Augustusmarkt Dresden — Neustädter Advent

Dresden's International Christmas Market

While the Dresden Striezelmarkt on Altmarkt defines the image of Germany's most traditional Christmas market, the Augustusmarkt on the opposite side of the Elbe has established itself as its international and urban counterpart. On Hauptstraße — the baroque axis that Augustus the Strong once created as a grand boulevard to the Neustadt — 500 meters of white-and-gold pagodas line the street between the famous equestrian statue of Augustus the Strong and Gomondai-Platz near Königstraße.

Atmosphere and Design

Instead of classic Erzgebirge wood carvings and incense smokers — the specialty of the Striezelmarkt — the Augustusmarkt offers a broader aesthetic mix: Saxon craft traditions (Pulsnitz gingerbread, Erzgebirge wood art, Lusatian pottery) meet international stalls from Italy, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The visual centerpiece is formed by two special trees: a specially illuminated blue Christmas tree in the center of the market (one of the market's trademarks) and a gold-glittering tree at Gomondai-Platz. A Ferris wheel turns at the Golden Rider, offering views over Hauptstraße to the Elbe and across to the Frauenkirche.

Culinary Delights — Tradition and Street Food

The culinary concept is where the decisive difference lies compared to many other German Christmas markets: The Augustusmarkt combines classic Christmas market fare (bratwurst, mulled wine, stollen, gingerbread, candied almonds) with modern street food (Asian bowls, vegan crêpes, Mexican tacos, Turkish lahmacun). Those with an hour to spare and not just looking for a quick mulled wine can embark on a mini food tour along Hauptstraße.

New Year's Eve at Augustusmarkt

A special feature that distinguishes the Augustusmarkt from many other Christmas markets: Unlike the Striezelmarkt, it remains open until January 4 and hosts an official New Year's Eve market. On New Year's Eve night, the market stays open until 2 AM, with additional entertainment and enhanced security measures. The market is closed only on December 24, 25, 26, and January 1.

Neustädter Advent — Neighborhood Market

The Augustusmarkt is the centerpiece of the Neustädter Advent — a broader program of concerts, special events, and culinary activities organized by the association of Neustadt businesses. Visitors to the market can ideally combine their visit with strolls through the Innere Neustadt: Pfunds Molkerei (Bautzner Straße), the craft passages on Königstraße, and the galleries around Albertplatz.