Christmas Events for Kids in Dresden (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read · Auf Deutsch lesen

Rally the corgi has sniffed out the best Christmas events for kids in Dresden for 2026, and here is what he found: 29 family events across Dresden and 2 nearby towns, 20 of them free. The magic runs from November 14 (Musikalische Märchen für Kinder: Der Nussknacker) through January 10, with Christmas Garden Dresden (from November 19), Altkötzschenbroda Christmas Market with Reindeer Ponies (from November 27) and Bibliothek Pieschen: Christmas Market (November 28) along the way. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Germany.

What Rally found in Dresden

  • 29 Christmas events for kids in Dresden and 2 nearby towns, including Radebeul and Gohrisch
  • 20 free events, including Bibliothek Pieschen: Christmas Market, Bibliothek Plauen: Christmas Stories and Gohrischer Lichteln (Gohrisch Lantern Walk)
  • Meet Santa: Bibliothek Pieschen: Christmas Market (November 28) and Gohrischer Lichteln (Gohrisch Lantern Walk), December 5
  • Also on the list: 13 Christmas shows, 3 Christmas light displays, 4 Christmas markets and 10 story times
  • Season: November 14 (Musikalische Märchen für Kinder: Der Nussknacker) to January 10 (Christmas Garden Dresden)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

Free 20Ticketed and paid 9

Free Christmas events for kids in Dresden

Christmas craftsFree

Bibliothek Gorbitz: Family Saturday with Workshop, Making Funny Advent Wreaths

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In the Advent workshop at the Bibliothek Gorbitz, children and families get ready for Christmas with Bela Alvarez. Together they make a funny Christmas wreath that can then be hung on the front door to give guests a warm welcome in the special season.

The workshop takes place on Saturday, Nov 28, from 11 to 11:45 am at the Bibliothek Gorbitz at Merianplatz 4. It is for children and families age 4 and up. Admission is free, but registration is requested by email at gorbitz@bibo-dresden.de.

Parent tip: Please register in advance by email at gorbitz@bibo-dresden.de. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Gorbitz, Merianplatz 4, 01169 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 28 more Dresden events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 13 Shows
  • 10 Story time
  • 5 Crafts
  • 4 Markets
  • 20 Free

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Christmas marketFree

Bibliothek Pieschen: Christmas Market

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The Bibliothek Pieschen invites families to a cozy Christmas afternoon on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent. Children and adults can get creative with crafts and baking and get into the Advent mood, and a small Christmas market provides a festive atmosphere. According to the library, the Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus) also comes to visit.

At 4:30 pm, the curtain goes up for the Dresdner Figurentheater with “Dornröschen und die Weihnachtsmonsterbande,” a Christmas puppet theater adventure for the whole family. The afternoon runs from 2 to 6 pm, taking part is free, and no registration is mentioned.

Parent tip: Arrive in good time for the puppet theater at 4:30 pm. Crafts and baking go on all afternoon. Expect the puppet show to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Pieschen, Bürgerstraße 63, 01127 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Bühlau: Picture Book Cinema, In der Weihnachtshöhle ist noch Platz (There Is Still Room in the Christmas Cave)

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In the picture book cinema (Bilderbuchkino) “In der Weihnachtshöhle ist noch Platz” by Katharina Mauder, the grumpy bear Mattes cannot stand Christmas. But on Christmas Eve of all days, one animal after another knocks on his cave: a little mouse, the Deer family, two rabbits and even a gang of raccoons, all with plenty of Christmas trinkets in tow.

Volunteer reader Frau Pohle reads on Wednesday, Dec 2, from 4 to 5 pm at the Bibliothek Bühlau, Bautzner Landstraße 130. The event is for children age 3 and up and families. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: No registration, and admission is free. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Bühlau, Bautzner Landstraße 130, 01324 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Plauen: Christmas Stories

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At the Bibliothek Plauen, a Christmas story is read together to get into the Advent mood. The reading is meant as an offering for the whole family and lasts half an hour, just right for kindergarten-age children.

It is recommended for families with children ages three to six. The story time takes place on Wednesday, Dec 2, from 4:30 to 5 pm at the library in Altplauen. Admission is free, and no registration is needed. In December the same library also has a craft afternoon for Christmas cards and a Christmas carol sing-along.

Parent tip: Just drop in, no registration needed. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Plauen, Altplauen 1, 01187 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Neustadt: AdventsVORLESEN (Advent Read-Alouds)

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The Bibliothek Neustadt gets into the Christmas spirit in Advent with a small read-aloud series. Volunteer reading ambassadors each read an atmospheric story for the Christmas season. Children, families and everyone who likes to listen are invited.

