Ultimate Guide to Dresden’s Christmas Markets
Dresden is often referred to as the capitol of Christmas and after visiting for the Christmas Markets last year I couldn’t agree more! Dresden was an absolute dream during the Christmas Markets and was hands down my favorite of the 11 markets I visited! It was everything I was picturing before planning my trip & more! It’s impossible to visit Dresden in December and not leave feeling a bit of Christmas Cheer!
If you’re looking for one Christmas Market to visit this year, make it Dresden, trust me!
Keep reading for details on all of Dresden’s Christmas Markets (I visited 9!) tips for visiting, locations, details on each market, what to eat, where to stay, 2024 details & more!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Jump To:
- Dresden Christmas Market Locations & Map
- What to Eat at Dresden Christmas Markets
- Tips for Visiting Dresden Christmas Markets
- Dresden Christmas Markets Dates & Hours 2024
- Dresden Christmas Market 1 & 2 day Itineraries
- Where to Stay in Dresden
- Getting to Dresden
- Dresden Christmas Market Overall Rating
- Dresden Christmas Market Gallery
Dresden Christmas Market Locations
Dresden has tons of Christmas Markets, I visited 9 of the most popular ones in my 2 days in Dresden, see details on each of the 9 below! Many of them are located in the main Old Town area and you can easily walk between them!
- Dresden´s Striezelmarkt – Altmarkt
- Christmas Market Taschenbergpalais
- Advent at the Neumarkt
- Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market
- Stallhof Advent Festival – Medieval Christmas Market
- Augustusmarkt – International Christmas Market
- Winter Lights at Prager Straße
- Hüttenzauber Dresden – Après-Ski Market
- Finnish Market Postplatz
Dresden´s Striezelmarkt – Altmarkt
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is my absolute favorite Christmas Market I visited. Every inch of the large market is stunning & dripping with Christmas cheer. I spent hours wandering around and admiring all of the decor and details and felt like I still could have spent more time. This place is magic at night, but worth visiting during the day as well. If you’re goin to visit one Christmas Market, make it this one!
Christmas Market Taschenbergpalais
This small market can be seen from Dresden’s main Striezelmarkt. It’s referred to as “Dresden’s Romantic Christmas Market” It’s small and quaint and a great place to grab a Glühwein with a little more peace and quiet compared to the bustle of next door Striezelmarkt
Advent at the Neumarkt
After Striezelmarkt and Augustmarkt, Advent at the Neumarkt is the largest of the markets in Dresden. This charming market is located on one of the prettiest squares in Dresden, making it very picturesque. The market has a focus on handmade goods and souvenirs, so it’s a great placr to buy a unique gift for someone!
Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market
Right near Neumarkt is the Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market which sits on the square outside the chirch and runs down Münzgasse street. This traditional market boasts a large Christmas Tower where Santa visits daily and hands presents out to kids. It’s small and quick to explore, but worth a stop!
Stallhof Advent Festival – Medieval Christmas Market
Stallhof Advent Festival is one of Dresden’s most unique Christmas Markets for a few reasons 1. it’s located within the Dresden Castle walls in a courtyard and 2. It’s medieval themed. It feels like a mix of visiting a Christmas Market and a Medieval faire all in one.
By far the most unique part of this market is the soaking tub, where 5-6 people can soak in a warm tub and are served drinks of their choice. You need to sign up to soak in the tub (if that’s something you’re interested in haha, it wasn’t for me!)
Augustusmarkt – International Christmas Market
Across the Elbe river from Old Town, in Neudstadt, or New Town, is Augustusmarkt. This International Christmas Market runs down the main street of New Town and is perfect for wandering. While many of the markets in Dresden are traditional German Christmas Markets, Augustusmarkt focuses on bringing international specialties, and is a great way to try some new things!
Winter Lights at Prager Straße
During Christmas Dresden’s main shopping street is strung with an impressive lights display. It’s worth stopping by to view the lights, which aren’t far from the main Striezelmarkt.
