Elbe Cycle Path
Centre-based cycle tours
Saxon Switzerland
Circular walking tours
Sportive walking tours
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Dresden can rightly claim to be the city that gave the world the magic of the Christmas Market. Ever since 1434, when the city issued the first permit for a food market on Christmas Eve, Dresden has cultivated the festive tradition of the Christmas Market. Today, the aroma of freshly baked Stollen fruit loaf and of piping hot Gluehwein mulled wine remain special during the unique Dresden Striezelmarkt Christmas Market, a festive market steeped in centuries of tradition. Here you can shop for Christmas gifts and decorations at the many market stalls while sampling a large selection of delicious seasonal specialities.
Dates: Wednesday before the 1st Advent until 24/12/
Christmas in the middle ages
In the city centre of Dresden, very near the Frauenkirche and only a few metres from the Striezelmarkt you’ll find the medieval Christmas market in the Stallhof. This market, located in the Dresden castle, is a calmed world right inside of the centre of the lively Christmas town! There’s no constant droning of "Jingle Bells", hardly any electric light and no plastic. Over 40 stallholders and craftsmen are plying their trade using tools and materials from the late medieval period. Accompanied by pipers and the unmistakable flavour of hot spiced wine you will feel set back to the Middle Ages.
Dates: 29/11/ until 23/12/, 27/12/ until 30/12/ and 02/01/ until 06/01/ (closed on 24/, 25/, 26/12/, 31/12/ and 01/01/)
Advent on Dresden's Neumarkt Square
What better way to get in the mood for Christmas than to enjoy a delicious variety of festive titbits on one of Europe’s most historically important squares? The Neumarkt Christmas Market will delight you with its cosy charm and unique backdrop. The beautiful silhouette of the Church of Our Lady – one of Dresden’s most famous symbols – towers majestically over this romantic market, where traditional market stalls offer a range of Saxon delicacies and high-quality, hand-made products from around the region.
Dates: 30/11/ until 27/12/ and 27/12/ until 08/01/
Saxon manufactory christmas at Wackerbarth Castle
For the 10th time the baroque palace and gardens of the Wackerbarth Castle are transformed into a large showcase for exquisite Saxon craftsmanship. The Christmas market traditionally takes place on the second weekend of Advent. Get inspired, while discovering exquisite gift ideas in the romantically illuminated castle ensemble. Take a look over around 75 manufacturers, artisans and culinary delights and listen to the exciting stories about largely forgotten crafts.
Enrich your visit while experiencing magical live-music, exquisite delicacies and an affectionate programme. Christmas tree sales, Christmas workshop as well as puppet theatre and a storytelling hour make the Saxon Manufactory Christmas an unforgettable celebration for the whole family.
Dates: 2nd Advent weekend
Christmas market in Leipzig
Visit Leipzig at the most contemplative time of the year – Advent. Stroll through the traditional Christmas Market, held every year since 1767 on the historic Market Square, where a wide range of Christmas items, such as decorations from the Ore Mountains, are offered at the stands. Warm up with mulled wine while tasting a Saxon gingerbread and enjoy the view at the Old City Hall that is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings of the Renaissance epoch. You should not miss the traditional trumpeters who play every day from the balcony of the Old City Hall. The biggest attraction of all is the Advent calendar, which is the world’s largest free-standing calendar. Come and be enchanted by the sights, the sounds and the atmosphere of Christmas in Leipzig.
Dates: 28/11/ until 23/12/