There are dates on Dec 3, 6, 10, 11, 17 and 18, always at 4:30 pm. Admission is free, and no registration is needed, so you can drop by spontaneously after daycare or school. The library is on Königsbrücker Straße in the Äußere Neustadt.

Parent tip: No registration, so good for spontaneous visits. Dec 6 falls on Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag). Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Neustadt, Königsbrücker Straße 26, 01099 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Weißig: Herrlich wilde Weihnacht (Gloriously Wild Christmas)

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At the storytelling afternoon at the Bibliothek Weißig, stories are told freely rather than read aloud. Katharina Randel of Erzählraum e.V. tells of wonderful and astonishing happenings in Advent and Christmas time and in the Rauhnächte (the traditional nights between Christmas and Epiphany). She frames her tales with music on the Streichpsalter, a gently sounding stringed instrument.

The event is suitable for children age four and up and takes place on Thursday, Dec 3, from 4 to 5 pm. Admission is free, and registration is requested by email at weissig@bibo-dresden.de. The library is on Bautzner Landstraße in the east of Dresden.

Parent tip: Register by email at weissig@bibo-dresden.de. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Weißig, Bautzner Landstraße 291, 01328 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Cotta: Family Afternoon, Mouse Adventures with Torben Kuhlmann

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Illustrator and author Torben Kuhlmann has little mice discover great things in his books, in the sky, in space or in the depths of the seas. At the family afternoon at the Bibliothek Cotta, children can look forward to an encounter and an adventure in the Christmas season.

The afternoon takes place on Friday, Dec 4, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at the Bibliothek Cotta, Cossebauder Straße 42. It is suitable from age 5. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: No registration, free admission. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Cotta, Cossebauder Straße 42, 01157 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

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Christmas showFree

Bibliothek Plauen: Puppet Show Die Mumins, eine schöne Bescherung (The Moomins, a Lovely Gift-Giving)

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Christmas is just around the corner, and all of Moomin Valley is in an uproar, only the Moomin family is hibernating. The Hemulen wakes them with his grumbling, because for him Christmas is the worst thing there is. So the family prepares for the Christmas catastrophe, and as at every celebration, everything turns out wonderful in the end.

The puppet theater performance with Marie Bretschneider at the Bibliothek Plauen, Altplauen 1, begins on Saturday, Dec 5, at 11 am and lasts until about 11:45 am. It is meant for families and children age 4 and up. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: No registration, free admission. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Plauen, Altplauen 1, 01187 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Carol concertFree

Bibliothek Prohlis: Winter and Advent Songs to Sing Along and Join In

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The Dresden band Ensemble Zugabe comes to the family Saturday at the Bibliothek Prohlis. Familiar Christmas and winter songs are sung together, there is listening and joining in, and atmospheric stories in between. Whether quiet winter sounds or cheerful Christmas songs, singing along is expressly welcome.

The program is for families with children age four and up and takes place on Saturday, Dec 5, from 10:30 to 11:15 am. Admission is free, and registration by email at prohlis@bibo-dresden.de is required.

Parent tip: Register by email at prohlis@bibo-dresden.de. A good start to an Advent weekend. Expect the songs to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Prohlis, Prohliser Allee 10, 01239 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Cossebaude: Picture Book Cinema, Dr. Brumm feiert Weihnachten (Dr. Brumm Celebrates Christmas)

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Dr. Brumm sets off with his friends Sperm Whale and Badger to find the most beautiful Christmas tree in the whole forest. But Farmer Hackenpiep snatches the tree right from under their noses. The friends do not give up that easily, though.

The picture book cinema (Bilderbuchkino) runs on Tuesday, Dec 8, from 4 to 5 pm at the Bibliothek Cossebaude, Dresdner Straße 3. It is meant for children age 4 and up. Admission is free, and no registration is required.

Parent tip: Free admission and no registration. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Cossebaude, Dresdner Straße 3, 01156 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dresden every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas craftsFree

Bibliothek Plauen: Making Christmas Cards

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In this workshop at the Bibliothek Plauen, very personal Christmas mail is made. With stamps, linoleum paint, various pens and other materials, families design their own motifs and wintry designs. Under the guidance of Rosa Brockelt, they try things out, combine and experiment.

The finished cards are suited for giving or sending to family and friends. The craft afternoon takes place on Wednesday, Dec 9, from 4 to 6 pm and is for families with children from about age five. Admission is free, and no registration is needed. The event is funded by the Stadtbezirksbeirat Dresden-Plauen (the district advisory council).

