Question 1

Morning – Discovering the true art of baking

Accepted Answer

The scent of butter, raisins and fine spices hangs in the air. At a Dresden show bakery, you can experience this time-honoured craft up close.

Anyone visiting Dresden during Advent simply cannot miss the city’s most famous speciality. On the first day of your 48-hour trip, a stop at a traditional show bakery is therefore well worth your while.

Look over the professionals’ shoulders as they skilfully shape the raisin-studded loaves, slide them into the oven and then brush them generously with melted butter. Along the way, you will learn which strict criteria have to be met before the original may finally bear the famous golden seal of quality.

We are happy to recommend the show bakery at the Striezelmarkt. There is hardly a more authentic way to experience the Saxon baking tradition. A freshly wrapped Stollen for those back home will then find its way into your travel bag almost by itself.

Question 2

Afternoon – Striezel tradition and craftsmanship

Accepted Answer

When the scent of roasted almonds and fine spices drifts across the Altmarkt, Dresden shows all its pre-Christmas elegance. More than 200 festive stalls make the time-honoured Striezelmarkt a vibrant showcase of Saxon craftsmanship.

As soon as you step onto the Altmarkt, your eye is drawn to the almost 15-metre-high stepped pyramid from the Ore Mountains, whose figures turn calmly in a circle.

Many stalls are devoted entirely to Dresden Stollen in every conceivable variety. A bag of handmade Pulsnitz gingerbread will find its way into your bag almost by itself. At the exchange booths run by Dresden Information GmbH, you can buy silver Striezel talers for your purchases along the way and later exchange them at the market for regional specialities or a hot Saxon winemaker’s mulled wine.

To round off the afternoon, a ride on the historic Ferris wheel is well worth it. From high above, you look out over the glittering sea of lights.

Question 3

Evening – Festive evening hours on the Elbe

Accepted Answer

On board the modern saloon ships, you experience this wintry river landscape over good food and gentle piano music. After the bustle of the Altmarkt, the evening takes you to the Terrassenufer. One of the saloon ships of the Saxon Steamship Company is already waiting for you there. On board, you take in the wintry Elbe landscape over good food and gentle piano music.

The Elbe lies calm in the darkness. The warm glow of the city skyline is mirrored on the water while a pianist at the grand piano provides the fitting accompaniment. By candlelight, the saloon ship’s team serves a fine three-course menu.

Outside, the illuminated Elbe castles and the slopes of Loschwitz drift slowly past. From the Blaues Wunder to Pillnitz Palace, the river landscape shows its elegant side. The ship glides through the Elbe Valley for around three hours before mooring again at the Terrassenufer. That is exactly what a relaxed end to the first day feels like: warm, uncomplicated and with wonderful views.

Question 4

Morning – Meissen’s Christmas tradition and craftsmanship

Accepted Answer

In the morning, you board the S1 S-Bahn line at your leisure and travel straight to Meissen. It is best to pick up a day ticket right away. The historic old town welcomes you with its typically winding alleyways. On the market square, festively decorated wooden stalls nestle against the town houses.

A real eye-catcher is the late-Gothic town hall, whose windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar during the Advent season. A new window is opened every day. With a mug of hot winemaker’s mulled wine in hand, you stroll across the cobblestones of the old town and enjoy the bustle of the market.

Just a short way further on, the world-famous Meissen porcelain manufactory awaits your visit. In the demonstration workshop, you can see how the finest craftsmanship is created from raw clay. The craftswomen shape, emboss and paint the „white gold“ with a steady hand and palpable passion. Perhaps you would also like to paint a piece of Meissen porcelain yourself. For special gifts, a detour to the manufactory store is well worth it afterwards. Whether delicate tree decorations, fine porcelain for the festive table or a timeless design object – the pieces bearing the crossed blue swords are exclusive gifts that bring lasting value and genuine Saxon craftsmanship and beauty under the Christmas tree.

Question 5

Afternoon – Winter wine delights in Radebeul

Accepted Answer

In the afternoon, the S-Bahn takes you on to Radebeul, straight into the historic village centre of Altkötzschenbroda. Among the restored half-timbered houses, the Christmas market unfolds a wonderfully relaxed character on the Advent weekends. Lovingly built wooden stalls line the old cobblestones, artisans present their work and the scent of warm pastries hangs over the courtyards. Loud hustle and bustle takes a break here.

Just a few steps off the village green, the tradition-steeped wineries open their courtyards and taprooms to visitors. Try a genuine Saxon winemaker’s mulled wine straight from the producer, seasoned with fine spices. If you like, you are sure to find one or two Christmas presents here as well before heading back to Dresden.

Question 6

Evening – Festive music in the Frauenkirche

Accepted Answer

Back in Dresden, the Neumarkt welcomes you in the warm evening light. After the excursions to the slopes of the Elbe, you are drawn into the famous Frauenkirche.

Inside, delicate pastel shades and fine gold leaf glow in the light of the candles. No sooner has the murmur of the visitors died away than the first organ chord fills the space right up to the highest galleries. Whether Bach cantatas or bell-clear choral singing: the acoustics beneath the monumental stone vault create goosebump moments.

