
Bratwurst
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It is flavored with a...

Dresden, nestled along the Elbe River in eastern Germany, dazzles with its blend of baroque architecture and vibrant city life. Once known as the “Jewel Box” of Europe, this historic city is famous for its stunning palaces, churches, and art collections.
Visiting in mid-December, you’ll experience Dresden’s enchanting winter charm with crisp, chilly air and possible dustings of snow. The whole family will love the festive Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, with twinkling lights, sweet treats, and fun crafts. Discover impressive museums and explore picturesque riverside walks—Dresden’s rich history and welcoming atmosphere make it a wonderful, affordable holiday destination.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleFamily friendly
Dates17-20 December 2025
BudgetAverage budget
AccommodationApartment or house
Interests and Activities:
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Location
Saxony, Eastern Germany
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Religion
Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
Population
555,000
Language
German, English (widely spoken)
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, Types C & F
Time zone
UTCCET (Central European Time) (UTC+1)
Country code
+49
Internet access
High-speed broadband, Wi-Fi widely available
Climate
Temperate, mild summers, cold winters
Language:
German
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goodbye
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Dresden is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Berlin, Prague, and other major cities—ideal for families seeking comfort and scenic views. The city’s main train station, Dresden Hauptbahnhof, is centrally located and well-served by public transport, making onward travel easy. Deutsche Bahn often offers family-friendly deals that keep costs reasonable.
Flying is another option, with Dresden Airport connected to major German and European cities. Airport shuttles and trains provide quick transfers to the city center. Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly choice but usually require more travel time. If visiting in December, be prepared for occasional winter weather delays, especially if snow affects flight or road schedules. Boats mostly operate seasonally and are not a practical arrival option.
Dresden has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool, often damp winters. Summer temperatures usually range from 18°C to 25°C, while winter averages hover around 0°C to 5°C. Rain is spread evenly throughout the year, though winter may bring occasional snow.
From December 17 to December 20, expect chilly weather, with temperatures typically between -2°C and 5°C. Light snowfall is possible, creating a festive winter atmosphere, especially around the famous Christmas markets. Extreme weather, such as blizzards or severe cold snaps, is rare during this period.
This is a magical time in Dresden, perfect for enjoying arts and culture, festive events like the Striezelmarkt, seasonal foods, family-friendly activities, and guided sightseeing tours of illuminated historic sites.
Dresden’s cuisine highlights hearty Saxon dishes like Sauerbraten (marinated beef), potato soup, and Quarkkeulchen (sweet cheese pancakes). The city is famous for traditional Dresdner Stollen, a rich fruit bread best tried at Café Schinkelwache or Bäckerei Wippler. Wash it down with locally brewed Radeberger Pilsner or a cup of Meissen wine.
Families on a budget will love Sophienkeller, a medieval-themed restaurant with generous portions and friendly staff. Germany’s relaxed cafés, such as Café Oswaldz, serve pastries and snacks for all ages. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially at Lila Soße. Tipping is appreciated; locals round up the bill or leave about 5-10%.
During Christmas, try the Striezelmarkt for festive treats and hot mulled wine. Reserving ahead at popular spots is wise, especially at weekends and during festivals—many places welcome kids and offer children’s menus.

Bratwurst
Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It is flavored with a...

Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is a classic German pot roast, featuring tender marinated beef that is slowly braised until it's meltingly...

Kartoffelsalat
Kartoffelsalat, or German potato salad, is a beloved side dish in Germany. It features cooked potatoes mixed with...

Pretzel
The pretzel, known as Brezel in German, is a popular baked snack in Germany. It is characterized by...

Eisbein
Eisbein, also known as Schweinshaxe, is a flavorful German dish consisting of a roasted ham hock. The skin...
For a family-friendly stay in Dresden, the Altstadt (Old Town) is ideal—close to landmarks like Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche. You’ll find many spacious apartments and family suites here, such as at Aparthotels Münzgasse, which offer fully equipped kitchens. Neustadt is vibrant and lively, also featuring apartment-style rentals and family guesthouses.
Sites like Hotels.com list a wide selection of Dresden apartments and houses, perfect for an average-budget family trip. Book early, especially for December 17-20, as the famous Striezelmarkt Christmas market fills the city with visitors. Consider apartments with self-catering options and easy tram access for convenience and flexibility with kids.
Immerse your family in Dresden’s magical winter charm by exploring its historic Old Town, vibrant Christmas markets, and cultural highlights.
Begin your Dresden adventure at Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. Savor festive treats, browse handcrafted gifts, and let the kids enjoy traditional rides. Best visited in the afternoon to see the magical lights!
Marvel at the magnificent Frauenkirche, a symbol of Dresden’s resilience and beauty. Families can admire its stunning dome and even climb to the top for gorgeous winter views of the city. Guided tours available for rich historical insights.
Take a leisurely winter walk through Dresden’s enchanting Old Town. Admire Baroque facades, the Procession of Princes mural, and charming squares. Don’t forget your camera to capture the fairy-tale seasonal decorations!

2 hours Segway Elbe Mini Tour
The "SEG-CITY Dresden" office is located very centrally at the "Goldener Reiter" monument and is easily accessible by public transport. There are plenty of parking spaces in the vicinity for guests arriving by car. Our Segway tours are all owner-managed to ensure high quality tours. We have stops at the different highlights and get off the Segways. We are of course helpful to our guests. The groups are kept small so that we can fully cater to your needs. Enjoy our Segway tour at the beginning of your stay and learn a lot about the vibrant city with its baroque charm.

Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland All inlusive trip - Fantasy Tour
Experience the best of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks without having to worry about transportation on a full-day small-group tour. Travel to the parks by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy all seasons avaliable guided hike to landmarks such as the Bastei Bridge, Sněžník Lookout Tower and Tisa Rock city (The Narnia Labyrinth). Lunch, entry fees, snacks, bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
From $174 USD

Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland All inclusive trip - Hiking Tour
Our professional team always consists of a friendly and experienced driver with a modern air-conditioned minivan and a knowledgeable guide with a sense of humor and enthusiasm for nature, which is the basis and standard of our company. Thanks to this, our trips are always professional, safe, smooth and at a excellent level and very popular and highly rated by our guests. By having a personal driver, we do not waste time on uninteresting trips leading to the locality of interest and allow us to get as close as possible to the natural highlights of our trips. With us you can experience all the highlights of the national park in one day! Throughout the trip, our guide will provide you with friendly company and knowledge about the National park, Dresden, but also about the history of Bohemia in general. With us you will escape the hustle and bustle of the city you will explore the beauties of Czech nature on this unique 12-hour trip to the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
From $174 USD

Guided tour of the castle with an introduction to architecture and the Dresden stable yard
The Dresden Residenzschloss was the linchpin for power, art and representation. Immerse yourself in the various exhibitions on this tour and experience Dresden royal! Your tour begins with an exciting insight into the history and architecture of the house. On the model of the castle, you will learn, among other things, the background to the destruction and reconstruction of the castle. Then follow in the footsteps of the art-loving electors of the Renaissance and, of course, the splendid baroque idol August the Strong, whether it's the New Green Vault with around 1,000 treasures from three centuries, the armory with its impressive exhibitions or the lavishly reconstructed parade apartment: your tour will be perfect Surprise you with new sensual impressions and hidden details! Your journey of discovery through the Residenzschloss will come to an end in the Stallhof, an impressive place for tournaments and lavish festivities.
From $73 USD

Dresden Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Meetingpoint: In the Old Town Duration: 2h Maximum 25 participants per Guide You will learn about: • the fascinating history and stunning architecture of this old german city • about the rise of the city into a major cultural center before it met its tragic fate during WWII • The history of the Catholic Court Church • The lifestory of King Augustus the Strong, who desired to be King of Poland and converted to Catholicism • The last King of Saxony, Princess Maria Carolina of Savoy, wife of Anthony of Saxony. • long history of musical premieres from Semper Opera House, including major works by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. • how the city return to grandeur from the ashes of the 1945 allied bombing • about the baroque and rennaissance architecture of the city. • the story of the oldest Royal House of Europe, House of Wettin
From $284 USD

Private Walking Tour of Dresden with official tour guide
Private Walking Tour of Dresden The Private Walking Tour of Dresden introduces you to a city shaped by art, resilience, and Baroque elegance. Your official guide meets you in the historic center, where each square reveals a story. This first approach helps you understand Dresden’s unique mix of grandeur and intimacy. You begin exploring key landmarks that define the city’s identity. Moreover, your guide leads you across the Old Town, where ornate façades and open plazas create an inviting atmosphere. You admire the Frauenkirche from the outside, walk along the Brühl’s Terrace, and enjoy the architectural harmony around Theaterplatz. As the visit continues, Dresden’s emotional side becomes clear. Its calm streets and river views bring a sense of balance to the route. You discover the Procession of Princes, observe the elegance of the Semperoper from its exterior, and listen to stories that connect monuments with the people who shaped them.
From $191 USD

Berlin: Dresden and Meissen Day Trip with Guide
On this excursion to Dresden and Meissen from Berlin, you’ll discover the essence of the former Kingdom of Saxony, exploring two of Germany’s most beautiful historic cities. We’ll meet in front of The Panorama “The Wall” near Checkpoint Charlie and head to Dresden, a Baroque gem on the Elbe. A guided tour will reveal highlights such as the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Procession of Princes mosaic, and the magnificent Frauenkirche. Afterwards, enjoy free time to savor Saxon cuisine or explore the city on your own. In the afternoon we continue to Meissen, birthplace of German porcelain. At the world-famous factory, admission includes the showroom and a presentation of the porcelain-making process. Later, stroll through the medieval alleys and admire the Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral with stunning views over the Elbe Valley. After some free time, we return to Berlin via Dresden, concluding at our starting point.
From $170 USD

Private ride Berlin to Prague via Dresden (4 hours in Dresden)
✔ Private door-to-door transfer from Berlin to Prague Travel comfortably in a private car or minivan with an English-speaking chauffeur – no shared rides, no waiting. ✔ 4-hour stop in Dresden included Break the journey with a scenic and cultural stop in Dresden, one of Germany’s most beautiful baroque cities. ✔ 2-hour private guided tour in English Explore Dresden with a licensed local guide – enjoy a combined walking and driven tour tailored to your group. ✔ Flexible and exclusive experience The guide and driver are there just for you – no other participants, no fixed group timing. ✔ Comfort and convenience throughout the day Vehicles are air-conditioned, non-smoking, and insured above legal standards. Luggage stays secure during sightseeing.
From $971 USD
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