Striezelmarkt
Germany's oldest Christmas market, offering centuries of tradition, festive treats, and unique crafts in a magical setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Striezelmarkt
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Germany's oldest Christmas market, offering centuries of tradition, festive treats, and unique crafts in a magical setting.
"It felt so magical there. The Stollen was the highlight of my entire trip to Dresden."
🎯 Arrive Early for Space
Beat the crowds by visiting before noon. Vendors open around 10-11 AM. :clock1:
💳 Cash is King (Mostly)
While many vendors accept cards, having cash handy is recommended for smaller purchases. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dresdner Christstollen
Various Stalls
Taste the legendary buttery Stollen, packed with raisins and citrus peel. A true highlight of Dresden!
Traditional German Treats
Food Stalls
Indulge in Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and savory Bratwurst. A must-try for any Christmas market experience.
Artisan Crafts and Ornaments
Craft Stalls
Discover beautiful wooden carvings, ornaments, and unique holiday gifts from local artisans.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
Children's Area
Enjoy a merry-go-round, small train rides, and cookie baking for the little ones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Culinary Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Space
Beat the crowds by visiting before noon. Vendors open around 10-11 AM. :clock1:
💳 Cash is King (Mostly)
While many vendors accept cards, having cash handy is recommended for smaller purchases. :moneybag:
🍜 Explore Unique Foods
Beyond the classics, try Chinese noodles or sweet potato fries for a culinary adventure! +1 :ramen:
🧣 Dress Warmly
Dresden in winter can be chilly. Layer up to stay comfortable while exploring. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Space
Beat the crowds by visiting before noon. Vendors open around 10-11 AM. :clock1:
💳 Cash is King (Mostly)
While many vendors accept cards, having cash handy is recommended for smaller purchases. :moneybag:
🍜 Explore Unique Foods
Beyond the classics, try Chinese noodles or sweet potato fries for a culinary adventure! +1 :ramen:
🧣 Dress Warmly
Dresden in winter can be chilly. Layer up to stay comfortable while exploring. :snowflake:
📸 Capture the Magic
The market is incredibly photogenic, especially after dark with all the lights. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Striezelmarkt as one of Germany's most magical and historic Christmas markets. The abundance of traditional food, festive atmosphere, and unique crafts are major highlights. While it can get very crowded, especially in the evenings, the experience is widely considered worth it for its charm and historical significance.
"A lovely Christmas market in Dresden I visited days before Christmas. It gets very busy, especially once the sun goes down. You can get here earlier in the day if you want a little more walking space, vendors started opening early, around 10 or 11 many were opening. You’ll find lots of vendors selling gluhwein, stollen, lebkuchen, bratwurst, lovely wooden carvings, ornaments, a few other treats and gift-able items. I bought lovely carved wooden serving spoons and some beautifully designed tablecloth and runner for the holidays. We saw a small place where children were learning to bake Christmas cookies, another where they can ride a small train, there’s also a merry-go-round and a ferris wheel. There’s a place freshly baking the stollen right on the premises, Dresdner Christstollen. The market is surrounded by food eateries, hotels, and the Altmarkt-Galerie shopping mall."
Mary Naughton
"Loved the Christmas market. Probably my second favorite of the close to 10 major Christmas markets I’ve been to. Was very busy which is to be expected in the major markets. Credit cards accepted at more than half of the retail vendors."
Elaine D
"One of the largest and oldest Christmas in Europe. There are many food options and drinks. A bit crowded but it is worth experiencing this at least once in your life."
Riku
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Striezelmarkt is located in the heart of Dresden's city center on the Altmarkt square. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. Many visitors also walk from other central Dresden attractions.
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a multi-story car park a short walk away.
Yes, you can take a tram from Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main train station) directly to stops near the Altmarkt, making it convenient for train travelers.
The Altmarkt square is generally flat, but cobblestones can be present. Navigating the market can be challenging during peak hours due to crowds.
Dresden has an excellent public transportation system. Trams are very efficient for reaching the city center and the Striezelmarkt.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Striezelmarkt is free to enter. You only pay for the food, drinks, and goods you purchase.
The Striezelmarkt typically opens daily from late November until Christmas Eve. Hours usually range from 10 AM to 9 PM, with variations on Sundays and Christmas Eve. Check the official website for exact times.