Lean back in the curved wooden pews and enjoy the concert. After two days full of the scent of Stollen, porcelain art and Saxon wine, there is hardly a more beautiful place to let the many impressions sink in in peace.

Question 7

Which Christmas market is the oldest in Germany?

Accepted Answer

First mentioned in 1434, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden is considered the oldest documented Christmas market in Germany. What once began as a simple meat market continues to shape the Christmas culture of our region to this day.

The foundations were laid by Elector Frederick II and his brother Duke Sigismund with an official charter for Dresden’s Altmarkt. The aim was to enable the city’s inhabitants to stock up on fresh festive roasts on the day before Christmas Eve. Other traders soon joined in, offering the traditional festive pastry made from yeast dough – the Striezel, which was still a simple treat in those days. It was this predecessor of today’s Dresden Christstollen that ultimately gave the market its traditional name.

Today, the Striezelmarkt combines Saxon craftsmanship with culture and culinary delights. Amidst the almost 15-metre-high stepped pyramid from the Ore Mountains, the scent of cinnamon and handmade folk art, you’ll experience history come to life with every step.

Question 8

How many Christmas markets are there in Dresden Elbland?

Accepted Answer

During Advent, a total of 32 Christmas markets – both large and small – open across the Dresden Elbland region. This winter wonderland offers a diverse range of experiences, from the traditional squares of the Baroque old town to idyllic vineyards on the hillsides.

Behind this impressive figure lies a varied journey of discovery through the entire Elbe Valley – with every single market boasting its own distinctive character.

In the heart of Dresden, you can experience time-honoured classics such as the Striezelmarkt or the historic market at the Frauenkirche. Just a few kilometres further on, the scenery changes noticeably. Along the Elbe between Pirna, Radebeul and Meissen, historic village greens, festively lit castle courtyards and small vineyards invite you to linger. Local craftsmanship, authentic specialities and hot mulled wine straight from the winemaker make every detour an authentic experience.

Question 9

Is there an admission charge for visiting the Christmas markets?

Accepted Answer

Almost all the Christmas markets in Dresden Elbland welcome you with no admission fee at all. For the famous Medieval Christmas in the Stallhof of Dresden Castle – featuring traditional crafts, jugglers and the popular ‘Raunächte’ celebrations between Christmas and New Year – a small donation is collected at the entrance on certain days. Everywhere else, the rule is simply: pop in, relax and enjoy yourself.

Question 10

Are there markets that are open after Christmas as well?

Accepted Answer

For anyone in the mood for hot drinks, craft markets and a bit of exercise in the crisp winter air after the festive season, the festivities continue seamlessly. No fewer than three special venues in the city are keeping their doors open.

Right in front of the Frauenkirche, ‘Advent on the Neumarkt’ invites you to linger. On the other side of the Elbe, you can stroll along the festively lit Hauptstraße: the Augustusmarkt combines international flair with white-and-gold pagoda tents and remains open until the start of January.

Those who prefer a particularly rustic and historic atmosphere should head to the Dresden Stallhof. There, from 27 December, the market festivities give way to the traditional Dresden ‘Raunächte’, accompanied by jugglers, minstrels and traditional crafts.

Question 11

Which Christmas markets are particularly family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Children’s eyes lighting up are simply part of Advent. Whether carousels, craft activities, a biscuit bakery or fairy-tale decorated stalls: at the Christmas markets in Dresden Elbland there is a great deal for children in particular to discover.

The range on offer is especially varied at Dresden’s Striezelmarkt and its children’s adventure world. It traditionally includes the children’s railway and the Wichtelkino, where children and adults alike can watch wintry films, while crafting goes on in the Pflaumentoffelhaus. On the Striezelmarkt stage, puppet shows, music and various hands-on activities provide additional entertainment.

Other Christmas markets in Dresden city centre and in the Elbland region also have a great deal to offer families. At Advent on the Neumarkt in front of the Frauenkirche, historic crafts and life in bygone times take centre stage. Children can look over the craftspeople’s shoulders as they work and get to know traditional techniques. On the Neustadt side of the Elbe, the Augustusmarkt invites you to visit with the whole family, with its colourful illuminations, varied offerings and Christmas treats.

Question 12

Are the Christmas markets easily accessible by public transport?

Accepted Answer

It is best to leave the car behind. The Christmas markets in Dresden and the region are easy to reach by public transport. Tram, bus and S-Bahn take you comfortably to your destination and save you the search for a parking space.

In Dresden city centre, many Christmas markets are only a few minutes’ walk apart and can easily be explored on foot. For longer distances, the trams and buses of the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe are at your disposal.

Public transport is also ideal for excursions into the Dresden Elbland region. The S-Bahn, regional trains and buses take you comfortably from Dresden to popular Advent destinations such as Radebeul, Meissen or Pirna. This way you can visit Christmas markets and events in the region in a relaxed manner.

Current departure times, stops and ticket information can be found online at any time at www.dvb.de for the Dresden city area and at www.vvo-online.de for the entire Oberelbe transport association.

Question 13

Where does the world’s largest Ore Mountain stepped pyramid stand?

