Striezelmarkt

View of the Striezelmarkt and the world's largest wooden Christmas pyramid

Striezelmarkt ( German: Striezelmarkt ) is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and one of the most famous in Europe, held every year in Dresden during Christmas time (from late November to December 24).

Striezelmarkt was first mentioned in 1434 under the elector of Saxony Frederick II . At that time, it was held on Mondays before Christmas. Over the past centuries, it has developed into a large traditional market with more than 250 stalls occupying a significant part of the center of Dresden. Currently, Stritselmarkt is visited annually by more than 2 million visitors from around the world.

A variety of ancient traditions are carefully observed on the Striezelmarkt, and the products sold by craftsmen from the surroundings of Dresden are famous throughout Germany. At the center of the market is a large spruce and the world's largest wooden Christmas pyramid , as well as four traditional Christmas figures: a snowman , a nutcracker , a miner and a plum man - typical Christmas symbols. A huge Christmas calendar in the shape of a fairytale castle is set on the stage in the center of the market. Daily at the market cultural events are held: concerts, competitions.

Typical treats of Striezelmarkt are Dresden stollen , chocolate figurines, chocolate fruits, plum men, Saxon cottage cheese and donuts, fried almonds and chestnuts , hot snacks (German sausages, barbecue). Visitors are saved from the cold by mulled wine ( Glühwein ) and punch . The stalls offer traditional Christmas products: Christmas tree decorations , local crafts, such as Christmas nativity scenes , traditional Christmas arched candelabra , Christmas pyramids and Christmas smokers .