Parent tip: No registration needed; wear clothes that can get paint on them. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Plauen, Altplauen 1, 01187 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Zentralbibliothek: Drachenbande EXTRA for the Christmas Season

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On Wednesdays, the children's library in the Kulturpalast goes on an exploring tour with toddlers and their parents or grandparents. No Drachenbande session is without the red suitcase, from which new surprises always come: colorful picture books, bright scarves and Kasperle, the classic hand puppet, in person.

For the Christmas season there is an extra edition in which not only little bells ring but a clarinet too. It takes place on Wednesday, Dec 9, from 10:15 to 11 am in the event room on the first floor and is meant for children from twelve months to three years. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: Ideal for the very little ones; no registration, just be on time. Afterward, a look from the Kulturpalast at the Striezelmarkt is worthwhile. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Zentralbibliothek im Kulturpalast, Schloßstraße 2, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas showFree

Bibliothek Gorbitz: Family Saturday with Puppet Show

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For the family Saturday, the Puppentheater Glöckchen comes to the Bibliothek Gorbitz and performs “Kasper hilft dem Weihnachtsmann.” In this exciting and funny Christmas story, there is still a lot to do before the holiday, and the young audience can cheer along, laugh and even help out a little. Kasper is the classic puppet hero of German puppet theater, and the Weihnachtsmann is Santa Claus.

The Puppentheater Glöckchen was founded in 1984 and is a member of the Bund Sächsischer Puppen- und Marionettentheater. The performance takes place on Saturday, Dec 12, from 11 to 11:40 am and is meant for children age four and up. Admission is free, and registration is requested by email at gorbitz@bibo-dresden.de.

Parent tip: Register by email at gorbitz@bibo-dresden.de. The 40 minutes suit kindergarten-age children well. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Gorbitz, Merianplatz 4, 01169 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dresden every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas showFree

Zentralbibliothek: Seasonal Music, Winter

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Making music and dancing together is the focus of this winter event. The Dresden Ensemble Zugabe plays handmade entertainment music, with a risk of earworms. Children up to age 5 and their siblings, parents or grandparents are invited.

The Jahreszeitenmusik Winter (seasonal music, winter) takes place on Saturday, Dec 12, from 10:30 am to 12 pm at the Zentralbibliothek in the Kulturpalast, Schloßstraße 2. Admission is free, and registration is by email at zb-musik@bibo-dresden.de.

Parent tip: Please register by email at zb-musik@bibo-dresden.de. Expect the songs to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Zentralbibliothek im Kulturpalast, Schloßstraße 2, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dresden every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Johannstadt: Fairy-Tale Reading with Evelyn Kitzing

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When the days get shorter, the cold nips at your cheeks and Christmas scents tickle your nose, it is time for a good, exciting story. At the Bibliothek Johannstadt, Evelyn Kitzing tells her fairy tale “Theo und der Weihnachtszauber” and takes the children along on a Christmas adventure.

The fairy-tale reading takes place on Tuesday, Dec 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The library gives no exact age range, and children are invited. Admission is free, and no registration is needed. The library is on Fetscherstraße in the Johannstadt.

Parent tip: No registration needed, come in good time for a good seat. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Johannstadt, Fetscherstraße 67, 01307 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

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Carol concertFree

Bibliothek Plauen: Singing into the Christmas Season

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Whether “O Tannenbaum,” “Kling, Glöckchen” or other Christmas classics: at the Bibliothek Plauen, there is singing together for half an hour. The songs are chosen to be easy enough that even little ones can quickly sing along, and anyone who prefers to listen is just as welcome.

Families and children age three and up are invited. The singing takes place on Wednesday, Dec 16, from 4:30 to 5 pm in Altplauen. Admission is free.

Parent tip: A short, uncomplicated date, good after daycare or school. Expect the songs to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Plauen, Altplauen 1, 01187 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dresden every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas marketFree

Dresdner Striezelkinderfest (Dresden Striezel Children's Festival)

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The Dresdner Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt is Germany's oldest Christmas market and takes place for the 592nd time in 2026, from Nov 25 to Dec 24. Every Advent weekend has themed days, and the fourth Sunday of Advent, Sunday, Dec 20, belongs to the children as the Striezelkinderfest. The city has not yet published a detailed program for the day.

Even without a detailed program, a visit with kids is worthwhile: the market has the world's largest Erzgebirge tiered pyramid, the world's largest walk-in Schwibbogen (candle arch), an XXL nativity scene under the Christmas tree and a historic Ferris wheel. Demonstration workshops show Erzgebirge crafts and Stollen baking, and there is a cultural program on stage every day for young and old. The market is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Parent tip: Check the Striezelmarkt page shortly beforehand for the exact children's festival program. Mornings are quieter with a stroller.

Host
Landeshauptstadt Dresden (Dresdner Striezelmarkt) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Landeshauptstadt Dresden (Dresdner Striezelmarkt) (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Pieschen: Picture Book Cinema, Ein wunderbarer Weihnachtswunsch (A Wonderful Christmas Wish)

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Anja's biggest wish is a little dog. Shortly before Christmas she discovers a baby reindeer under a fir tree in the deep snow, which she is allowed to care for at home and names Ole. When winter comes, Ole's longing for his herd awakens, and Anja reluctantly lets him go, but then a miracle happens.

The picture book cinema (Bilderbuchkino) runs on Monday, Dec 21, from 4:30 to 5 pm at the Bibliothek Pieschen, Bürgerstraße 63. It is for children age 3 and up and families. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.

Parent tip: Free admission and no registration. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Pieschen, Bürgerstraße 63, 01127 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dresden every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas story timeFree

Bibliothek Strehlen: Christmas Stories with the BeeBots

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Shortly before Christmas Eve, the storytellers of Erzählraum e.V. at the Bibliothek Strehlen put families in the mood for Christmas with their stories and take them into the world of fairy tales and tales.

Also there are the Bee-Bots: small bee-shaped robots that the children can program to playfully continue telling the stories. Listening, telling and trying things out combine into a Christmas afternoon. It takes place on Monday, Dec 21, from 4 to 6 pm and is for families with children age four and up. Admission is free, registration at strehlen@bibo-dresden.de.

Parent tip: Register by email at strehlen@bibo-dresden.de. Expect the stories to be in German.

Host
Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothek Strehlen, Otto-Dix-Ring 61, 01219 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Dresden every week

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Christmas events for kids in Gohrisch

Visit with SantaFree

Gohrischer Lichteln (Gohrisch Lantern Walk)

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The Gohrischer Lichteln takes place on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 from 3 pm. Admission is free. You walk from station to station through the village, with or without your own lantern.

At Quartier 5, kindergarten children sing Christmas carols. In the municipal administration building, children can paint. At the campground there are a craft room, temporary tattoos and a sound journey, and the Weihnachtsmann is there too.

Parent tip: You may bring your own lantern, but it is not required. Gohrisch is in Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz), about 40 kilometers from Dresden.

Host
Kurort Gohrisch (opens in a new tab)
Where
Touristinformation Kurort Gohrisch (five stations in the village), Neue Hauptstraße 116 b, 01824 Gohrisch (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Kurort Gohrisch (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Dresden

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

Event hosts: free events are listed first. The #1 spot puts your event at the top of this page.Inquire about the #1 spotAdd your event for free

Christmas show

Musikalische Märchen für Kinder: Der Nussknacker (Musical Fairy Tales for Children: The Nutcracker)

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In the Wallpavillon of the Dresdner Zwinger, the Musikalische Märchenstunde (musical fairy-tale hour) The Nutcracker runs for children. In winter 2026 there are performances on Nov 14, 21 and 28, on Dec 12 and on Dec 23, 28 and 30, each at 2 pm. The performance lasts about 60 minutes with a short break.

It is recommended for children ages 5 to 12. Tickets cost from €31.50. Doors and box office open 30 minutes beforehand. The concert hall and restrooms are reached via steps and are not wheelchair accessible.

Parent tip: Plan for 30 minutes before the start for entry. Because of the steps, the hall is difficult with a stroller or wheelchair. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Dresdner Residenz Orchester (per the ticket portal mvp.de) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wallpavillon im Dresdner Zwinger, Theaterplatz, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dresdner Residenz Orchester (per the ticket portal mvp.de) (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas lights

Christmas Garden Dresden

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At dusk, the Christmas Garden opens its gates at Schloss and Park Pillnitz. A loop trail leads through the protected historic park, where millions of points of light, large light installations and Christmas music create a sparkling winter wonderland. Along the way there are stands with waffles, bratwurst and warm drinks, as well as an ice rink with skate rental.

Of interest to families are the family days, when admission is offered at a special price of €39.90. According to the organizer, they take place in 2026 on Nov 19, Nov 25, Dec 1, Dec 8 and on Jan 6. The season runs from Nov 19, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, and tickets are cheaper online than at the evening box office.

Parent tip: Secure tickets for a family day early online. Plan for warm clothing and sturdy shoes, since the loop trail goes through the park.

Host
Christmas Garden Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Schloss & Park Pillnitz, August-Böckstiegel-Straße 2, 01326 Dresden (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Christmas Garden Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Carol concert

Das große Taschenlampen-Weihnachtssingen (The Big Flashlight Christmas Sing-Along)

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The Das große Taschenlampen-Weihnachtssingen takes place on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 at 4 pm at the Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus on Washingtonstraße. The ticket portal lists the event as kid-friendly.

Tickets start at €25.25 through Eventim. The page gives no detailed description. It is best to bring a flashlight yourselves and ask the circus beforehand how the evening works.

Parent tip: You are probably meant to bring your own flashlight, but the ticket portal does not explain the format in more detail. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus, Washingtonstraße 2, 01139 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Die Schneekönigin (The Snow Queen)

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The Staatsschauspiel Dresden performs The Snow Queen in December 2026 at the Schauspielhaus on Theaterplatz. The dates are Sunday, Dec 6 at 4 pm, Saturday, Dec 19 at 6 pm, Sunday, Dec 20 at 4 pm and Friday, Dec 25 at 4 pm.

The recommendation is grade 2 and up. Tickets start at €28.20. The Schauspielhaus is in the old town, very close to the Zwinger and the Semperoper, so a visit combines well with a stroll over the Striezelmarkt.

Parent tip: The recommendation is grade 2 and up. Younger siblings probably will not last the whole performance. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Staatsschauspiel Dresden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Schauspielhaus, Theaterstraße 2, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Staatsschauspiel Dresden (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Puppentheater Glöckchen: Zaubermärchen (Magic Fairy Tale)

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At the Dixiebahnhof Dresden, the Puppentheater Glöckchen performs the Zaubermärchen on Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 at 4 pm. The ticket portal lists it under kids' events as a kid-friendly event.

Tickets start at €9.80 through Reservix. There is no closer description or age range on the page, so ask the organizer if needed.

Parent tip: No age recommendation is given, so check beforehand with the organizer if you have smaller children. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Dixiebahnhof Dresden e.V. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dixiebahnhof Dresden e.V., Platz des Friedens 3, 01108 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dixiebahnhof Dresden e.V. (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Dresden Christmas Circus (Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus), Afternoon Show

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The Dresden Christmas Circus is in town from Dec 9, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 on Washingtonstraße. The page lists afternoon shows on Tuesday, Dec 15, and Wednesday, Dec 16 at 4:30 pm with the DSC acrobats (DSC Sportakrobaten), and on Sunday, Jan 3 at 4 pm.

Children age 3 and up pay a discounted price. Children up to and including age 2 sit on a lap without their own seat. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Parent tip: Lap children up to age 2 do not need a ticket. More show dates are listed in the ticket shop.

Host
Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus, Washingtonstraße 2, 01139 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dresdner Weihnachts-Circus (opens in a new tab)

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Carol concert

Sind die Lichter angezündet: Christmas Concert of the Philharmonischer Kinderchor (Are the Lights Lit: Christmas Concert of the Philharmonic Children's Choir)

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The Philharmonischer Kinderchor Dresden presents the Christmas concert Sind die Lichter angezündet in the concert hall of the Kulturpalast. The dates are Sunday, Dec 20 at 11 am and 4 pm and Thursday, Dec 24 at 2 pm.

Well-known and lesser-known Christmas carols are sung, and the audience can sing along. Gunter Berger conducts, Karolina Juodelyte plays the organ, and members of the Dresdner Philharmonie join in. Tickets start at €46.90 on Dec 20 and at €53.50 on Dec 24.

Parent tip: The page gives no age recommendation, but the concert is expressly also aimed at children. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Dresdner Philharmonie (opens in a new tab)
Where
Konzertsaal im Kulturpalast, Schlossstraße 2, 01067 Dresden (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Dresdner Philharmonie (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Radebeul

Christmas market

Altkötzschenbroda Christmas Market with Reindeer Ponies (Radebeul)

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The Christmas market in Altkötzschenbroda runs in 2026 on three weekends: Nov 27 to 29, Dec 4 to 6 and Dec 11 to 13. It is open Fridays from 4 to 9 pm, Saturdays from noon to 9 pm and Sundays from noon to 8 pm.

For children, there are ponies dressed as reindeer at the small stable at the market entrance, which carry children once around the Christmas market. The program also includes a craft workshop.

Parent tip: The page gives no prices for the pony rides, so ask directly at the stable.