The Striezelmarkt typically runs from the Wednesday before the first Advent Sunday until Christmas Eve. +1
There are no tickets required for entry, as the market is free to access.
Yes, the Striezelmarkt often features a program of events, including music, performances, and traditional ceremonies. Check the local schedule for details.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of traditional German crafts, including wooden carvings, Christmas ornaments, Erzgebirge figures, candles, and local delicacies.
Many vendors do accept credit cards, but it's advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or if a vendor doesn't accept cards.
Look for stalls specifically advertising 'Dresdner Christstollen,' often baked fresh on-site. It's a signature item of the market.
Besides Stollen, consider buying Lebkuchen, local jams, honey, or handcrafted wooden items as unique edible or decorative gifts.
Hand-painted ornaments, traditional wooden toys, and Saxon pottery are popular choices for souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try the Dresdner Christstollen, Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst (sausage). Pulled ox with red cabbage is also a highly recommended savory option.
While many traditional options are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian choices like potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), mushroom dishes, and sweet crepes. Vegan options might be more limited but are becoming more common.
Prices vary, but expect to pay around €3-€5 for a Glühwein, €4-€7 for a Bratwurst, and €5-€10 for a Stollen slice or a more substantial meal.
Yes, you can find non-alcoholic versions of Glühwein (Kinderpunsch), hot chocolate, fruit juices, and water.
Keep an eye out for stalls offering international specialties, such as the Chinese noodle hut that has gained popularity.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire market is a photographer's dream! Focus on the beautifully decorated stalls, the towering Christmas tree, and the festive atmosphere, especially as dusk falls.
It can be challenging during peak hours. Try to capture wider shots from slightly elevated positions or focus on details when the crowds thin. Visiting earlier in the day helps.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset and the early evening when the lights are on offer magical photo opportunities.
The Altmarkt square itself, the main Christmas tree, and the historic Frauenkirche church in the background provide iconic photo backdrops.
For low light, use a wider aperture and a higher ISO. A tripod can be helpful for sharper night shots, but it can be difficult to set up in crowded areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Many food stalls offer kid-friendly options, and the overall environment is very welcoming to families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for vendors offering smaller, more affordable snacks or consider purchasing a whole Stollen to share over several days if you have self-catering accommodation. Many of the craft stalls offer smaller, less expensive ornaments and trinkets as souvenirs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with capturing the details of the crafts, the steam rising from the Glühwein cups, and the joyful expressions of visitors. A wider aperture can help isolate subjects in the bustling environment, while a tripod can be beneficial for sharper night photography, though challenging to set up.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Striezelmarkt
The market's name itself, 'Striezelmarkt,' is derived from 'Striezel,' an old German word for a type of sweet bread or cake, which eventually became known as the Dresdner Christstollen. This iconic pastry is still a central culinary highlight of the market, with many vendors specializing in its traditional preparation. The market's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Christmas traditions in Germany.
Today, the Striezelmarkt is more than just a marketplace; it's a cultural phenomenon. It features a diverse range of stalls selling everything from traditional crafts and ornaments to regional delicacies. The market also boasts various attractions, including a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a miniature railway, making it a festive destination for all ages.
Culinary Delights of the Striezelmarkt
Beyond the Stollen, the market offers a smorgasbord of traditional German Christmas fare. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine), a festive staple. Savor the aroma and taste of Bratwurst (grilled sausage) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). For something different, try the sweet potato fries with aioli or the unique Chinese noodles that have become a popular modern addition.
Don't miss out on other local specialties like Saxon Quarkkeulchen (fried quark and potato cakes with applesauce) or savory dishes like pulled ox served with braised red cabbage. The variety ensures there's something to delight every palate, making the Striezelmarkt a culinary adventure.
Shopping and Crafts at the Striezelmarkt
Beyond wooden crafts, the market offers a beautiful selection of Christmas ornaments, from delicate glass baubles to hand-painted ceramic pieces. You can also discover handmade candles, festive textiles like tablecloths and runners, and local pottery. These items make for perfect mementos of your visit or thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
While many vendors accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or if you encounter a stall that prefers it. This ensures you don't miss out on any unique finds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit