Striezelmarkt Check: Between Wandering Mouse and Carousel Joy

The Secret Star: The Free Carousel in Elbepark

Our adventure started today at Elbepark Dresden. A must-know tip for all parents: The carousel there is currently free! For my girls, it was the highlight to 'warm up'. The entire Elbepark is incredibly lovingly decorated as a “Christmas forest” – everywhere you find beautiful scenes with deer, stags, and snowmen. The only downside: We missed Santa twice by a hair! But the golden throne was still a great photo opportunity without him.

​Little Legs, Big Stamina

As often happens, our youngest (1) preferred to walk rather than sit in the stroller. She explored the way through the Neustadt almost entirely on her own two feet! Since the world is so exciting for her right now, this has almost become our daily routine. From the Neustadt (Neustädter Markt), we then took the tram to Postplatz – a short break for everyone before diving into the next hustle and bustle.

​The Stroller as the Secret Hero

Even though the little mouse was on foot a lot, we didn’t want to forgo the stroller. Today, it was our most important pack mule: Fully loaded with the heavy diaper backpack and all the other things we would have had to carry otherwise, it kept our backs free. At Postplatz, fatigue finally prevailed and I was able to put the little hiker in the stroller.

​The Absolute Highlight (with Weak Knees)

If you ask the girls, there was a clear favorite: The ride on the Ferris wheel in the Neustadt. While the children enjoyed the view over the sea of lights, I was relieved when we were back on solid ground. My fear of heights really played tricks on me up there. If it had been a closed cabin (like the ones known from Oktoberfest in Munich), it would have been half as bad – but these open gondolas are not for the faint of heart! In my focus, I unfortunately couldn’t take a photo from above, but the children's beaming faces were reward enough.

​Light Glamour and Cabin Magic

From Postplatz, we then headed straight to the Striezelmarkt. It was extremely crowded, which made maneuvering the stroller a matter of millimeters. But the stalls were wonderfully decorated again! Everywhere it sparkles and glimmers, especially the traditional woodcraft from the Erzgebirge on the gables and the gigantic step pyramid are simply magical. Dresden always manages to spread that special Christmas coziness.

​Summary for Other Families:

• ​Parking: Elbepark (take the free carousel!).
• ​Transfer: Take tram 9 directly to the center.
• ​Stroller: Indispensable for luggage, but tiring in the crowded weekend.
• ​Highlight: Ferris wheel in the Neustadt (for those not afraid of heights!).