Host
Stadtverwaltung Radebeul (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dorfanger Altkötzschenbroda, 01445 Radebeul (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtverwaltung Radebeul (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas market

Craft Workshop at the Altkötzschenbroda Christmas Market (Radebeul)

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The craft workshop is part of the Christmas market program in Altkötzschenbroda and runs on the market weekends of Nov 27 to 29, Dec 4 to 6 and Dec 11 to 13, 2026.

Kids work with scissors, glue, pens and paper to make small fir trees, Christmas angels and glowing lanterns. They are guided by the helpers of Santa Claus (the Weihnachtsmann), who call the children little elves (Wichtel) while they work.

Parent tip: The page does not list exact times or prices for the workshop, so the market's regular opening hours apply. Expect it to be in German.

Host
Stadtverwaltung Radebeul (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dorfanger Altkötzschenbroda, 01445 Radebeul (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stadtverwaltung Radebeul (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in Germany

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.de (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Dresden: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Dresden?

For 2026, we confirmed 29 Christmas events for kids in Dresden, each on its host’s own page: Dresdner Striezelkinderfest (Dresden Striezel Children's Festival), Bibliothek Gorbitz: Family Saturday with Puppet Show, Christmas Garden Dresden and 26 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Dresden?

Yes, 20 of the 29 events here are free: Dresdner Striezelkinderfest (Dresden Striezel Children's Festival), Bibliothek Gorbitz: Family Saturday with Puppet Show, Bibliothek Weißig: Herrlich wilde Weihnacht (Gloriously Wild Christmas) and 17 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Dresden?

Where to see Santa: Bibliothek Pieschen: Christmas Market and Gohrischer Lichteln (Gohrisch Lantern Walk) (Gohrisch). Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Dresden?

Christmas story times on this page: Bibliothek Weißig: Herrlich wilde Weihnacht (Gloriously Wild Christmas), Zentralbibliothek: Drachenbande EXTRA for the Christmas Season, Bibliothek Bühlau: Picture Book Cinema, In der Weihnachtshöhle ist noch Platz (There Is Still Room in the Christmas Cave) and 7 more. Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Dresden

Every Advent a 14.62 meter pyramid turns on Dresden's Altmarkt, and it is the tallest of its kind in the world. It stands in the Striezelmarkt, a Christmas market that has been going since 1434 and is named after Christmas stollen. For a family visiting Dresden, that means a market with real history, a giant cake, and plenty of free events for children.

How Dresden celebrates Christmas, and what makes it special for visitors

Dresden's Christmas is built around food and craft traditions from the Ore Mountains region and the city's own baking history. The star is the Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt, which dates back to 1434 and is often called the oldest Christmas market in Germany. The city itself uses that description.

The first market was very different from today's. Elector Frederick II allowed a free market on the Altmarkt that lasted just one day, the Monday before Christmas, and people mostly bought meat for the feast after the Advent fast. The name comes from Striezel, the old word for Christmas stollen, the cake the market became known for.

For a visiting family, the nice surprise is how child-focused the season is. The city library branches run free story times, puppet shows and craft afternoons all over town, so you do not have to stay at the market to find something for little ones.

What your child will meet: stollen, pyramids, arches and plum chimney sweeps

Stollen is the Christmas cake Dresden is famous for. The city has a whole festival for it, the Stollenfest, and the 30th one took place on December 6, 2025, with more than 20 festival floats and about 500 people taking part. The giant stollen of that year was assembled from about 275 baked slabs of 7 kilograms each.

On the market you will see a Schwibbogen, a lit arch from the Ore Mountains whose shape recalls the entrance of a mine. The one at the Striezelmarkt is 13.5 meters wide and more than 5 meters tall, and you can walk right through it. Nearby stands the pyramid, a tall tiered structure from the Ore Mountains that is set in motion when the market opens. At 14.62 meters it has been in the Guinness book of records since 1999.

The quirkiest treat is the Pflaumentoffel, a little chimney sweep made of dried plums. Children used to carry them on trays across the market and sell them, and the artist Ludwig Richter showed them in a woodcut in 1853. The sale by children was banned in 1910. Pulsnitz gingerbread is another market classic: it was first mentioned in 1558, and in 1780 eight Pulsnitz masters came to sell at the Striezelmarkt.

Planning a Christmas visit to Dresden with kids

This page lists the confirmed events, and most of them are free. The season starts early, with the Nutcracker music-story shows in the Zwinger on November 14, and the Christmas Garden light trail at Pillnitz palace park opens on November 19 and runs into January 2027. Most of the rest is spread across December, with the children's festival day on the Altmarkt on Sunday, December 20, the fourth Sunday of Advent.

