For me, Dresden is synonymous with Elector Augustus the Strong, the Dresden Zwinger, the Semper Opera House, and of course the Frauenkirche, which was rebuilt from ruins after decades. That is of course all true, but during Advent and Christmas time, all this recedes and the Christmas markets play the leading role on the stage of the baroque city.
How many there are exactly this year, probably only the city administration knows. So we put on thick boots, a warm coat, gloves, hat, and scarf and set off to be surprised.
Author’s recommendation
Stories and facts about the Christmas markets can be found at traumwanderungen.de/weihnacht-in-dresden/
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Adventsmarkt auf dem NeumarktTraditioneller Weihnachtsmarkt an der Frauenkirche Dresden
Kunst CAFE Antik
Augustusmarkt Hauptstraße Neustadt
Markthallen
Mittelalterweihnacht und Raunächte im Stallhof
ALEX
Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss
Hüttenzauber auf dem Postplatz
Dresdner Winterlichter auf der Prager Straße
Dresdner Striezelmarkt auf dem Altmarkt
Roadbook
We start our stroll through the Christmas markets at the Neumarkt, just around the corner from the Dresden city residence of HAPIMAG, right at our doorstep. The huge Christmas tree at the Neumarkt is not only decorated with candle lights but also adorned with large glowing stars. Together with the original stalls of the artisans and especially the festively illuminated dome of the Frauenkirche in the background, it creates a unique panorama.
Over the old Augustus Bridge leads a wide foot and bike path to the other bank of the Elbe into the Neustadt. This was actually old Dresden until it burned down in 1685, and on its smoking ruins, opposite the courtly palaces of the Elector, the "New Town" was established.
After returning over the Augustus Bridge, we go straight to the northern gate to the Stallhof and end up after a few steps among medieval wooden stalls with all kinds of crafts.
To make it short, the following Christmas markets can safely be skipped:
- Romantic Christmas market at the castle
- Dresden Hut Magic
- Dresden Winter Lights
We have wisely saved the absolute highlight of the Dresden Christmas markets for last – the Striezelmarkt. That was a good decision, because on the large area of the Altmarkt, you can discover the most beautiful stalls and stands of all Dresden. Not only the displays and the offered artworks made of wood, fabric, wool, leather, and baked goods amaze us, but also the artworks on the roofs of the stalls are astonishing.
Adventsmarkt auf dem Neumarkt
Frauenkirche
Traditioneller Weihnachtsmarkt an der Frauenkirche Dresden
Brühl's Terrace
Kunst CAFE Antik
Kathedrale Dresden (Katholische Hofkirche)
Wohnmobilstellplatz GPS: 51°03'24.5"N 13°44'35.8"E
Augustusmarkt Hauptstraße Neustadt
Markthallen
Semperoper Dresden
Mittelalterweihnacht und Raunächte im Stallhof
ALEX
Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss
Dresden's Royal Palace
Dresden Zwinger
Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments
Hüttenzauber auf dem Postplatz
Dresdner Winterlichter auf der Prager Straße
Wohnmobilstellplatz GPS: 51°02'39.2"N 13°44'37.4"E
Kreuzkirche Dresden
Dresdner Striezelmarkt auf dem Altmarkt
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Start at Dresden main station by train and at the Christmas market on Prager Straße.
You can also come cheaply to Dresden by long-distance bus. The long-distance buses stop at the main station.
More information is available at www.buszentrale.org.
Directions
The three Christmas markets in Dresden are centrally located and within walking distance. Especially the Striezelmarkt and the Christmas market at Neumarkt are only a few meters apart.Parking
Please use the parking guidance system, as parking spaces are scarce during the Christmas season!
The following park & ride facilities are available to you:
A4 from Frankfurt/Main, Leipzig or Görlitz - Dresden-Neustadt exit: Washingtonstraße stop with tram line 9
A17 from Prague direction - Dresden-Gorbitz exit: Gompitzer Höhe or Pennrich Gleisschleife stops with tram line 7
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Don't forget umbrella and warm glovesLocalization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions