Cultural program winter term 2025/26
You will find the current events and excursions of the Cultural Office listed here. Please register online. Registration is not binding.
You will receive up-to-date information via our newsletter or on our Facebook page.
Table of contents
- CURRENT EVENTS
- 11/26 I International Students meet International Employees
- 11/29 I Glashütte – Home of German watchmaking art (waiting list)
- 11/30 I Folk art in the Ore Mountains (waiting list)
- 12/5 I Baking cookies & Christmas Quiz (waiting list)
- 12/7 I Chocolate museum & Christmas movie (waiting list)
- 12/13 I Leipzig (waiting list)
- 12/14 I Ice skating & funicular railway ride (waiting list)
- 12/16 I International Students Meet International Employees
- 12/20 I Ginger Bread Town Pulsnitz (waiting list)
- INDIVIDUAL OFFERS
- PREVIOUS EVENTS
- FAQ
CURRENT EVENTS
11/26 I International Students meet International Employees
Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 7 pm
Do you have questions about living and working in Dresden after completing your studies? Are you curious what opportunities are on offer for you in this region and how you can successfully launch your career in Germany? Or do you simply want to connect with fellow students in an international atmosphere? Then, this meeting is just right for you!
As part of this series of events, former international students will share their experiences and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and make contacts.
DETAILS & registration
11/29 I Glashütte – Home of German watchmaking art (waiting list)
Saturday, November 29, 2025
For more than 175 years, Glashütte has been an important center of the German art of watchmaking—and is world-famous for its luxury watches! At the German Watch Museum, you will experience the history and fascination of mechanical timekeeping: The collection includes more than 500 unique exhibits such as pocket watches, precision pendulum clocks and wristwatches, marine chronometers, movement models, historical tools and work equipment used by watchmakers from past eras. Afterwards, we will enjoy the flair of this small town in the Eastern Ore Mountains as we stroll through the Christmas market.
Fee: EUR 8
Included in the price: guided tour of the museum, small snack at the Christmas market
REGISTER NOW
11/30 I Folk art in the Ore Mountains (waiting list)
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Experience the magical Christmas world of the Ore Mountains and visit the famous Wendt & Kühn manufactory, home of the world-renowned Grünhainichen angels. During a guided tour of the show workshops, you can have a look over the craftsmen's shoulders and see how the iconic wooden figures have been lovingly handcrafted with great attention to detail for over 100 years. You can then test your skills in the handicraft street. A stroll through the small Christmas market rounds off our day. Here you might even find the perfect Christmas gift.
Fee: EUR 6
Included in the price: factory tour, handicrafts, lunch
REGISTER NOW
12/5 I Baking cookies & Christmas Quiz (waiting list)
Friday, December 5, 2025, 4:45 pm
It smells like Christmas! At the International Office Christmas Bakery, we would like to bake traditional German Christmas cookies with you. Kneading, cutting out shapes, decorating—there are no limits to your creativity. While the cookies are in the oven, we will test your knowledge of international holiday traditions with a fun Christmas quiz. Of course, snacking on the homemade treats is expressly encouraged!
Fee: free admission
Included: baking utensils, Christmas quiz, Christmas snacks & drinks
REGISTER NOW
12/7 I Chocolate museum & Christmas movie (waiting list)
Sunday, December 7, 2025
A day for all those movie afficionados with a sweet tooth! First, we will visit the Dresden Chocolate Museum and immerse ourselves in the sweet world of cocoa and pralines. We'll pour and decorate our own lollipops and, of course, there will be one or two samples to try! Afterwards, we'll make ourselves comfortable and watch a classic Christmas movie together to get us in the perfect mood for the holidays. The ideal outing for a cold December day!
Fee: EUR 8
Included in the price: admission, guided tour, small chocolate tasting, and lollipop making at the museum
REGISTER NOW
12/13 I Leipzig (waiting list)
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Visit Leipzig with us! The city is located about 120 km west of Dresden and is known for its lively history and vibrant present. First, you will explore the historic Old Town on a guided tour and learn a bit about the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. After refreshments, we will visit the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum (Contemporary History Forum). There, you will discover a lot about Leipzig during the GDR era. Afterwards, you will have plenty of time to stroll through Leipzig's beautiful Christmas market.