The mix is easy to plan around. Most of the free events are held at city library branches, such as picture-book cinema, carol singing, card making and puppet shows. The paid ones are the bigger outings: The Snow Queen at the Schauspielhaus (tickets from 28.20 euros), the Nutcracker in the Zwinger (from 31.50 euros, for ages 5 to 12) and the Children's Choir Christmas concert at the Kulturpalast. Several events need registration, so check the details before you go.

Most events are held in German. Picture-book cinema, puppet theater and story times work best for children who speak some German, while music, light trails and the market itself need no language at all.

A giant cake from 1730

In 1730 Augustus the Strong ordered a stollen for the Zeithain camp. Master baker Johann Andreas Zacharias and 60 journeymen baked one of about 1,800 kilograms. It needed a special oven, and a giant knife cut it into 24,000 pieces.

The idea came back in 1994, when Dresden held its first Stollenfest and again baked and cut a giant stollen in the Old Town. Today's festival knife is 1.60 meters long and weighs 12 kilograms.

Traditions today

  • Dresden Striezelmarkt: The Christmas market on the Altmarkt, running since 1434 and named after Striezel, the old word for Christmas stollen. In earlier years it drew more than 2.5 million visitors.
  • Dresden Stollenfest: On a Saturday in Advent a parade carries a giant stollen through the Old Town, and then it is cut and sold. The festival has been held since 1994.
  • Ore Mountains tiered pyramid: The tallest pyramid of its kind stands in the Striezelmarkt and measures 14.62 meters. It is set in motion when the market opens.
  • Schwibbogen in the window: A lit arch from the Ore Mountains that recalls the entrance of a mine. In Advent it glows in almost every Dresden window.
  • Pflaumentoffel: Small chimney sweeps made of dried plums. Until the 20th century children sold them at the market.
  • Pulsnitz gingerbread: Gingerbread from the town of Pulsnitz, first mentioned in 1558. In 1780 eight Pulsnitz masters came to sell it at the Striezelmarkt.

A fact for kids

In 1730 a Dresden stollen was about 7 meters long and weighed 1,800 kilograms. It was cut into 24,000 pieces, enough to feed an army.

Questions about Christmas in Dresden

Is Dresden worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, if your children enjoy markets, stories and baking traditions. The Striezelmarkt has been running since 1434, and the Christmas Garden light trail at Pillnitz palace park opens on November 19, 2026. The city libraries add free puppet shows, picture-book cinema and craft afternoons, and most of the events are free.

When does the Christmas Garden in Dresden open in 2026?

It opens on November 19, 2026, in the palace park at Pillnitz, and the listing runs until January 10, 2027. Family days with a special price of 39.90 euros are on November 19 and 25, December 1 and 8, and January 6. In winter 2025/26 the trail ran from November 20 to January 11, was over two kilometers long and had an enlarged ice rink.

When is the children's festival at the Striezelmarkt in 2026?

The Striezelkinderfest takes place on Sunday, December 20, 2026, on the Altmarkt. It is the fourth Sunday of Advent, and the market is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is free. The page does not say what the program includes, so check on the day.

How old is the Striezelmarkt?

It goes back to 1434, when Elector Frederick II allowed a free market on the Altmarkt. The market celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024, and the 591st took place in Advent 2025. It opened on November 26, 2025.

Why is it called the Striezelmarkt?

Striezel is the old word for Christmas stollen, the cake sold at the market from early on. Older spellings include Strüzel and Stroczel. A simple way to explain it to kids: the market is named after the cake.

What was sold at the first Christmas market in Dresden?

Mostly meat. The market of 1434 lasted one day, the Monday before Christmas, and people shopped for the feast after the Advent fast. Later stollen, Pulsnitz gingerbread, plum chimney sweeps and Ore Mountains wood crafts joined the stalls.

Is the Striezelmarkt the oldest Christmas market in Germany?

The city of Dresden describes it that way, including at the 2025 opening. Its roots go back to 1434. It is still held in the same place, in the middle of the Old Town on the Altmarkt.

How tall is the giant pyramid at the Striezelmarkt?

It is 14.62 meters tall, the largest Ore Mountains tiered pyramid in the world, and it has been in the Guinness book of records since 1999. It is set in motion when the market opens. In 2025 there was also a pyramid festival with a singing contest on December 13.

What is a Schwibbogen?

It is a lit arch from the Ore Mountains that recalls the entrance of a mine. In Advent it glows in almost every Dresden window. The one at the Striezelmarkt is 13.5 meters wide and more than 5 meters tall, and visitors can walk through it.

