Christmas in Saxony

winter wonderland

Saxony shows off traditional German Christmas in all its glory, our Christmas Markets are world famous. Christmas shopping becomes an amazing experience when turned into an afternoon's stroll through this winter wonderland: a delicious smell of hot mulled wine and freshly baked waffles hovers over the maze of small booths where local artisans and craftsmen display and sell their traditional products, all set up around an enormous Christmas tree. Try Dresdner Stollen, a traditional fruit bread, candied almonds or Pulsnitz gingerbread, a local specialty.
Dresden is home to the world's oldest Christmas market - the Striezelmarkt was established in 1434 and boasts 230 stalls as well as the world's largest candle pyramid.

Meissen hosts one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets in its medieval town square. The dignified ancient town hall of Meissen even turns into an advent calendar, opening one of its 24 windows each day leading up to Christmas Eve.

The nearby Ore Mountain Range is home to folk art known far beyond Germany: the wooden ornaments, candle arches, figurines of angels, nutcrackers and incense smokers are still traditionally handmade. The village of Seiffen is well worth a day trip to learn about the history and craft involved in these beloved toys and ornaments.

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Dresden Altstadt "old town"

The splendid residence of the Saxon electors and kings will enchant you with art, architecture, culture and night life.

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Dresden Neustadt "new town"

Explore alternative culture, night life and international flair in Dresden's most colorful neighborhood.

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Elbe river banks

Our local recreation area - lush nature in the middle of town!

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change of perspective

Dresden's two funicular railways offer exceptional views across the Blaues Wunder and Dresden.

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art & museums

Raphael’s Sistine Madonna is one of the most famous paintings on display in Dresden, and its angels are the mascots for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen (State Art Collections). But there are countless more museums and exhibitions waiting for your visit:

  • Gemäldegalerie Alte & Neue Meister
  • Grünes Gewölbe
  • Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon
  • Deutsches Hygiene-Museum
  • Militärhistorisches Museum
    ...
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Moritzburg

The baroque castle is surrounded by an extensive woodland reserve complete with animals - a favorite destination for families.

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Meissen

This town is over 1000 years old and invites you to time travel through its crooked alleys and up the steep ascents to the castle hill.

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Elbe bike path

If you are travelling by bike, Dresden is a stop you cannot miss. Sections N and O meet here and run through town along either side of the river.

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Called Saxon Switzerland for good reason, the breathtakingly bizarre rock formations in this special part of the Elbe valley are a delight for hikers and climbers.

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Pillnitz palace & park

Best known for its spectacular gardens and water displays, as well as a huge Camellia tree - over 250 years old!

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White Fleet

Cruise along the Elbe river on an historic steamboat and watch the landscape unroll on both sides.

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