Dresden Christmas Markets
Dresden Christmas Markets
Tour Overview
Experience the most wonderful time of the year in true Saxon style with a visit to Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.
Set off to the birthplace of Christmas tradition during an exploration of Saxony’s best Christmas markets. With a proud heritage of mining, woodwork and pottery, Dresden is a city built by craftsmen. Sample this gorgeous East-German craftsmanship at some of the oldest Christmas markets in the country, where you’ll find no shortage of artisanal stores to give your gift shopping a truly unique spin. Explore Dresden’s baroque sights on a guided excursion and opt for a journey westward to historic Leipzig, indulging your festive spirit at its Christmas markets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly Into Berlin, Transfer To Dresden
Begin your festive getaway with a flight from your local airport to Berlin. Upon arrival you will be met by a Newmarket Representative for the transfer to Dresden, and your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be free to settle in or explore your new surroundings at your own leisure.
Perhaps try one of the charming nearby eateries for an authentic taste of Saxon cuisine.
Day Two - Included Walking Tour Of Dresden And Elbe River Cruise
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be joined by your friendly, local guide for the first leg of your Dresden tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s baroque charm, almost entirely reconstructed after the Second World War, as you visit its most iconic landmarks. From the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church, which has become symbolic of Dresden’s skyline, to the city’s extravagant Green Vault Museum, you’ll discover Dresden’s rich history by simply wandering its cobbled streets. Also of interest, is the Zwinger, one of Germany’s most important palace complexes, or the imposing Semperoper Opera House.
After lunch, you’ll have a few hours to explore the city at your own pace before visiting the city’s festive attractions, locally known as Striezelmarkt. Throughout this seasonal celebration, Dresden’s Neumarkt (which simply translates as Newmarket in English) is filled with over 240 stalls selling everything from artisanal gifts and mementos to traditional Saxon treats.
The Striezelmarkt’s main attraction, however, comes in its decorations. From hosting the world’s largest Erzgerbirge pyramid to the Neumarkt’s historic Ferris wheel, Dresden’s seasonal spirit thrives throughout the Christmas period. Be sure to wander down Dresden’s illuminated high street, Prager Straße, for its Winterlichter which offers a more intimate alternative to the bustle of Striezelmarkt. Boasting a handful of independent stalls alongside its usual high street fare, its city centre is engulfed in festive decorations all culminating in a spectacular 15-foot Christmas tree.
Now well-acquainted with the Saxon city, discover a different side to Dresden as you board your ship for an evening cruise on the Elbe. Witness the wintry magic of ‘Florence on the Elbe’ as the sun sets on the city’s dramatic skyline while tucking into a piece of Dresden’s finest stollen (a festive spiced fruit bread) and a hot drink to warm you up. Sit back as you take in the shoreside castles, vineyards, city villas, and historic old town before returning to the port.
Day Three – Day At Leisure In Dresden Or An Optional Full Day Tour To See Leipzig Christmas Markets
Enjoy your day as you see fit, or join an optional daytrip to Dresden’s western neighbour, Leipzig. Following your breakfast, get ready to make the journey across the Saxon countryside to the city that once played host to some of the biggest names in classical music. Not only is Leipzig a city brimming with musical heritage, making it a must-visit area for those interested in the classical arts, but it also retains strong ties to a whole range of Christmas traditions. Keep an eye out as you make your way through the city for Leipzig’s Wilhelmian landmarks. You may get a glimpse of the ornate Thomaskirche, a Lutheran church, or the centre’s imposing 350-foot New Town Hall.
Arriving at the historic Leipzig Marktplatz, you’ll be greeted by a Christmas market still bearing all the charm and intimacy of its festive roots. As you feast your eyes on the wide range of hand-crafted goods, fresh wintry produce, and decorative pieces, sample some traditional German festive treats, like lebkuchen (honey-sweetened cake) and gluhwein, which puts a Saxon spin on mulled wine, are just some favourites of the locals.
If you’d prefer to stay in Dresden’s city centre, why not explore some of the area’s lesser-celebrated treasures? The city’s Alstadt area, for instance, offers an eclectic collection of museums, theatres and restaurants around its green heart, Großer Garten.
Should you be keen for a more active day, feel free to revisit your favourite spots from the day before or step across the Elbe into lively Neustadt (Newtown), where you’ll find a colourful array of boutiques, art galleries and eateries. While exploring the district, be sure to visit the Kunsthofpassage and its famed street art.
Day Four - Transfer Flight Back To The Uk
As your time in Dresden draws to a close, enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Berlin for your return flight.
What's Included
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Three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in your choice of hotel in Dresden
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Three breakfasts
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Guided walking tour of Dresden
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River cruise on the Elbe with cake and drinks
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Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Return flights to Berlin
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2 hours.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2 hours.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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