On December 5, a giant cake will make its way through the streets of the German city of Dresden, accompanied by a whimsical procession of costumed revelers, before being sliced and shared with the public. This is a very old tradition that has gradually become one of the major Christmas events in this Saxon city. A local specialty, the Stollen is something of an emblem of the Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market and one of the most authentic in Europe. Good news for Parisians looking for a getaway: you can fly to Dresden and experience the magic of the holidays in less than a 2-hour flight.
A 600-year-old Christmas market less than 2 hours from Paris
We have to go all the way back to 1434 to find the first records of the event. At that time, Christmas wasn’t celebrated quite the same way as it is today, but it was then that Elector Frederick II authorized the holding of a market on Altmarkt Square. Initially regarded primarily as a food market, it evolved over the years before taking on its famous holiday lights and welcoming gourmet food stalls. More than six centuries later, the festivities continue, and the event has grown considerably. This year, the market runs from November 25 to December 24, and more than 200 merchants and artisans are expected in the historic heart of the city, which will celebrate the 592nd edition of its market!
One of the Striezelmarkt’s main attractions is its gigantic wooden Christmas pyramid. Standing 14.5 meters tall, it’s billed as the world’s largest tiered Christmas pyramid. Visitors will also find the famous wooden nutcrackers, the glowing Herrnhut stars, and the Pflaumentoffel—small figures representing chimney sweeps, made from prunes. And how could we not mention the gigantic, traditional Christmas tree that will take center stage at the market? Standing 23 meters tall, it will be adorned with 260,000 lights and crowned with a star.
As you wander among the stalls, let the comforting aromas guide you. Here, you can sample the famous Stollen, as well as traditional gingerbread and pretzels. You can also treat yourself to grilled sausages, baked apples, or lebkuchen, all paired with steaming mulled wine. In short, food lovers will be in heaven here.
Beyond the market itself, several activities and events will punctuate this magical month. Following the Stollen Festival on December 5, the market will celebrate gingerbread the next day, then its famous pyramid on December 12. A grand miners’ parade is also scheduled for December 19, highlighting the importance of mining in Saxony’s history. And of course, a little stroll through Dresden isn’t out of the question either. Nicknamed the “Florence of the Elbe,” the city is home to many treasures, including stunning Lutheran and Catholic churches.