THERE'S a Christmas market in Germany that's nearly 600 years old – and it boasts some big attractions.
Dresden Christmas Market, also known as Dresdner Striezelmarkt, is said to be the oldest Christmas market in the world.
Dresden Market dates back to 1434, when Prussian king Frederick II, and his brother, the Duke of Sigismund, agreed to host an outdoor Christmas market on Christmas Eve.
The market has been running ever since, and it is now in its 589th year.
And its impressive history isn't the only draw, it is also home to the world's tallest Ore Mountain – a Christmas pyramid decorated with lights and ornaments.
Dresden's Ore Mountain is a whopping 14.6m high, making it one of the market's focal points.
Read More on Xmas Markets
SNOW BETTER PLACE
Forget Christmas markets -my hometown has the best festive attraction
YULE LOVE IT
Four-day time-warp Christmas market where traders dress as Victorians
Other key attractions include the walk-through candle arch, thought to be the largest in the world.
At the market, visitors can walk underneath or through the arch to gain access to the stalls.
Dresden Market is home to over 200 stalls, including stands selling sweets, warm snacks, homemade gifts, and jewellery.
In recent years, holidaymakers have been raving about the market on TripAdvisor.
Most read in News Travel
STARRY NIGHTS
Award-winning UK holiday park where you can easily see the Northern Lights
IT’S A SCREAM
I tried out Universal’s new horror attraction – that traps guests inside game
SEA YOU THERE
The quirky ‘Venice of Spain’ loved by locals and unknown by most Brits
SOUND ASLEEP
I’m a doctor… cheap £2.60 supermarket spread can completely cure jetlag
One person wrote: "One of the best and largest Christmas markets in Germany. It has an amazing atmosphere, good food, and a warm welcome."
A second person added: "Wow, this is the best Christmas Market we have ever been to. It was cheaper than the UK markets, and the stalls and decorations were amazing."
The market will open on November 29, 2023, and will run until Christmas Eve.
While Ryanair operates direct flights to Dresden, these flights don't run during the winter months.
That being said, direct flights are in operation to the neighbouring city of Leipzig, with prices starting from £25 for a one-way ticket.
From Leipzig Airport to Dresden, it's a 90-minute drive.
The German "Christmas City" can also be reached by train, but passengers will need to change trains in the centre of Leipzig.
If you don't fancy travelling to Germany to visit a Christmas market, then there are plenty of places to visit in the UK.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
HUGH LOVE SPLIT
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville splits from wife of 25 years
RED HOT
My Mum, Your Dad's Natalie shows off sideboob in swimming pool after split
Here are the nine best Christmas markets to visit in the UK this winter.
And there's also a time-warp Christmas market where stallholders dress up as Victorians – but it's only open for four days.
Source: Read Full Article