Dresden during Christmas time

 Seize the occasion and for the next Christmas holidays visit Dresden! You will feel like you are 10 years old again!

The city is decorated with glow and the atmosphere is wonderful! Germany knows hot to celebrate Christmas. After all , the first decorated tree was in Germany, as they say, and they are proffesionals in creating such a festive vibe !

But, besides that, Dresden is a beautiful city full of attractions, great museums , palaces and churches, and of course history..

Frauenkirche of Dresden, in Neumarkt, located at the main square of the historic center should be probably your first visit.

Even if you are not fan of churches, this building is far from just a simple church. It's a monument.. Watch carefully and you will find out that it is built from various remains of it's predecessor , bombed down during WWII. There are visible, dark colored, stones and bricks in the exterior , all around the building while  the interior offers a unique feeling. It feels like you are in a white cloud up in heaven.. 

A remarkable symbol , not only for the residents of this city but even for the whole world, strongly pulsating the message friendship, common effort and peace. 

The entrance is free unless you want to go up to the dome using a lift,  for a spectacular view into the inner dome and over Dresden.

In Christmas time the streets of Dresden are always full of people, visitors and inhabitans, who enjoy the holiday..

Prager strasse,  Altmarkt strasse , Altmarkt platz where Striezelmarkt , the main Christmas market takes place, is something you will not miss while walking in the historic center.

Augustusmarkt, another Christmas market located in the upper side of Elbe, is another option in case you're looking for something less crowded.

The Medieval Christmas Market in the Stallhof Countryyard, two steps from Frauenkirche and Dresden Castle is something you should not miss.

There is a small entrance fee, but you will enjoy every minute of your visit.. Groups are singing tranditional songs along with the visitors, a lot of food for every taste, tables to sit and enjoy your Gluhwein.

Except the classic taste of Gluhwein you can find  many alternative flavours, with apple or raspberry to non-alcoholic. Usually when you return your mug to the stall you receive a couple of euro back but  why not keeping the mug as a souvenir?

Gluhwein is a special warm wine that flows abundantly during Christmas time. I guarantee that will keep you warm when outside temperature is low and don't forget to try as many flavours as you can (!) enriching your experience. It's definately the true taste of German Christmas!

The stalls that are spread out in the streets of city center are so playfull and "happy" that make an attraction on their own!!

As I forementioned , this Christmas Market makes you feel like a small child, like you want to buy every piece of art and crafting, like you want to try every single taste no matter how long is the waiting queue. Afterall , anticipation while the smell of the delicasies is promising and grows the desire bigger...

During daytime you can visit Zwinger, a palace whose museum includes some  great pieces of art. Furstenzug the famous porcelain murals almost 100 meters long are simply amazing!- the Dresden Castle, The Cathedral (all located the historic center), Japanisches Palace, museum of military history of Dresden , these are only some of the attractions of Dresden.

In my opinion, exept the attractions that you will visit anyway since they are at your feet , you must visit Moritzburg Castle.

It is close to Dresden, only 15 km, and you can take public trasnport, train or bus to get there.

You can use this link :  vvo-online.de/en ,  From : anywhere in Dresden  To : Schloss, Moritzburg  to find your way. The tranposrt ticket is almost 5€ /person, or less as you're moving outside the center but it's definitely worth a visit.

Before visiting Dresden you should "do your homework" reading  about this city.. Everyone should know what happened there in WWII. Knowing the history of this place will give you a completely different aspect when you scroll around, even in Christmas time with all the joy around you..

Rising like a Phoenix from it's own ashes..