When the Striezelmarkt in Dresden opens its doors again

Christmas is slowly making its way to Dresden’s Altmarkt: The Striezelmarkt will open its doors again on November 25. According to the organizers, more than 200 booths will be waiting for visitors this year. In addition, traditional handicrafts and an extensive cultural program will help create a pre-Christmas atmosphere through December 24.

This year, the 592nd Christmas market will center on a Saxon Christmas tradition: the Pflaumentoffel, as Dresden’s Mayor for Economic Affairs, Jan Pratzka, announced in Dresden. The edible chimney sweep figurine made of dried plums is the market’s central theme, which this year is held under the motto “Finally, Striezeln Again!”

Controversy Over the Christmas Tree Top

This year’s Striezelmarkt fir tree has already sparked discussion. The 23-meter-tall Nordmann fir comes from a private property in the Neundorf district of Pirna and has stood on the Altmarkt since Reformation Day. Some passersby criticized the tree for lacking a distinct tip.

Pratzka defended the choice of a natural tree. “Only artificial trees have the same top every year and always look the same,” he said. Real trees are unique, he added. He also expressed his delight that the tree comes from the region and did not have to be imported.

Mulled wine prices remain stable

Mulled wine prices are expected to range between 4.50 and 5 euros again this year, said Heiko Meyer, chairman of the Friends of Dresden’s Historic Altmarkt. According to the organizers, the mulled wine will be served in approximately 70,000 specially made annual mugs. This year’s theme color is based on the hue of the mulled wine. Visitors can keep the mugs for a deposit of about five euros. A lilac-colored version is available for children.

What’s on the program?

Germany’s oldest Christmas market will open on November 25 with an ecumenical service at the Kreuzkirche and the cutting of the first Dresden Christmas stollen on the Altmarkt. Once the Erzgebirge-style stepped pyramid is pushed into place, the Striezelmarkt is officially considered open.

Visitors can look forward to an extensive cultural program throughout the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Up to 1,900 participants from Dresden and all over Saxony will present a total of 196 program items.

The city recommends using public transportation to get there. During the Advent season, approximately 730,000 passengers are expected daily. On Advent Saturdays, tram lines E9 and E12 will increase their service. They will run every 15 minutes between Striesen and Löbtau and are intended primarily to relieve congestion on the east-west route.