot (German stuffed bread with ham and cheese), and Glühwein (mulled wine). If you have a sweet tooth, try Stollen (fruit bread), Quarkbällchen (fried dough balls coated in sugar), or Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds).
The Dresden Striezelmarkt
Location: Altmarkt
Set in the heart of Dresden, The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of Germany's most beloved Christmas markets, and with a rich history dating back to 1434, it’s the oldest Christmas market in the world! It takes place annually from late November to Christmas Eve and is open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm except for on the opening day and closing day when the hours are 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm and 10:00 am – 2:00 pm respectively. The market fills the historic city center with festive lights, the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and the sounds of laughter and Christmas cheer. The market’s name derives from Stollen, the iconic fruit-filled Christmas bread that is a centerpiece of the celebration and over the centuries, it has grown into a massive event that attracts visitors from all over the world. A central feature of the Striezelmarkt is its enormous wooden Christmas pyramid, which, standing over 10 meters tall, is one of the largest and most intricate of its kind. The market is also renowned for its handcrafted goods, including traditional wooden ornaments, nutcrackers, and angels, many made by artisans from the surrounding region. One of the market's key highlights is the ceremonial slicing of a giant Stollen during the Stollenfest, a celebration of this sweet treat that takes place every year on the Saturday before the second Advent. The market also offers a wide range of food and drink, such as wurst (sausages), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and of course, Glühwein (mulled wine). In addition, the Striezelmarkt is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with attractions like carousels, a mini “roller coaster”, and a Ferris wheel. And if you want a truly spectacular view of the iconic market, head to Holy Cross Church located at the southeast corner of the market square where you can climb 256 stairs to its 177-foot (54 meters) high observation deck. The climb is more than worth the views in our opinion! Regardless, whether you’re exploring the charming wooden stalls, enjoying live music, climbing to the top of a church bell tower, or sampling local delicacies, the Dresden Striezelmarkt offers an unforgettable experience filled with centuries of history, tradition, and holiday magic.
Advent at the Neumarkt
Locations: Neumarkt
Though a more recent addition to the city’s Christmas scene, The Advent at the Neumarkt Christmas Market has quickly become a beloved part of Dresden's festive offerings with it’s charming and intimate setting against the stunning backdrop of the Neumarkt square and the iconic Frauenkirche. This market was a personal favorite of ours with its beautifully crafted wooden stalls selling a variety of handmade goods, including ornaments, toys, leather goods, wool clothing, candles, and traditional German crafts, often with local artisans demonstrating their skills. Visitors can enjoy all the delicious treats expected at Christmas markets like wurst (sausages), Grilled Champignons (mushrooms), marzipan, and of course hot Glühwein (mulled wine). A favorite of ours (other than the mushroom and garlic cream sauce) that we couldn’t find at any other markets was the milk chocolate covered Baumkuchen (AKA Tree Cake), a unique and impressive German spit cake, made by broiling many thin layers of batter, which resembles the age rings in a tree trunk when it's cut. The market also emphasizes the spiritual side of the season, with Advent wreaths and nativity sets. Smaller and more relaxed than the larger Striezelmarkt, the Neumarkt Christmas Market offers a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the holiday spirit in a beautiful and historic setting. With its focus on local goods and traditions and its proximity to the magnificent Frauenkirche, it’s a perfect place for those seeking a more authentic and intimate Christmas experience.
Traditional Christmas Market at the Frauenkirche
Location: Münzgasse
Just steps away from the Advent at the Neumarkt Christmas market you’ll find the Traditional Christmas Market at the Frauenkirche. This single-street market is charming and intimate set in one of the city’s most historic and picturesque locations. Nestled around the stunning Frauenkirche, a baroque church rebuilt after World War II, the market offers a peaceful alternative to the larger Striezelmarkt, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience. The highlight of this market is the 25-foot tall Christmas pyramid with a bar on the ground level offering a variety of different glühweins and cold beers. Similar to the Advent Market, this market is known for its high-quality, handcrafted goods, with local artisans selling wooden toys, nativity scenes, hand-blown glass ornaments, and more. Additionally, the mugs offered at this market happened to be some of our favorites. If you’re looking for a more tranquil environment while exploring Dresden’s rich cultural heritage, this is the market for you!
