Santa Opus

Santa Opus was also able to partake in the trip to Dresden, and like Chase he is a great fan of German Christmas markets. He spent much of his trip at the Striezelmarkt, the largest of Dresden’s Christmas markets, and the oldest (575 years!) in Germany.


The days were chilly but the Glühwein kept him warm, and treats such as Mohnstriezel (poppy seed cake) filled his belly (he has to admit he is not the greatest fan of Dresden’s famed Stollen, although he did try almond and poppy seed versions that were quite tasty).


Santa Opus also enjoyed the market’s entertainment, which ranged from puppet performances for children to choirs singing German Christmas carols, and made friends with the market’s many creatures.


All of the time spent at the Christmas markets meant that he missed some of the city’s other attractions (most notably the Dresden State Art Collections).


He did, however, make it to the Royal Palace’s impressive Green Vault, where he admired Augustus the Strong’s many treasures, displayed in ornate themed rooms. He also managed to pull himself away from the markets long enough to try the cozy restaurant Paulaner's, which had what he thought was the best Glühwein in Dresden, and to enjoy a concert at the Frauenkirche, an 18th century church destroyed during World War II, which was reconsecrated in 2005 after thirteen years of reconstruction.


Santa Opus was very sad to leave Germany, but took solace in the fact that his suitcases were filled with Christmas décor and sweet treats to enjoy back in Washington (and he is, of course, already contemplating what German city and its markets he’ll hit next year).