Christmas in Dresden 2017
 

We plan to arrive in Dresden on December 23 for four days. Are restaurants likely to be open on 24th and 25th, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Also wondering about the PEGIDA demonstrations. Are they still happening on Mondays and is it wise to avoid the area where they are held?
Thanks for any suggestions.

Most difficult for travelers is Christmas Eve, because nearly everything shuts down some time in the afternoon. German children get their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve and that is the evening for family reunions as well. The majority of restaurants is closed on that evening. Informing oneself about restaurant closures and reserving tables well in advance is very important, because the availability of restaurants is very much reduced.
There is no problem on Christmas Day and the following day, which is a holiday, too. Those two days are like normal Sundays. Stores are closed, but most museums and restaurants are open.
There will hardly be a PEGIDA demonstration on Monday, December 25, because that is a holiday.

Thank you so much for your reply. At least we can be prepared for Christmas Eve now.