Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area with 2.4 million inhabitants.

During the Advent time, the city of Dresden turns into one of the capitals of Christmas markets. The most famous market (Striezelmarkt ) occupies a length of 1 mile, from the cathedral Frauenkirche to the famous Münzgasse restaurant. Dresden market dates its origin back in 1434, and since then it has always fought to maintain its character untouched, becoming one of the reference Christmas markets in Germany, with 2 and a half million visitors a year. In recent years, the stalls have been redesigned to give the market its ancient medieval appeal. The red tiles of the stalls make a pleasant contrast with the colors of the city, and the warm lights create magical visual effects.

In addition to having one of the best Christmas markets each year, Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city center. Unfortunately, World War II destroyed much of the city center and restoration work was performed to reconstruct the historic inner city, including the Katholische Hofkirche, the Semper Oper and the Dresdner Frauenkirche as well as the suburbs. The city now is fully restored to its former glory. Dresden was and is one of the most cultural, educational, political and economic centers of Germany and Europe.