Stallhof Advent Festival (AKA Medieval Christmas Market)
Location: Stallhof
The Stallhof Advent Festival in Dresden, Germany, is a Christmas market unlike any other. Nestled within the historic Stallhof (Stable Courtyard) of Dresden Castle, this enchanting market transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. This market is steeped in history, as the Stallhof itself dates back to the 16th century when it served as a venue for jousting tournaments. Today, its stunning architecture provides the perfect backdrop for a medieval-inspired Christmas celebration. The market is renowned for its artisanal crafts, with blacksmiths, potters, and glassblowers showcasing their skills in real-time. Many of the wares, from handmade ornaments to intricate jewelry, are crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations. Adding to the unique ambiance, visitors can enjoy live medieval music, fire shows, and costumed performers who bring the past to life. Traditional foods like hearty stews, mead served in clay mugs, and freshly baked bread are must-tries. Unlike Dresden's larger Striezelmarkt, the Stallhof Advent Festival offers a more intimate, authentic experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a magical, off-the-beaten-path Christmas market.
Romantic Christmas market
Location: Taschenberg
Nestled in a quaint square just next to the Taschenbergpalais, this market exudes a cozy atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the bustling crowds of larger markets. The setting itself is steeped in history, with the market taking place just steps away from Dresden's iconic landmarks, like the Dresden Castle and the Zwinger Palace, blending the city’s rich cultural heritage with festive cheer. If the name didn’t give it away, this market is known for its romantic ambiance featuring festive, decorated wooden stalls, twinkling fairy lights, and a centerpiece Christmas tree of lights that adds to the dreamy atmosphere. We particularly enjoyed the sleighs that made for a great photo opp and the large fire pit to cozy up next to in the cool, December air. If you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate celebration of the holiday season, or just need a break from the bustling Striezelmarkt, the Romantic Market is a great option!
Augustusmarkt (AKA International Christmas Market)
Location: Hauptstraße
Located along the beautiful Hauptstraße, this market stretches from the iconic Golden Horseman statue (Goldener Reiter) to the Dreikönigskirche and has quickly become one of Dresden's favorite holiday spots since its inception in 2012! Unlike the historic Striezelmarkt, which focuses on Saxon traditions, the Augustusmarkt brings together influences from around the world. Vendors from across Europe and beyond set up shop in charming white-and-yellow stalls, offering a delightful array of international crafts, gifts, and flavors. Here, you can find everything from French crêpes and Spanish churros to Hungarian Langos and Turkish baklava, alongside traditional German holiday treats like Bratwurst, Glühwein, and Stollen. The market is known for its lively and inclusive atmosphere, enhanced by unique cultural performances, live music, a children’s carousel, and a colorful Ferris wheel. Overall, the Augustusmarkt embodies the spirit of cultural exchange, making it a must-visit for those who want to experience a global take on the festive season while enjoying the historic charm of Dresden’s Neustadt district.
Honorable Mentions:
Finnvillage (AKA The Finnish Christmas Market)
Location: Postplatz
The Finnvillage Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany, offers a unique Nordic twist to the city’s festive celebrations. Situated in the heart of the city, this market transports visitors to the snowy landscapes of Finland, immersing them in Finnish culture and holiday traditions. It’s a part of Dresden’s vibrant Christmas scene, which boasts a variety of themed markets, each with its own distinct character. Be sure to try the Flammlachs (salmon roasted in front of an open fire) at this market!
Winterlights of Dresden
Location: Prager Straße
Located on Prager Straße, one of Dresden’s busiest shopping streets, this market is renowned for its enchanting light displays that transform the area into a winter wonderland. As one of Dresden’s newer Christmas markets, it seamlessly blends contemporary charm with traditional festive spirit.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time at the Dresden Christmas markets, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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