Hotels near Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt

The Striezelmarkt has been held on Dresden's Altmarkt since at least 1434, and in 2026 it runs from 25 November to 24 December, open daily from 10am to 9pm. More than 200 stalls sell Ore Mountains wooden crafts such as nutcrackers, smoking figures and Christmas pyramids, along with Pulsnitz gingerbread, Dresden Christstollen and Pflaumentoffel, little chimney sweeps made from dried plums.

The centrepiece is one of the world's largest walk-through Christmas pyramids, more than 14 metres tall, with turning tiers of carved figures. A historic Ferris wheel, a children's area with a Christmas bakery and a stage for concerts complete the market.

Mulled wine is served in the market's own ceramic or glass mugs, which change design every year and make popular souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Buy a slice of genuine Dresdner Christstollen, a protected regional speciality, from one of the bakers' stalls. Visit on a weekday morning, before the coach groups arrive.