Hüttenzauber Dresden – Après-Ski Market
For more of a party-vibe head to Hüttenzauber, this market is better visited at night. It turns into an Après-Ski dance party inside, the outdoor is a bit more low key, but generally this is a more drinking-centric market. They don’t sell any souvenirs and food options are limited!
Finnish Market Postplatz
This small market at Postplatz in Dresden is based off a traditional Finnish Christmas Markets. It’s simple, understated & not very crowded. If you have time feel free to swing by, but I feel like this would be one I’d recommend skipping if you’re in a rush. The Postplatz market seemed more for locals meeting friends.
What to Eat at Dresden Christmas Markets
There are endless food options at the Christmas Markets, but if you’re looking for Dresden’s specialty items don’t miss these:
- Christstollen – rich, sweet fruit bread with nuts, spices and dried fruit
- Rahmklecks – fresh bread roll stuffed with ham and cheese & topped with sour cream
- Baked Apples – baked apples topped with whipped cream
- Käsespätzle – Noodles slathered in a variety of cheeses and topped with onion
- Bratwurst – a German staple! Usually served with mustard and onions
- Glühwein – mulled wine is an absolute must at any Christmas Market, but Germany has the best! Plus, you need something to keep you warm
- German Hot Chocolate – the line for the hot chocolate stalls was insane! Can’t skip a German hot chocolate!
- Langos – technically a Hungarian specialty but you’ll find them in Germany too! Fried dough topped with cheese and sour cream
- Gingerbread – Lebkucken – another German classic!
Tips for Visiting Dresden Christmas Markets
- Bring cash, everywhere is cash only!
- When buying Glühwein or other hot drinks they’re served in reusable mugs. You’re charged a deposit for the mug (usually 3-5 euro) and the deposit will be given back when you return your mug, alternatively you can keep the mug as a souvenir! The Dresden markets are so big that eachs tall has different mugs, so make sure to return yours where you got it from!
- Visting Striezelmarkt is prettier at night, but if you have time visit during the day as well!
- Although the number of markets in Dresden seems overwhelming, It’s easy to visit the main markets around Aldstadt all in one day (Striezelmarkt, Christmas Market Taschenbergpalais, Stallhof Advent Festival, Advent at the Neumarkt & Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market) See my itinerary recommendations below!
Dresden Christmas Markets Dates & Hours 2024
Dresden´s Striezelmarkt – Altmarkt
Dates: 11/27/24- 12/24/24
Times:
- Daily: 10AM – 9PM
- Opening Day: 4PM-9PM
- Christmas Eve: 10AM-2PM
Advent at the Neumarkt
Dates: 11/27/24- 1/5/25
closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Times:
- daily: 11AM – 10PM
Augustusmarkt – International Christmas Market
Dates: 11/27/24- 1/5/25
Times:
- Mon-Thurs: 11AM – 9PM
- Fri: 11AM- 10PM
- Sat: 10AM-10PM
- Sun: 10AM – 9PM
Dresden Christmas Market Itineraries
Dresden Christmas Market 1 Day Itinerary
1 day in Dresden gives you enough time to see a bunch of the most popoular markets in Dresden, although the day may feel a bit rushed!
- First thing the morning, head to Dresden´s Striezelmarkt for opening! Spend an hour or 2 exploring before heading to some of the other Old Town markets
- From Striezelmarkt you can head to 4 other smaller nearby markets:
- Christmas Market Taschenbergpalais – this small market is visible from Striezelmarkt and is worth stopping by, but doesn’t take long to explore!
- Stallhof Advent Festival – from Taschenbergpalais head to the Medieval Advent Festival, located within the Dresden Castle walls. This market is also small, but unique and worth stopping by!
- Advent at the Neumarkt & Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market – these two markets are right next to each other and short walk from the Sallhof Festival. Spend an hour or so wandering between the two markets
- Augustusmarkt – International Christmas Market – if you’re OK with a marathon day, spend late afternoon/early evening across the Elbe river at Augustmarkt. This large international market is great to explore and prettier as it get dark. There’s a bunch of stalls with seating areas, so you can grab some food & drink and relax
- End your night back Striezelmarkt (you absolutely need to see this market at night, but it’s also lovely during the day which is why I recommend starting and ending the day there!
