Dresden Christmas Market Guide 2024

“Dresden; where beauty was invented.” 

Johann Joachim Winckelmann, an art historian and archaeologist, said in 1755

We couldn’t agree more. Beyond being a universal symbol of rebirth and reconstruction, Dresden exudes a multifaceted charm that never fails to captivate visitors. It’s at Christmas time that Dresden’s fairytale-like charm truly comes to life, as its stunning Christmas markets offer so much more than just delicious Glühwein.

A Brief History of Dresden’s Christmas Markets 

Although other cities usually have one central Christmas market, Dresden has several Christmas markets which are definitely all worth visiting. Dresden’s famous Christmas markets are scattered all around the city and are truly magical as well as authentically old. Historical records show Dresden’s Christmas market started as a 1-day event in Altmarkt in 1434. Today, over a million visitors come annually to experience Dresden’s magical Christmas markets and festive spirit.

Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2024

(for most markets; may vary for each market)

🌟 Where Are Dresden’s Christmas Markets?🎄

Wondering where to find all of Dresden’s Christmas markets? We’ve done a thorough research on your behalf, so, you can sit back and relax! Keep reading to find out the main locations of Dresden’s Christmas markets, each with its own individual flair!

#1 The Dresdner Striezelmarkt 

The most historical, popular and beloved Christmas market, with over 240 stands offering local products, is the Dresdner Striezelmarkt. The word Striezel, known as Stollen, is a distinctive Dresden Christmas bread, a leavened dough filled with candied and dried fruit covered in icing sugar. 

You can find the Striezelmarkt in a historic square peppered with unique buildings, in the Altmarkt, where you’ll marvel at a giant Christmas tree, a one-of-a-kind Christmas pyramid standing 14 meters tall which got into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999, and the world’s biggest Christmas arch depicting the city’s mining traditions and folklore. 

#2 The Medieval Market 

Located in the Stallhof, which is part of the city’s former royal palace, is the Medieval Market, an enchanting place where you can find all sorts of Medieval-themed décor, gifts and treats. Special features, such as sellers all dressed up in costumes, wooden fire-heated hot tubs, and sparkling illuminations projected onto the palace’s walls increase the overall magic and make you travel back in time.  

#3 The Romantic Market 

Another worth-visiting Christmas market in Dresden is the Romantic Market, just a brief walk from the Striezelmarkt right in the corner of the Taschenbergpalais. The name itself is a pleasant spoiler-alert for its cozy, romantic and low-key ambience away from the crowds of the Striezelmarkt. 

#4 The Frauenkirche Market 

Combine some Christmas shopping spree with the traditional Christmas market at the Frauenkirche, located on a pedestrianized strip near the Münzgasse church. This little market offers local artisan handicrafts, traditional products like pottery, glassware and lace from the Vogtland region, and even a meeting with… Santa Claus. He makes a daily stop there at 4 PM bearing wonderful gifts for kids who will surely be head over heels to see him in person. 

#5 The Neumarkt 

You’ll find more minimalist, but still beautiful, Christmas market stalls in the Neumarkt part of Dresden. Excellent options for food and other refreshments as well as crafts produced by historical guilds around the Neumarkt area for the past 100 years can be found there while church choirs singing carols are heard. 

#6 The Augustusmarkt 

Located across the river, the Augustusmarkt stands: a Dresden xmas market with an international atmosphere. This market features products from around the world, a historic Ferris wheel, the Nicolaushaus, a merry-go-round, and Erzgebirge Christmas gifts. Right next to the Christmas tree, you’ll find out how Christmas is celebrated in other countries, too.  

#7 The Dresdner Winterlichter  

Looking for extra Christmas market fun in the city center? Visit the Dresdner Winterlichter along Prager Straße. Featuring regional specialties from Dresden, gift stalls, a beautifully lit 15-meter Christmas tree, and nightly musical shows, this market is sure to mesmerize you.

#8 Dresden’s Alpine Magic 

This alpine-themed Christmas market at Postplatz spans over 2,000 square meters and offers two restaurants and an alpine hut bar. There’s also a café, a children’s playground, and plenty of other surprises to discover.​⬤

#9 The Neustädter Gelichter 

In the heart of Neustadt, you’ll discover a creative, eccentric, and truly unique market. Offering unusual gifts, a stunning light display, and locally-grown Christmas trees, this market is a must-visit. You’ll find Schwipsbogen (Neustadt’s version of the Christmas arch), handmade jewelry, and delicious refreshments, including vegan options.

#10 The St. Nicholas Market 

Located in Dresden’s trendy Outer Neustadt neighborhood, this market provides a contemporary and alternative experience to the city’s traditional Christmas markets, with both musical and literary events on offer. Be sure to check it out!

#11 The Stallhof Advent Festival 

A unique experience unfolds at the Dresden Royal Palace during the Stallhof Advent Festival, where guild craftsmen and craftswomen showcase their products in a historical setting. Jugglers provide entertainment, unusual culinary delicacies are served, and visitors can relax in a hot bath within one of the two gigantic wooden washtubs.

#12 The Elbhangfest Christmas Market 

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this market near the Blaues Wunder (literally meaning “Blue Wonder”) bridge is one of our top insider’s tips. You can find it in the bucolic village-like suburb of Loschwitz, offering you a cozy and elegant aura along with good food, mulled wine, unique handcrafted gifts, and a high-quality cultural program, as well. It’s a short trip to reach this market, so, make sure that you do! 

If you’re looking to explore more festive destinations, don’t miss our guides to the magical Christmas markets in Berlin and Cologne!