Traveling to Dresden in December is one of the coldest days of the year. As one steps off the train, the change in temperature can be palpable – but Dresden is well worth visiting even in the bitter cold! The city is best-known for its Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market), which is a month-long festival at which many craftspeople from all over Germany sell their wares. Christmas markets are common throughout Germany, but the one in Dresden is the oldest and the largest. Traditional German Christmas delicacies like Stollen (fruitcake) are eaten and a gigantic fairy tale playground is erected, complete with automated fairy tale characters who recite lines from their stories.
The market has occurred annually for over 700 years, and I am told, improves each year. A good way to experience the full effect of the market is to bring a friend and some shopping bags, and just let your senses guide you until you sense it’s time to stop for some Glühwein (mulled wine). The market is a great way for visitors to get a taste for “traditional” German handicrafts and foods, both literally and figuratively. The market is also huge, so there is literally something for everyone. Another sight to really enjoy was the Zwinger. The Zwinger is an architectural marvel, a palace from the 18th century; it’s like a bustle with a multitude of visitors speaking various languages.
This created an odd, yet pleasant disparity between the distinct architecture and the 21st century sights and sounds of people chattering on their cell phones in at least seven different languages. Visitors to Dresden are now very lucky in that the Frauenkirche (loosely translated as the Church of Our Lady) has recently been restored and re-opened to the public, after its near-total destruction in the Second World War. This site is complete with a museum detailing the restoration process, complete with miniatures.
The museum is small, but it is in both English and German, so there’s no excuse not to visit! Even people who are not interested in architecture will find the restoration story compelling and moving, as the pictures of Dresden in ruins are quite moving. Every Dresdener was either directly affected or has a family member who was affected by the bombings. One exciting site to see is the gigantic statue of the golden knight, or Geldene Ritter. The statue itself is very regal and gigantic, but you can get very close to it and admire the worksmanship, which is a real treat for art for those in love.