Dresdner Striezelmarkt

A Tradition Since 1434

The Dresdner Striezelmarkt dates back to a market permit granted by Elector Frederick II in 1434 — making it not only Germany's oldest documented Christmas market but also a central piece of Saxon identity. The name derives from "Striezel," a medieval term for Christstollen, which remains the sweet symbol of Saxony's state capital to this day. The 592nd edition in 2026 will take place from November 25 to December 24 on the Altmarkt, opposite the Kulturpalast and the New Town Hall.

Over 200 Stalls of Erzgebirge Folk Art

More than 200 exhibitors gather around the Altmarkt, offering a unique assortment: hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers from the Erzgebirge, intricate Schwibbögen (candle arches), Pulsnitz gingerbread, Dresdner Pflaumentoffel (small figures made from dried plums), regional liqueurs, and of course, the original Dresdner Christstollen — protected by its own seal of quality and produced only in Dresden. Watching the live carving demonstrations allows visitors to experience Erzgebirge craftsmanship firsthand.

The World's Largest Erzgebirge Tiered Pyramid

The visual centerpiece of the Striezelmarkt is the Christmas pyramid, registered as the world's largest walk-in Erzgebirge tiered pyramid at 14.61 m, its tiers rotating to the chime of bells. Alongside it, a historic Ferris wheel and a walk-in Christmas arch made of yew wood shape the scene. Daily changing cultural programs — Advent songs, choir concerts, fairy tale hours for children — accompany the stalls on the stage in front of the Town Hall.

The Dresdner Stollenfest

The highlight is the Stollenfest on the second Saturday of Advent: a giant Stollen weighing over three tons is paraded through the Old Town in a festive procession with magnificent floats and over 500 bakers and confectioners in historical costumes — led by the Dresdner Stollenmädchen (Stollen princess) — and ceremonially cut on the Altmarkt with the Original Dresdner Stollenmesser. Pieces of the Stollen are sold for donations, with proceeds going to charitable causes. The tradition dates back to the 18th century.

Saxony, Dresden, and the Striezelmarkt

Dresden, the state capital of Saxony and seat of the eponymous district (independent city of Dresden), is considered the capital of Erzgebirge folk art and pre-Christmas tradition. The Striezelmarkt attracts more than two million visitors annually — from the Erzgebirge, Berlin, Bavaria, as well as from Poland, the Czech Republic, and the USA. Visitors should take time to explore the parallel Christmas markets in the Old Town: the medieval market at the Stallhof, the romantic Christmas market on the Frauenkirche square, the Striezelmarkt for arts and crafts in Neustadt, and the Hüttenzauber (cabin magic) on Hauptstraße.