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: Guided city tour, guided tour in the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, lunch
REGISTER NOW
12/14 I Ice skating & funicular railway ride (waiting list)
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time to hit the ice! First, we take the historic Standseilbahn (funicular railway) from Körnerplatz to the Weißer Hirsch district and enjoy the breathtaking view over the wintry Elbe Valley from one of “Dresden's most beautiful balconies.” After a walk through the exclusive residential area, we do a few laps on the ice. Whether you're a pro or stepping onto skates for the first time, fun is guaranteed. Afterwards, we warm up with a yummy hot punch in the picturesque setting of the concert square.
Fee: EUR 10
Included in the price: cable car ride, admission and skate rental, small lunch snack
REGISTER NOW
12/16 I International Students Meet International Employees
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 7 pm
Do you have questions about living and working in Dresden after completing your studies? Are you curious what opportunities are on offer for you in this region and how you can successfully launch your career in Germany? Or do you simply want to connect with fellow students in an international atmosphere? Then, this meeting is just right for you!
As part of this series of events, former international students will share their experiences and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and make contacts.
DETAILS & registration
12/20 I Ginger Bread Town Pulsnitz (waiting list)
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Visit Saxony's sweetest place with us! We are visiting Pulsnitz, which has been known as the “Gingerbread Town” for centuries, as since 1558 the bakeries of Pulsnitz have been the source of the sweet treats that are a must for Christmas in Germany. Visit Europe's only gingerbread museum and bake and decorate your own gingerbread. Afterwards, you get to taste the sheer deliciousness.
Fee: EUR 6
Included in the price: guided tour of the museum, baking and decorating a gingerbread cookie, gingerbread tasting
Join the event on Facebook
REGISTER NOW
INDIVIDUAL OFFERS
Orienteering through the old town of Dresden
Can you find the right way only with a map and a compass? - Show it during an orienteering run in the old town of Dresden. You run or walk through the old town armed only with a map and have to find the right route between different stations. You will also have to answer small riddle questions. Send us the correct solution and win great prizes!
More detailed information can be found at this link: https://cloudstore.zih.tu-dresden.de/.../s/5CSYgq2NZ38Djif
Find more tracks in and around Dresden at: dresdner-stadt-ol.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
PREVIOUS EVENTS
9/24 I Amazing Hunt: Discover Dresden like Never Before!
Wednesday, September 24, 4pm
Get ready for an extraordinary city adventure! The Amazing Hunt takes you through Dresden in teams, following intriguing clues, completing fun challenges, and uncovering hidden corners of the city you might never have noticed before. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating historical facts – and meet new people in the process.
The hunt concludes with a relaxed networking session over drinks. For those with some energy left, there’s an optional game to learn more about each other’s cultures. The winning team earns a spot in the InterLokal Hall of Fame!
Fee: free of charge
10/09 I Info market before the matriculation ceremony
October 9, 2025, 11am - 2pm
You will meet many important people and organizations that will help you to study successfully at TU Dresden. Above all, the tutors of the International Tutoring Program will support you at the start of your studies and go on a campus tour with you. The Cultural Office team and many student organizations look forward to meeting you at the information market.
Where? Hörsaalzentrum (HSZ) https://navigator.tu-dresden.de/etplan/hsz/00
10/19 I Dresden Old Town scavenger hunt
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 1 pm
Dresden has a lot to offer, no matter which side of the Elbe you are on. During our scavenger hunt, you will explore the famous sights and hidden corners of the historic old town in small teams. You will solve tricky puzzles, follow mysterious clues, and get to know not only the city but also new people. An adventure full of fun and discoveries awaits you!
Fee: Free admission
Included: City game, coffee & cake
10/25 I Welcome tour on a DVB tram
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10 am
Welcome to Dresden! On an exclusive city tour with the Cultural Office team, we will show you the most beautiful parts of the city, including places off the beaten tourist track. You will receive many useful insider tips to help you get started here. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can also chat with other international students and make your first contacts.
Fee: Free admission
10/29 I International Students meet International Employees
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 7 pm
Do you have questions about living and working in Dresden after completing your studies? Are you curious what opportunities are on offer for you in this region and how you can successfully launch your career in Germany? Or do you simply want to connect with fellow students in an international atmosphere? Then, this meeting is just right for you!
As part of this series of events, former international students will share their experiences and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and make contacts.
