Dresden Striezelmarkt

Each year the Striezelmarkt turns Dresden's Altmarkt into a Christmas market, with more than 200 traders selling their goods. The Altmarkt lies in the centre of the old town, opposite the Kulturpalast and beside Wilsdruffer Strasse.

The 2026 edition is confirmed for 25 November to 24 December. The organiser is the city of Dresden (Landeshauptstadt Dresden).

It is an open-air market on the Altmarkt and the route in is expected to be free and public, though that detail is not yet confirmed. Opening hours are also expected rather than final: 4 pm to 9 pm on the opening day, 25 November, then 10 am to 9 pm daily from 26 November to 23 December, and 10 am to 2 pm on 24 December.

According to the organiser, a Christmas cultural programme for children and adults runs every day at the market. It sits alongside the trading on the Altmarkt, so a visit can combine browsing the huts with whatever is on that day.

The market's name derives from Strüzel or Stroczel, an old name for a cake sold there that is now known as Stollen.

In its early form the market lasted one day and supplied Dresden's citizens with meat for their Christmas meal once the Advent fast was over.

Several traditions link the market to the region's mining past. The carved wooden ornaments sold at many stands go back to a time when miners who had lost their jobs turned to woodcarving. The arch-shaped Schwibbogen candle holder, traditionally bought here, depicts a mine entrance hung with guiding lights.

Traders present Ore Mountain folk art, and visitors can see craft masters up close in a demonstration workshop.

The headline attractions include a 14.61-metre Erzgebirge step pyramid and a walk-in Schwibbogen, both billed by the organiser as the world's largest. A historic Ferris wheel carries riders above the huts, while roasted almonds and mulled wine scent the air.

The Pflaumentoffel, a figure assembled from prunes that can be eaten, is a popular souvenir and is regarded as a lucky charm.