Don't miss these winter highlights in Dresden Elbland
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Dresden – Dresden has much more to offer than just the Striezelmarkt Christmas market.
Christmas is celebrated with great enjoyment and tradition throughout the Elbe region.
Whether it's the Stollen Festival, winter boat trips, or the Medieval Christmas Market – the Advent season in Dresden's Elbland region is full of festive experiences and Christmas treats.
Here are the best events and experiences in the region.
This is how Dresden Elbland will celebrate Christmas in 2025
Between baroque backdrops, sparkling vineyards, and the gentle glow of the Elbe River, Dresden Elbland transforms into an atmospheric winter wonderland full of lights, scents, and traditions during the Christmas season.
A delicious stollen fresh from the bakery or hot mulled wine at one of the many Christmas markets, crafts and tradition ensure unforgettable enjoyment during Advent.
It is precisely this feeling of well-being that attracts countless visitors to the region every year.
However, popular events and cozy accommodations are often booked up early during the Advent season.
Our recommendation: if you want to experience the festive magic of Dresden's Elbe region in 2025, it's best to plan early. That way, the most beautiful accommodations and experiences won't just remain a dream.
Here you will find all winter events and experiences at a glance.
The coming weeks promise a festive atmosphere and numerous culinary highlights.
We showcase some of the most beautiful highlights of this time of year.
Dresden Stollen Festival
On December 6, 2025, the Dresden Stollen Festival at the Striezelmarkt invites visitors to enjoy a truly delicious event.
The grand parade with music, carriages, and the famous giant stollen celebrates the traditional baking craft that has made Dresden Christmas stollen world-famous.
The stollen, which weighs several tons, will be ceremoniously cut, and anyone who wants to can get a piece of the delicious XXL pastry. The proceeds will go to a charitable cause.
The festival will be crowned by the Dresden Stollen Girl, who will welcome visitors as an ambassador of the baking tradition.
The most important information at a glance:
What?
Dresden Stollen Festival
When?
Saturday, December 6, 2025from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where?
Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt
More information about the Stollen Festival can be found here.
Winter adventure trips on the Elbe
When Dresden's lights are reflected in the water, Saxon Steamship Company invites you to take a winter cruise on the Elbe.
In comfortably heated saloon ships, you will pass glittering banks, festively decorated villas, and the baroque silhouette of the city.
Whether you choose the Christmas Garden light cruise or the winter lights tour to Pillnitz, on board the Elbe becomes a stage for atmospheric experiences with a 3-course meal and a special view.
The most important information at a glance:
What?
Winter adventure cruises on the Elbe
November 26 to December 17, 2025, and January 7/8, 2026 – Light tour to the Christmas Garden
- Twice a week, starting at 5 p.m., duration: approx. 5 hours (including a 2-hour stop in Pillnitz)
November 25 to December 20, 2025 (Tues. to Thurs.) and January 2, 3, 9, 10, 2026
- Start: 6:30 p.m., duration: 3.5 hours
Where?
Departure from Terrassenufer, Dresden Old TownFurther information on the winter adventure cruises is available here.
Dresdner Adventskalenderfest
On November 29, 2025, the Dresden Advent Calendar Festival will be celebrated on the Altmarkt. The highlight for families and children par excellence.
Between the Christmas bakery, fairy tale house, and elf workshop, a lovingly designed world of experiences full of scents, music, and little surprises opens up.
The stage program will focus on the history of the Advent calendar, accompanied by traditional Striezelmarkt characters and atmospheric performances.
At the end, free Striezelmarkt Advent calendars will be distributed.
The most important information at a glance:
What?
Dresden Advent Calendar Festival
When?
Saturday, November 29, 2025
from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where?
Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt
More information about the Advent Calendar Festival can be found here.
Dresden Christmas Circus
In the festively decorated tent city on Washingtonstraße, breathtaking artistry, rousing music, and humorous show interludes meet genuine Christmas flair.
For the 27th time, the Dresden Christmas Circus is transforming the stage into a winter wonderland full of magic, glamour, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.
An experience that lights up the Advent season in the state capital every year.
The most important information at a glance:
What?
Dresden Christmas Circus
When?
December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Where?
Washingtonstraße 2, 01139 Dresden
More information about the Christmas Circus is available here.
Medieval market at Dresden's Stallhof
Between torchlight and flute music, a very special Christmas world full of crafts, music, and traditional delights awakens in the historic stable courtyard of Dresden's Royal Palace.
The medieval Christmas market is bustling with merchants, jugglers, and minstrels who transport visitors back to times long past, while handmade goods and hearty food are offered at the stalls.
Those who like things rustic, cozy, and romantic will find an atmospheric alternative to the classic Christmas market here.
And during the “Dresden Rauhnächte” , things take on a mystical air. With fortune tellers, fire shows, and live music, they ring in the new year in a unique way.
The most important information at a glance:
What?
Medieval Christmas market in the Stallhof
When?
November 26, 2025, to January 6, 2026
from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where?
Stallhof, 01067 Dresden
More information about the Dresden Stallhof can be found here.
Cover photo: Dresden Marketing