Anticipation of Christmas

Dresden, 8 September 2025. In Dresden and the Elbland region, many people are already working to make the Advent and Christmas season an unforgettable experience. Traditional crafts, culinary classics, festive music and sophisticated events create an atmosphere that lasts well beyond the holidays.

With the opening of the 591st Dresden Striezelmarkt on 26 November 2025, the Christmas season officially begins in Dresden. Germany's oldest Christmas market is the heart and showcase of Saxon craftsmanship – with the world's largest Erzgebirge step pyramid, a walk-in giant candle arch, daily hands-on activities for children, and atmospheric concerts and church services. A highlight for residents and guests from Germany and abroad is the 30th Dresden Stollen Festival on 6 December 2025.

Another spectacle is on the programme for 20 December 2025: the Dresden Mountain Parade. What began in the 17th century in the Ore Mountains as a festive procession of miners is now combined with festive music and magnificent uniforms in Dresden. In the middle of Advent, the history of mining comes to life – a cultural highlight that combines history, customs and Christmas spirit.

But Dresden has much more to offer: eleven markets with different themes characterise the city – from the romantic atmosphere of the Christmas market at Dresden Castle to the medieval Christmas in the Stallhof courtyard, the international flair of the Augustusmarkt and the ‘Dresden Winter Lights’ Christmas market, which illuminates the Prager Straße shopping mile with festive splendour. Those who like nostalgia will find what they are looking for at ‘Advent on Neumarkt’, while the Elbhangfest Christmas market at the Blue Wonder captivates with its artistic offerings. The Elbland region also invites you to make special discoveries: Meissen Christmas with its large Advent calendar, the Canaletto Market in Pirna, the Star Christmas in Coswig or the Manufakturzauber at Wackerbarth Castle combine festive flair with regional delights.

Culinary classics and gifts from the region

Anyone celebrating Christmas in Dresden Elbland cannot miss the original Dresden Christmas stollen. The stollen seal guarantees quality and origin, and at the Stollen Festival, the cake, which weighs several tonnes, is traditionally honoured with a parade through the old town. Other culinary classics include Dresden dominoes, Pflaumentoffel (plum cake) and mulled wine from the region's vineyards. Elegant Meissen porcelain is ideal for the festively decorated table, along with Christmas tree decorations from Meissen or made in the Lauscha tradition. And if you're looking for a special gift for the Christmas table, you're sure to find it at the Christmas markets and in the many special shops in Dresden Elbland.

Melodious concerts and enchanting stages

Music is omnipresent in Dresden during Advent. Following the Grand Advent Concert at the Rudolf Harbig Stadium (18 December 2025), the Dresden Kreuzchor choir will present Bach's Christmas Oratorio on three consecutive evenings (19, 20 and 21 December 2025), and the Semperoper, the Staatsoperette and the Landesbühnen Sachsen will also offer festive programmes and performances. With the ballet classic ‘The Nutcracker’ and the opera ‘The Snow Queen’, for example, the Semperoper Dresden offers two stage highlights that will put young and old alike in a fairytale Christmas mood.

The big Christmas shows are particularly popular: the glamorous revue ‘Weihnachtszauber’ (Christmas Magic) at the Carte Blanche Theatre, the dinner show ‘Moments’ at the Ostrapark and the Dresden Christmas Circus transport guests into glittering dream worlds.

Winter experiences beyond the festive season

The magic continues even after Christmas Eve: the Rauhnächte (27–30 December 2025 and 2–6 January 2026) in the Stallhof revive old customs, while the Augustusmarkt is open until the New Year. With the Dresden Winter Festival on the Altmarkt (22 January–5 March 2026), the city centre is transformed into a winter sports area with an ice rink, curling and an XXL slide.

In the surrounding area, the Meissen adventure world attracts visitors with chocolate tasting and porcelain art, while steam boat trips on the Elbe or the illuminated Christmas Garden in Pillnitz Palace Park provide romantic moments. The first highlights of 2026 are the Semper Opera Ball on 6 February and the Elbe Venetian Carnival from 13 to 15 February.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Christmas season with all your senses

Whether traditional markets, festive concerts, culinary delights or winter activities – Dresden Elbland makes the Advent season a special journey into a world full of anticipation, enjoyment and contemplation.

All information and dates: www.visit-dresden-elbland.de/weihnachten

Press photos: https://mediaserver.dresden.de/