Germany's Christmas markets are very well known and draw in visitors from around the world. With twinkling lights, the smell of baked goods and frequent visits from the Weihnachtsmann (Santa), it is easy to see why so many people come to visit and experience the markets. But, did you know that many of the Christmas market traditions come from right here in Saxony? Specifically, from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) Region which is just an hour and a half from Dresden! Today, we're going to learn about the traditions of the Christmas markets and their origins!
With over 2,500 Christmas markets in Germany, it is hard not to notice them. Just to get to the hauptbahnhof (main train station), I have to walk through one! Christmas markets are normally set up in the city squares or even along the streets. There is normally a huge Christmas tree and a ferris wheel in the Christmas markets as well. In Dresden, there are six different Christmas markets, with the biggest and most famous being the Striezelmarkt. This market opened in 1434, and has been happening for 588 years! The most famous item from the Dresdener Striezelmarkt is the Dresdener Stollen (a sweet bread with raisins and marzipan on the outside).
