Everything You Need to Know About Dresden Christmas Market

The way I get to know a new country is through its food. By trying new dishes, indulging in local specialties, and witnessing the pride on the faces of those serving you, you experience something truly special. Visiting so many Christmas Markets throughout Europe gave our family countless opportunities to sample traditional and holiday foods. Believe me when I say that the Dresden Striezelmarkt offered the best food options around. Here’s what you need to try:

Champignons in Garlic Sauce

Even if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, this dish might convert you. The mushrooms are cooked in a flavorful sauce, topped with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh herbs. It’s absolutely amazing.

Bratwurst

Without a doubt, the sausage stands will draw you in with their irresistible aromas. Once you try one, you might find yourself going back for a second…or third. No judgement here.

Glühwein

This warm mulled wine perfectly embodies the season. It is aromatic, comforting, and impressively strong. The drinks are served in collector mugs, designed specifically for this market and marked with the year. You pay a deposit when ordering your drink, you can reclaim it by returning the mug. However, keeping the mug as a souvenir for just 4€ feels totally worth it!

Raclette

This Swiss cheese melts beautifully and is heated in front of a fire before being scraped over some sort of starch. Here, we enjoyed raclette over roasted tomatoes and thick bread. The result was rich, creamy, and delicious, with the tomatoes adding a delightful acidic pop.

Krappelchen

These are small fried donuts sprinkled with sugar. You can watch them being freshly made to order, and they’re served piping hot. Simple yet perfectly executed, they make for a cozy snack while exploring the market.

Stollen

This traditional German Christmas bread is typically filled with dried fruits, nuts, or marzipan and covered in powdered sugar. *These make for perfect gifts!