Events & Festivals

This year, once more the Dresden Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, will take over the Saxon Baroque city for the 587th time. Originating in 1434, Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, and alongside the Vienna Christmas Market, one of the must visit Christmas markets in Europe. Unfortunately the 2021 market is closed due to Covid concerns.

Striezelmarkt and the Stollen Parade

Meaning stollen market – striezel is another word for stollen – the Striezelmarkt will see a giant stollen sliced up and then paraded through town and offered to revellers. 2017’s cake weighed some 2,980 kilograms.

This is far removed from Prince Friedrich II’s intentions when he granted a licence for a meat market in 1434, where Dresden’s Altmarkt now sits. Today, there is a range of specialities and traditional goods, including räuchermänner (or smoking men). You can also buy Lausitz pottery, and lebkuchen gingerbread cake from Pulsnitz.

A Guinness Book of Record

Dresden Christmas Market has also made the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s largest Erzgebirge step pyramid. At 14.62 metres tall, it can be seen from afar, alternatively you can buy miniature replicas at the market stalls.

When is the Dresden Christmas Market?

Over 230 festively decorated booths invite all guests to a relaxing stroll from 22 November to 24 December.

Dresden is not the only Christmas market in Europe. For one closer to home, hop onto the Eurostar to the iconic Brussels Christmas Market, or for further inspiration read our guide to Christmas Markets in Europe and the UK in 2021.

Accommodation in Dresden

For more ideas on what to do in Dresden

Read Dresden: Castles, Steam Trains and a Mickey Mouse Republic.

More information on the Christmas Market:

If you want further information on the Striezelmarkt, including the precise timing of the stollenfest parade, visit: www.dresden.de/striezelmarkt.