Accepted Answer

The world’s largest Erzgebirge stepped pyramid, standing 14.61 metres tall, is situated on Dresden’s Altmarkt and serves as the Striezelmarkt’s landmark, visible from afar. This masterpiece of folk art was crafted in 1997 in Gahlenz in the Erzgebirge. Spanning six storeys, 42 hand-carved figures – including miners, angels and scenes from the Christmas story – tirelessly go round and round in the warm glow of the lighting.

Question 14

What is a Pflaumentoffel?

Accepted Answer

Dark prunes, a paper top hat and a small wooden ladder make this figure unmistakable. The ‘Pflaumentoffel’ has been part of Dresden’s Christmas tradition for centuries as a sweet good-luck charm.

Behind this little figure lies a tangible piece of Dresden’s history. As early as the 17th century, children were selling the first little figures made from dried plums at the Striezelmarkt. Their appearance is deliberately reminiscent of the chimney sweeps of that era, who climbed through the narrow flues of Baroque houses with their sweeping tools.

Anyone who gives a Pflaumentoffel as a present or brings one home from the market secures a portion of Saxon good luck for the New Year.

Question 15

Which Christmas markets are accessible?

Accepted Answer

A visit to the Christmas market should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. In Dresden, the larger markets in particular offer level paths, accessible entrances and suitable toilet facilities.

At the Altmarkt, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt stands out thanks to its well-designed infrastructure for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Wide aisles and flattened cable bridges ensure you can roll from stall to stall without any troublesome steps. Directly beneath the square is an underground car park with designated disabled parking spaces and lifts to the surface. Signposted, wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on the market grounds.

On the other side of the Elbe, the Augustusmarkt offers good conditions. The main street is a wide pedestrian zone with no significant inclines, where you can stroll leisurely amongst the white and gold pagodas. The market on Neumarkt, next to the Frauenkirche, can also be reached without any steps, though its historic cobblestones do require a little more care.

For a thoroughly relaxed experience, we recommend a visit in the early afternoon. At this time of day, there is still plenty of space on the paths to visit the artisans and Stollen bakers without having to contend with large crowds.

Question 16

What is the Dresden Christstollen and where can I buy it?

Accepted Answer

Dresdner Christstollen may only be produced in selected bakeries in Dresden and the Elbland region. Behind this traditional bake lie centuries-old craftsmanship and recipes handed down through the generations. Its characteristic ingredients include raisins, butter and clarified butter, sweet and bitter almonds, candied orange peel and candied lemon peel. Added to these are flour, milk, yeast, sugar and Stollen spice, among other things. Margarine, artificial flavourings and directly added additives are not permitted.

All producers of Dresdner Christstollen are inspected every year. Only Stollen that meet the high quality requirements of the Schutzverband Dresdner Stollen e. V. may bear the golden Stollen seal and be sold as Dresdner Christstollen.

You can buy the genuine Stollen in many places around the city during Advent. At the Striezelmarkt and the other Christmas markets in the region, you will find dedicated stalls run by the various guild bakers, where you can often taste it on the spot. It is also worth calling in at the specialist shops and show bakeries of the traditional bakeries, which are spread across the whole of Dresden.

If you are still planning your trip or would like a fresh supply for home later on, you can simply order the Stollen directly to your door through the online shops of the certified artisan bakers.

Question 17

What typical Christmas presents can I buy in Dresden Elbland?

Accepted Answer

Anyone travelling around Dresden Elbland will find far more than ordinary souvenirs. In the region’s workshops, small studios and tradition-steeped manufactories, things are created that have a history, a signature of their own and lasting value.

Dresdner Christstollen and fine Saxon winemaker’s sparkling wine are among the region’s culinary classics. Gourmets appreciate hand-crafted pralines from local chocolate manufactories just as much as fine wines straight from the vineyard estate.

Traditional arts and crafts are at the heart of the region’s gift culture. Meissen porcelain with its famous crossed swords or hand-turned wooden figures from the nearby Ore Mountains lend a special note to any gift table. Typographic district maps or delicate, hand-made bobbin lace jewellery of fine metal threads are popular gifts too.

This variety is rounded off by creative ideas for a sustainable everyday life. Handmade beeswax wraps, solid shampoos from small natural cosmetics laboratories or sturdy rucksacks prove how well aesthetics, quality and environmental awareness go together.

You will find even more inspiration for special gift ideas from Dresden Elbland at www.dresden-magazin.com.

Question 18

Parking spaces for coaches

Accepted Answer

Here you will find all the latest information on stopping and parking facilities for coaches. You will also find an overview of boarding and alighting zones as well as coach parking spaces, including facilities and locations. A handy leaflet listing all the locations makes planning easier. The latest traffic updates, such as road closures, are also listed there.

Question 19

Public toilets

Accepted Answer

Here you will find an interactive map showing all public toilets in Dresden.

A magical Christmas season in Dresden Elbland

What makes the Christmas season in Dresden Elbland so special?

Christmas in Dresden Elbland in 48 hours

first day

Day 2

Other Christmas markets and events in Dresden Elbland

Christmas offers

Even more Christmas events

Frequently Asked Questions