As one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Dresden Striezelmarkt has opened its doors. The opening is traditionally celebrated with an ecumenical church service before the congregation parades to the Altmarkt together with angels, miners and the Dresden Kreuzchor. There, the almost 15-metre-high Erzgebirge pyramid is symbolically pushed into place and the Dresden Christmas stollen is cut.
By 24 December, around 200 festively decorated stalls and numerous program items await visitors - including miners' orchestras, choirs and puppet shows. One of the highlights is the Stollen Festival with giant stollen and a parade, which is celebrated on 7 December with thousands of visitors.
For the first time, Striezelkinderfest
New to the program this year is the Day of Christmas Crafts on 15 December. Stollen bakers and wood turners, for example, will present their work and provide an insight into traditional trades.
The Striezelkinderfest will also be celebrated for the first time. Children and choirs are invited to attend on December 22. The festival commemorates the so-called Striezel children, who are also the motto of the market this year. In earlier times, they helped their families to make ends meet by selling from vendor's stores at the Striezelmarkt.
Children can also look forward to the Secret Santa cinema, making their own incense candles in the Plum Potato House and practising decorating gingerbread. The Striezelmarkt is celebrating its 590th season this year. Around 90,000 visitors are expected every day.
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