Germany has many incredible Christmas markets, including those in Munich, Nuremberg, Trier, and Stuttgart. Dresden’s, however, is one of the oldest, largest, and most authentic. First recorded to be held in 1434, the Christmas market was started to provide the citizens of Dresden with meat for their Christmas meals. Today, it offers over 200 market stalls, museums that host special exhibitions, boats glittering with Christmas lights on the river Elbe, and Christmas tales told in the city’s theatres.