Dresden Christmas Markets - exploring the oldest markets of Germany!

Dresden is home to the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany, which also makes it the city with the oldest Christmas market in the whole world. This special market is known as Striezelmarkt and it dates back to the 1434 AD. The market celebrates its 851st birthday this year and that's quite a mighty feat!

So when I visited Germany during the festive Christmas season, exploring these Christmas markets was high on my list, especially in Dresden. Here is a round-up of some of the most famous and prominent markets which are also all located in the old city and within walking distance from one another. 

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Streizelmarkt in Dresden

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
There is always something for the kids too at all markets :)

Now, 851 years is a long long time and when I started writing this, I got really curious to understand what was happening in the world at that time, just to put things in perspective. In case you are wondering as well, here are some historical facts:

- Babur was still not born (so obviously there were no Mughals in India) and Delhi was still being ruled by the Sultanate. 
- Christopher Columbus was not yet conceived, so America was still an unknown land and the native American kingdoms were flourishing. Inca was founded only a few years later and so in 1434 there was no Machu Pichu at all.
- Martin Luther King’s father was also not yet born, which essentially rules out the existence of any protestants in the world. The area was completely Catholic.
- Constantinople was still the capital of the Roman empire and Istanbul was still not born. 
- Ming Dynasty had reached it pinnacle in China and they were closest to world rulers at that point in time.


History of Christmas Markets

So basically 1434 was a long long time back. Of course, at that time the Christmas markets were vastly different from what we see now. These were places where farmers would come and sell their produce before extreme winters set in. The locals would buy all things they would need for the harsh months and store them - including meat. Most of the elements which seem essential to Christmas in Germany were not yet a part of the festivities, and got added over the next few centuries.

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Maybe this is how they dressed when the markets started originally....

When I spent a few days in Dresden recently, Christmas Markets were in full bloom and I spent every evening walking through them and trying out all possible local delicacies, well the vegetarian ones at least. I couchsurfed with Bernhard and on the very first night we decided to explore the closest Christmas market and tried out Dresden Christstollen, the totally yum and low on sugar Christmas cake that the region is famous for. We later went to Neustadt and got rather sloshed, but the memories of the market stayed on and after that I went to a different market in the city, often alone, at times with a friend. Strangely I often didn’t carry my camera and just went there to absorb the feel of the place.


Was it cold? Of course it was, but then Germans have found a way to fight that biting winter cold - gluhwein! Also known as Mulled wine, the term roughly translates into Glow wine. The Romans invented this concoction of heated red wine with spices a long time back and it traveled across Europe with the spread of Holy Roman empire. It’s easy to drink, keeps you warm and also possibly makes you very happy, as it’s easy to drink too much of it?

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
A Glühwein shop...they are extremely popular across all markets!
Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt gluhwein
My cup of Gluhwein

There are a few more elements which make a typical german Christmas market, and the next which comes to my mind are the Christmas toys. This region of Germany was always known for the ores of various metals. However, as the ores got exhausted, the miners started making wooden toys which depicted the life they lived. Two of the most famous ones are - The Smoking Man and The Nut Cracker. Both of these come from the Ore Mountains, and more specially from a town called Seiffen.


Apart from the toys and some excellent food (read more: food at Christmas markets), there is always a large Christmas tree and a few rides, especially for the kids. These markets are also perfect places if you are looking at buying handmade products - glass-work, wine, lights, food (of course), and much much more. As these are handmade, they are also a little more expensive and much more personal. If you don’t have the money to splurge, don’t worry, you can simply walk around in the market and enjoy looking at so much beauty all around.

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Shopping time - handmade glass work!


Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Ah! Some local alcohol...

So if you are in Dresden, here are some of my favourite ones that you can check out. The city has more than two dozen such markets, but there are some which just can’t be massed. You must also explore the markets close to where you stay in the city as the smaller markets are often extremely charming too.

Striezelmarkt Dresden

Founded in the year 1834, Streizelmarkt is the oldest Christmas Market of the world and it celebrated its 580th anniversary in 2014. Originally a one day event, it now starts much in advance and goes on till the Christmas eve. Over these days, the market attracts upwards of 3 million visitors from across the world.


Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Entrance of Streizelmarkt in Dresden


A richly decorated Christmas tree is located in the centre and much of the activity happens around it. Just like other Christmas markets, this one is also decorated with many oversized toys like the Smoking man, the Nut cracker, a candle holder arch and more.


Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
Ginger breads :)

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Striezelmarkt
And I love small shops like these...

It’s got some of the shops, though often these are run by college kids who are looking at making some pre-Christmas pocket money. In many shops you can also meet the artists themselves, though many of these are quite reclusive.

