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The Magic of Dresden Christmas Market

Visiting Dresden in mid-November proved to be a double-edged sword. The Christmas Market wasn't going to open until the end of the month, however, the city was already infused with festive charm.

We had the chance to walk among the quiet stalls as they were being built, getting to see them before everybody else. I have to admit this felt special if a bit sad. And it inevitably left us wishing to return and indulge on our Christmas gift buying urges...

Dresden Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas Market in Germany and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to the beginning of the 15th century. It is located in the historical city center, nestled among beautiful buildings, and its stalls spread along the city's squares and streets.

Fun fact: Dresden Christmas Market hosts the world's tallest Christmas pyramid and the world's biggest nutcracker.

Dresden is a romantic city throughout the year, but its charms are even more obvious at Christmas time when the city smells of Pulsnitz gingerbread, Gluhwine (mulled wine) and delicious Christmas Stollen.

Many of the gifts sold here are traditional, hand-made crafts made in the nearby Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), near the Czech border, while the blown glass tree decorations are from Lauscha and the pottery from Lusatia.

Pflaumentoffel (The Plum Devil)

But the Pflaumentoffel (plum devil) is probably the most emblematic figure at Dresden Christmas Market and if you ask me, the cutest of them all. The little chimney sweeps made out of dried plums are meant for decorative purposes, though they are perfectly edible. Well, not that I could actually do that... I once had a Chocolate rabbit and it died of old age.

Practical information:

Where to stay: We stayed at Hotel Ibis Konigstein, a stone's though away from the Christmas Market, the historical center and the train station. Recently renovated, the hotel offers basic but clean rooms.

How to get there: Airberlin flies to Berlin from several major US cities. Once in Germany, it is incredibly easy to take the train to Dresden. Airberlin also connects Berlin with many European destination.

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