winter wonderland

Saxony shows off traditional German Christmas in all its glory, our Christmas Markets are world famous. Christmas shopping becomes an amazing experience when turned into an afternoon's stroll through this winter wonderland: a delicious smell of hot mulled wine and freshly baked waffles hovers over the maze of small booths where local artisans and craftsmen display and sell their traditional products, all set up around an enormous Christmas tree. Try Dresdner Stollen, a traditional fruit bread, candied almonds or Pulsnitz gingerbread, a local specialty.
Dresden is home to the world's oldest Christmas market - the Striezelmarkt was established in 1434 and boasts 230 stalls as well as the world's largest candle pyramid.

Meissen hosts one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets in its medieval town square. The dignified ancient town hall of Meissen even turns into an advent calendar, opening one of its 24 windows each day leading up to Christmas Eve.

The nearby Ore Mountain Range is home to folk art known far beyond Germany: the wooden ornaments, candle arches, figurines of angels, nutcrackers and incense smokers are still traditionally handmade. The village of Seiffen is well worth a day trip to learn about the history and craft involved in these beloved toys and ornaments.