The Christmas season in Munich is in full swing. If you’re not looking for the warmth of home, you can go curling in the city or start planning your New Year’s Eve party. But there are also some destinations outside Munich that are worth a visit – especially now at Christmas time. These include not only beautiful Christmas markets in the Alps. Dresden’s Christmas market is also definitely worth a visit!
The Dresden Striezelmarkt is actually the oldest Christmas market in Germany. It was first mentioned in a document in 1434 and is celebrating its 591st anniversary this year. The Christmas market started on November 26 and is now open for you every day between 10:00 and 21:00 until December 24.
The oldest Christmas market in Germany with its program
The Ore Mountains are located around Dresden and this can also be seen at the Christmas market. In keeping with the region, you will find the largest selection of traditional crafts here, including candle arches, smoking men, nutcrackers and Herrnhut stars. And what people are particularly proud of: Dresden’s Christmas market is also home to the world’s largest step pyramid.
You will also find a living Advent calendar here. Every day at 4:15 pm, Santa Claus opens a little door on the stage. With a fairytale house, a Christmas bakery, the plum potato house – a craft workshop – and the Secret Santa cinema, children will definitely be happy here too. You also shouldn’t miss the giant walk-in candle arch.
Try these original delicacies from Dresden
If you go to Dresden, you can’t avoid checking out the market’s unique delicacies. And by look, we mean try them. Because the original Christmas stollen comes from Dresden. It is the emblem of the market, protected and only offered by certified bakers .
The Dresden Christmas market is even named after the famous pastry (in Middle High German it is called “Striezel”). Other specialties include Pulsnitz gingerbread and Pflaumentoffel – a traditional, edible lucky charm made from dried plums.
Not to be missed: The highlights of the 2025 Christmas market
In addition to the daily highlights, the Dresden Christmas market offers you even more program on certain days. The Stollen Festival and the Pyramid Festival are very special highlights in Dresden. You can find an overview here:
- 6 December: Dresden Stollen Festival: big parade with the giant stollen weighing several tons, which is then cut and sold.
- December 13: Dresden Pyramid Festival: Festive event around the large pyramid.
- December 20: Great Mining Parade: Over 500 miners and musicians parade through the Old Town in traditional costume
By the way: Dresden landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Semperoper and Residenzschloss are all just a few minutes’ walk from the Striezelmarkt. If you are traveling from Munich, you can combine your short trip with a tour of the city.