Dresden - Striezelmarkt

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is not just any Christmas market, but a cultural landmark of international significance deeply rooted in Saxon history. It is considered the oldest documented Christmas market in Germany and can proudly look back on an unbroken tradition since its first documented mention in 1434. Every year during Advent, it transforms the central Altmarkt in Dresden's old town into a sparkling, historic Christmas village that attracts millions of visitors. The market's distinctive name is derived directly from the famous Dresden Christmas stollen, which was known in Middle High German as ‘Striezel’ or ‘Strutzel’ and remains the central culinary symbol of the market to this day. This heritage is honoured annually at the Stollen Festival, when a giant stollen weighing several tonnes is carried through the city in a festive parade to the market and ceremoniously cut.

The atmosphere of the Striezelmarkt is largely influenced by the folk art and traditional crafts of the Ore Mountains, whose authentic products can be found at the numerous stalls. Among the most striking landmarks reflecting this tradition are the 14-metre-high Erzgebirge step pyramid, considered the highest in the world and an impressive eye-catcher, and the walk-in Schwibbogen, a festive, light-flooded gateway to the world of Christmas. Especially for the youngest visitors, there is a separate children's fairy tale world, where the Pflaumentoffelhaus and the Knusperhaus invite them to explore. The Pflaumentoffel, a figure made from dried plums, is another typical symbolic figure of the market.

A rich and very traditional cultural programme accompanies the market throughout its duration. This ranges from daily stage performances and the ritual opening of the Advent calendar to the festive Grand Mountain Parade, in which miners and smelters in their historical uniforms parade through the festively illuminated streets. With its strong focus on craftsmanship, living tradition and regional delicacies – such as Pulsnitz gingerbread, handicrafts from the Ore Mountains and special collector's mugs for mulled wine – the Striezelmarkt offers a unique, historic and contemplative Christmas experience that delves deep into Saxon culture.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train: Dresden Central Station (distance 1.2 km)

- By tram: Altmarkt stop (lines 1, 2, 9)

- By bus: Altmarkt stop (lines 333, 360)

By car:

- Venue: Altmarkt

Parking:

- Q-Park Altmarkt car park (Wilsdruffer Str.)

- Altmarkt-Galerie underground car park (Webergasse 1)

- Q-Park Haus Postplatz car park (Postpl. 2)

- An der Frauenkirche underground car park (An d. Frauenkirche 12A)

- Q-Park Frauenkirche / Neumarkt car park (Landhausstraße 2)

- APCOA Haus am Zwinger car park (Kleine Brüdergasse 3)