What is a Pflaumentoffel?

A small figure of a chimney sweep made of dried plums. It is not a devil or a Santa. Until the 20th century children sold them on trays at the market, and Ludwig Richter showed them in a woodcut in 1853.

Do children still sell Pflaumentoffel at the Striezelmarkt?

No. The sale by children was banned in 1910. Today you buy the plum figures at the stalls, and the story is a good way to talk with kids about how children used to work.

What is the Dresden Stollenfest?

It is a festival for Dresden's Christmas stollen, held on a Saturday in Advent. A parade brings a giant stollen through the Old Town, and then it is cut ceremonially and sold. The 30th Stollenfest took place on December 6, 2025, with more than 20 festival floats and about 500 participants.

How big was the giant stollen of Augustus the Strong?

It weighed about 1,800 kilograms and measured roughly 7 meters long and 3 meters wide. Master baker Johann Andreas Zacharias baked it in 1730 with 60 journeymen for the Zeithain camp, and a special oven had to be built. A giant knife cut it into 24,000 pieces.

How is the giant Dresden stollen made today?

It is assembled from many slabs. In 2025 Dresden's stollen bakers made about 275 slabs, each 60 by 40 centimeters and about 7 kilograms, and used more than 500 kilograms of stollen flour in one Sunday. About 3,300 building blocks were put together the following weekend.

How much did a piece of the giant stollen cost in 2025?

A piece cost 10 euros for 500 grams in 2025. It was sold after the Stollenfest on the second Advent weekend. The giant stollen is baked by members of the association of Dresden stollen bakers, who have run the festival every year since 1994.

How big is the knife used at the Stollenfest?

About 1.60 meters long and 12 kilograms. It is modeled on the knife used in 1730 at the Zeithain camp. It has been used again since the first Stollenfest in 1994.

Where does the gingerbread at the Striezelmarkt come from?

From Pulsnitz. A decree of 1558 first allowed the bakers there to make gingerbread, and in 1780 eight Pulsnitz masters came to Dresden to sell at the Striezelmarkt. The dough for Pulsnitz gingerbread can rest for up to six months.

Where can kids meet Santa in Dresden?

Two free events on this page mention a visit from Santa. The Pieschen library holds a family Christmas afternoon on Saturday, November 28, from 2 to 6 p.m., with a small market, crafts, baking and a puppet show at 4:30 p.m. The Gohrisch lantern walk takes place on Saturday, December 5, from 3 p.m. with Santa, a craft room and a children's choir.

Are there free Christmas events in Dresden for families?

Yes, most of the events are free. Most are library events, for example the Advent read-aloud sessions at Neustadt library on six dates in December, the carol singing at Plauen library on December 16 and the advent wreath workshop at Gorbitz library on November 28. Some need registration, so check each listing.

Are Christmas events in Dresden in English?

Most events are in German, especially the story times, puppet shows and picture-book cinema at the libraries. The sources do not say which events are available in English, so ask the host before you go. Music, light trails and the market itself do not depend on language.

What are the best Dresden Christmas events for toddlers and younger children?

The library story times are a gentle start. Examples are the story time for ages 3 to 6 at Plauen library on December 2 and the toddler session with picture books, puppets and bells at the central library on December 9. The central library also holds a winter music session for under-5s on December 12, which needs registration.

Where can children see a Christmas show or concert in Dresden?

Options include The Snow Queen at the Schauspielhaus on four dates in December, the Nutcracker music story in the Zwinger for ages 5 to 12, and the Philharmonic Children's Choir concert at the Kulturpalast on December 20 and 24. There is also a flashlight Christmas singalong at the Dresden Christmas Circus on December 5. All of these are ticketed.

What does a Christmas event in Dresden cost?

Many are free, and library events are mostly free. Among the ticketed ones, the Dixiebahnhof puppet show on December 6 starts at 9.80 euros, the Christmas circus singalong at 25.25 euros, The Snow Queen at 28.20 euros and the Nutcracker in the Zwinger at 31.50 euros. Christmas Garden family days have a special price of 39.90 euros.

Sources

  1. Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Landeshauptstadt Dresden
  2. Striezelmarkt, Wikipedia
  3. Dresdner Amtsblatt 47/2025, Landeshauptstadt Dresden
  4. Dresden feiert seinen Christstollen: Stollenfest, Schutzverband Dresdner Stollen e.V.
  5. Produktion des Dresdner Riesenstollens gestartet, evangelisch.de
  6. Christmas Garden Dresden startet im November, Sachsen Fernsehen

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