Dresden Christmas Market 2 Day Itinerary
If you have 2 days you can spread out your time a little more to have less of a marathon day & potentially visit some of the markets that are a bit farther from downtown Dresden!
Day 1
- First thing the morning, head to Dresden´s Striezelmarkt for opening! Spend an hour or 2 exploring before heading to some of the other Old Town markets
- From Striezelmarkt you can head to 4 other smaller nearby markets:
- Christmas Market Taschenbergpalais – this small market is visible from Striezelmarkt and is worth stopping by, but doesn’t take long to explore!
- Stallhof Advent Festival – from Taschenbergpalais head to the Medieval Advent Festival, located within the Dresden Castle walls. This market is also small, but unique and worth stopping by!
- Advent at the Neumarkt & Frauenkirche Traditional Christmas Market – these two markets are right next to each other and short walk from the Sallhof Festival. Spend an hour or so wandering between the two markets
- If you’re interested in an apres ski feel with more of a party vibe, try Hüttenzauber. Or for more of a low-key vibe try Postplatz Market
- To end the night see the lights at Prager Straße
Day 2:
- Feel free to get a bit of a later start after a long day 1!
- Head to Augustusmarkt – International Christmas Market. This market is large and you could spend a few hours leisurely exploring. There’s a bunch of stalls with seating areas, so you can grab some food & drink and relax
- Feel free to stay until it starts to get dark and the Augustusmarkt lights up, or head back to any of your favorite markets from day 1!
- Spend the night at Striezelmarkt (you absolutely need to see this market at night, but it’s also lovely during the day which is why I recommend starting day 1 and ending day 2 there!
Where to Stay in Dresden
Altstadt
Altstadt, or “Old Town” is the most popular area of Dresden for tourists to stay. If you’re visiting for the Christmas Markets, this is closer to the most popular market, Dresden Striezelmarkt. It’s also in the heart of Dresden’s historical center where many of it’s non Christmas related higihlights are, like the Castle and Cathedral.
Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
If you’re looking for a semi upscale option right in the heart of Dresden I recommend Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt. This hotel is right at Altmarkt where Dresden’s most infamous Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt is held and could not be any closer to the highlights of Dresden! NH Collection hotels are always one of my picks when looking for a place to stay in a new city!
Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
Another option in Old Town is Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection, this upscale hotel is less than 10 minutes from Altmarkt, but is a little removed from the main square if you’re looking for a quieter stay. I’ve stayed in many Autograph Collection hotels and always recommend them!
Neustadt
If you’re looking for a quieter stay that is still walkable to all the highlights in Altstadt, consider Neustadt, or “New Town” It sits directly across the river from the Old Town neighborhood and offers stunning views of the Dresden skyline. New Town is filled with charming riverside beer gardens, quieter streets & at Christmas is home to the Augustusmarkt International Christmas Market.
Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz
I stayed at the Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz on my most recent trip to Dresden. It was quiet, charming & about a 2 minute walk to the Augustusmarkt International Christmas Market. To get to Old Town it was less than a 15 minute walk, so the location worked out perfectly for me!
Getting to Dresden
By Train
Dresden is connected to all major cities in Germany, and many orher major European cities by train, making that the easiest way to get there. There are 2 major stations in Dresden and most trains stop at both, so try to choose the one closest to where you’re staying.
- Dresden HBF is the main station and is closer to the Old Town and the touristy side of the city. This is likely where you’ll be disembarking
- Dresden-Neustadt – located across the river from Old Town, Dresden-Neustadt is more accessible to “New Town” If you’ve opted to stay in this neighborhood during your trip to Dresden it’s easier to take the train to this station if possible.
By Plane
Dresden Airport is an international airport, and is less than 3 miles from Dresden city center if you’re too far to travel to Dresden via train.
Dresden Christmas Market Overall Rating
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Of the 11 markets I visited, Dresden was hands down my favorite. I cannot recommend adding Dresden to your Christmas Market bucket list enough. It was everything I had pictured before visiting Germany at Christmas and more!
Dresden Christmas Market Gallery
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