Location: Altmarkt square, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Dates: 26th November (approx) to 24th December
Timing: 10am to 9pm
Entry Fee: Free



Medieval Christmas Market

These markets are called so as they follow through the medieval theme, which is the period when the markets actually started across Germany. When you enter one of these markets, you can actually see people in long gowns and hoods, walking around like it was the 9th Century European market. The music is complimentary to the theme, and the shops are actually unique.

You can see traditional flags and food and hear music which is certainly new to the current generations. This market usually goes on till the beginning of the next year.

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets medieval
Medieval Christmas market 

The location of the market is actually quite an interesting and a historical one - Stallhof. In the 17th century it served as stable for horses on multiple storeys of the building, something like the modern car parkings. It’s now a heritage building, though you can’t really see it much during the Christmas market time due to decorations and the shops.

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets medieval
My nuts getting ready :)

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets medieval
There are lots of shops...

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets medieval
...with local craftsmen! 

Often the market also has an entry fee, which is not the case for other markets. When I went it was 3 euros.

Location: Stallhof, Kanzleigäßchen, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Dates: 26th November (approx) to early January.
Timing: 11am to 9pm

Entry Fee: 3 euros


Frauenkirche Christmas Market

This one is not that big and is often overshadowed by the large market close-by at Altmarkt, but with the stunning ‘Our Lady of Church’ in the background, a visit to this market is a pure delight. This market also shuts after the BIG one, so you can come down here for a stroll, shopping or simply a cup of gluhwein on your way back home or hotel.

Dresden Germany oldest Christmas markets Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche Christmas Market

When you are in the neighbourhood, do make a visit to The Grand Cafe, also known as Coselpalais, which has some of the best cakes that you can get in the entire city. It;s right next to the church, though you will have to walk around a bit to reach it.

There is another lovely and small Christmas market called Weihnachtsmarkt in an alley behind the church and it’s another place which should not be missed. The narrow lane has beautiful decoration and is usually filled with people, many of them locals. If you want a shot from top, you can climb up a few steps and get one.

Once you are done with this market and want to try out some nice coffee, there is a lovely cafe right on the corner called Kunst Cafe (An der Frauenkirche, 5 Eingang Terrassengasse 01067 Dresden), which is almost like a museum from inside. 

Location: Frauenkirche, Neumarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany 
Dates: 26th November (approx) to 24th December
Timing: 10am to 10pm
Entry Fee: Free




Where to stay in Germany during festival season?

One of the best located hotels in Dresden is Swissotel Dresden located right in the heart of Old city. 

Read: Review of Swissotel Dresden 

Here's the address:
Schlossstrasse 16 ▪ 01067 Dresden ▪ Germany
Tel: +49 351 501 200

The best part is that all the above mentioned Christmas markets are located within walking distance to the hotel, and nothing can be more convenient than that :)


Other Christmas markets

Apart from these in the traditional heart of the city, there are markets spread all over the city as well. There was one particular one that I was keen to visit, but didn’t get time for - this is the one in Neustadt. But then maybe I will visit the city again and explore more places then :)

Though Dresden is considered to be the birthplace of Christmas markets in Germany, there are many more amazing ones in rest of the continent as well. Check out here some of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe! However if you are in the UK and plan to explore the Christmas markets in the capital city, here is a great guide - Best London Christmas Markets.

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I was in Germany on invitation of the Germany Tourism. All views expressed in the story above my own and based on my personal experiences. Read more here: Germany Tourism.

Comments

  1. Lovely insight into the famous German Christmas markets. Great captures too.

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    1. Yes Ola! The place certainly had loads of atmosphere :)

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  3. I love Christmas Markets, especially the ones in Germany. I have been to many of them there, but not those here in Dresden. I wish you a Happy New Year my friend. To many more travels in 2016!

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    1. I saw in a few more places, but loved the ones in Dresden! Wish you also a happy new year - lots of travel to you too :)

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  4. Wow what a live and festive location!
    Thanks Sid...your posts are always very informative and inspiring.

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    1. Thanks Akanksha! I am glad you enjoyed the post :)

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  5. wow amazing pics and thanks for your post.
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2016.

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    1. Thanks Rupam! Wish you too a very Happy New Year :)

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  6. What a gorgeous place to be I would lose my mind taking pictures and buying things!

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    1. Absolutely Caroline! The place is magical in every possible way :)

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  7. The history is really baffling. You clearly put your heart in where you go. I loved how elaborately you've painted the picture. Wonderful photos too. :)

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    1. Thanks so much Aishwarya! I love bringing in the historical bit in the steers...makes the research also so much more fun :)

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  8. These pictures are so charming! I would love to visit a market like this!

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  9. I've always wanted to be in Germany for the Christmas markets! This looks awesome! Great pictures!

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