A boutique weekend escape unfolds through the authentic Christmas magic of Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden—three cities glowing with immersive lights, handcrafted treasures, and bespoke festive spirit. A journey made to wander, taste, and feel the season in its most enchanting form.
Berlin. Leipzig. Dresden.
Day 1 – Berlin
You ́ll begin your tour with your private guide with a visit to the RAW Gelände Christmas Market in Friedrichshain – a creative, edgy space with an alternative twist. Here, industrial architecture meets cozy lights, handmade gifts, and mulled wine under open skies. The market is known for its urban charm and artisan vibe, offering a relaxed and authentic start to our festive journey. Your first Glühwein is on us!
From there, you ́ll continue to the elegant Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, now beautifully restored and reopened at its original location. Framed by the French and German Cathedral and the Konzerthaus, this market offers a truly refined atmosphere with artisan crafts, festive music, and the irresistible scent of roasted almonds in the air.
Next, you will head to the beloved Lucia Christmas Market in the Kulturbrauerei – a Scandinavian-inspired market nestled in a 19th- century brewery courtyard. Warm yourself by the fire, browse Nordic specialties, and enjoy the unique mix of Berlin creativity and northern winter charm.
With over 60 Christmas markets, Berlin offers something for every taste.
Day 2 – Leipzig-Dresden
In the morning, you head to the station for your comfortable 1.5-hour train ride to Leipzig. Once there, the luggage is locked up at the station you’ll explore Leipzig’s rich cultural heritage on a relaxed walking tour (3-4hrs) through the old town.
You’ll visit the St. Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach once worked as cantor, and pause for a quick lunch break at the Mädler Passage, an elegant historic arcade filled with shops and cafes. Along the way, you’ll learn about Leipzig’s important role in Germany’s peaceful revolution and its long-standing reputation as a city of books, music, and trade.
With the city’s must-sees behind you, it’s now all about mulled wine, twinkling lights, and the cozy magic of the Christmas market. Leipzig’s Christmas market, established in 1458, is one of Germany’s oldest and most atmospheric. The market weaves through the historic city center and includes themed areas like the medieval village, the Finnish section with salmon smoked over open fires, and the traditional Saxon zone.
Try local specialties such as Leipziger Lerchen, a delicious pastry once named after the larks that were once a delicacy in the region. The festive mood is enhanced by live choirs, a fairytale forest for children, and the glow of warm lights reflecting off Renaissance façades.
In the late afternoon you will continue your way by train to Dresden (1.5hrs).
Day 3 – Dresden
The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. We recommend a visit to the famous Green Vault, home to one of Europe’s most stunning treasure collections – or perhaps a stroll through the Old Masters Gallery, a walk along the Elbe riverbanks.
Before diving into the festive magic together, you’ll discover the baroque elegance of Dresden on a guided afternoon city walk. You stroll through the beautifully restored Old Town, with stops at the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the Zwinger Palace, and the Semper Opera House (no inside visits). Along the way, you uncover stories of destruction and reconstruction, and learn how Dresden reinvented itself as a cultural capital after WWII.
With its rich history, riverside charm, and golden-lit buildings, Dresden becomes especially enchanting during the Advent season – a city where the past and present meet in perfect harmony.
Home to the legendary Striezelmarkt, founded in 1434, Dresden offers a deeply rooted Christmas tradition. This market is famous for its focus on craftsmanship and regional delicacies. The city is the birthplace of the Dresdner Christstollen, a spiced, fruit-filled holiday bread so protected, it has its own certification mark. The Stollenfest in early December features a giant Stollen paraded through the city, accompanied by costumed bakers and brass bands. Other highlights include handcrafted wooden pyramids from the Erzgebirge, traditional candle arches, and a 14-meter-high Christmas pyramid that lights up the central market square.
If you’re up for one last festive stop, we highly recommend the Medieval Christmas Market in the Stallhof (around 10 min walk away from the Striezelmarkt). Tucked away behind the Royal Palace, this charming little market delights with traditional crafts, fire-lit stalls, and an authentic medieval flair – small, but full of atmosphere.
Day 4 – Berlin
After breakfast, you will make your way back to Berlin Airport (around 2-2.5h) – with bags full of treats, heads full of memories, and a little sparkle in our eyes.
It’s time to say goodbye. Our wonderful weekend together has come to an end far too quickly.
But the laughter, conversations, and festive magic we shared will hopefully stay with us a little longer. Until next time – see you on the next journey!
What ́s included
- all accommodations (4 days / 3 nights)
- all tours/ activities listed
- entrance fees for the named Christmas markets
- all transportation to & from activities (mentioned above) storage of the luggage at Leipzig main station
- trip lead
- airport transfer (train ride) on departure
What ́s not included
- museum tickets
- meals & drinks (others as listed above)
- mandatory travel insurance
- personal expenses & tips for guides
- airport transfer to hotel on arrival flights to & from Germany
- extra nights before or after the tour