DETAILS & registration
11/7 I Meet & Greet Game Night
Friday, November 7, 2025, 6 pm
Would you like to meet new people, chat and play fun board games? Then, why not take part in our board games evening! In everything from "Dixit" to "Mensch-ärgere-dich-nicht" (Ludo) to "UNO!", you can compete in exciting board games with new friends or just have a chat. We will provide snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring along your favorite board game. We look forward to seeing you!
Fee: free admission
11/9 I Hike in Saxon Switzerland
Sunday, November 9, 2025 (postphoned)
Join us on a hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which straddles the border between Germany and Czechia. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind natural scenery of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with breathtaking views of the bizarre rock formations.
Important: Please wear sturdy footwear!
Fee: EUR 6
Included in the price: hike, ferry, lunch
11/14 I Semperoper - Ballet "Wings and Feathers"
Friday, November 14, 2025, 3:45 pm
The Semperoper is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world and offers opera and music at the highest level.
During a guided tour, you will first explore the eventful history and impressive architecture of the building and gain insights into everyday opera life and stage technology. After a light snack, we will enjoy the two-part dance performance “Wings and Feathers” with choreography by Stephanie Lake and Akram Khan.
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: guided tour, ballet performance, snack
11/15 I Bautzen - Capital of the Sorbs
Saturday, November 15, 2025
“Witajće k nam - Welcome!” is how you are greeted in the picturesque old town of Budyšin - Bautzen. But the Sorbian culture is not the only thing that is unique about this city - the narrow streets and many towers give Bautzen a medieval flair. On a guided tour of the city, you will learn more about its more than 1,000-year history and the world-famous Bautzen mustard. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most menacing political prisons of the State Security Service (“Stasi”) in former East Germany – Bautzen II.
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: guided city tour, visit to the memorial site, lunch
11/19 I "Cultures Connect" @TUD
Thursday, November 19, 2025, 4 pm (Public holiday, no lectures on this day)
This event is the best opportunity to find out more about the cultures and traditions of your fellow students' home countries in a relaxed atmosphere with engaging presentations, fun games and popular music. Of course, there will also be some traditional food for us to get stuck into. Everyone is welcome to bring some snacks from their home country for the others to try! Or perhaps you would like to organize an evening featuring your home country? Let us know and we can help you out!
Fee: free admission
Location: Fritz Foerster-Bau, room FOE 101, Mommsenstr. 6
11/21 I Concert Dresden Philharmonic - "abgeFRACKt"
Friday, November 21, 2025, 5:15 pm
Classical music with a twist! With “abgeFRACKt,” you can experience the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra in a short, snappy one-hour format. “The Planets” takes you on a musical journey through our solar system. Instead of boring astronomy, Gustav Holst brings the different planets to life with dramatic and exciting sounds. Each planet has its own mood—from the energy of wild Jupiter to the mysterious silence of Neptune. Before the concert, we'll get in the mood for this special musical experience while sipping a drink together.
Fee: EUR 5
Included in the price: concert ticket, soft drink
11/24 I Magic show & star crafting
Monday, November 24, 2025, 6:30 pm
Double the fun in one evening! To get us in the mood for the magic of the Christmas season, first let Paris-born magician Matthieu Anatrella enchant you with his magic show. We guarantee exciting and charming magic with a lovely French accent! After the show, we will grab some paper, tea and Christmas stories, we make ourselves comfortable and practice our dexterity to decorate our windows with stars for Christmas – because the magic of Christmas in Germany also includes handicrafts.
Fee: free admission
Included in the price: magic show, handicraft materials, Christmas sweets
FAQ
Please fill out the online registration form and then pay the fee as soon as possible during office hours at the Cultural Office in the International Office. Only after payment the place is bindingly booked. Please bring your student ID with you when paying. Payment via bank transfer or card is not possible.
Note: Your registration is NOT valid as a reservation. First come, first served.
The cultural programme is open to international and German undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at TU Dresden. The programme for PhD students and international guest scientists is organised by the Welcome Center.
With your registration you accept the terms and conditions of the Cultural Office.
The excursions are mainly offered in German. Tutors will translate into English during guided tours and workshops.
- our Cultural Office website,
- our Facebook page and
- our info board at the International Office, Mommsenstr. 6, 1st floor,
- or register for our newsletter.
- You may also subscribe to our instagram channel
- and check out our videos in the YouTube channel of TU Dresden.
The programme offers some excursion classics and new destinations, every semester. If you are interested in the details and pictures of our past activities check out the archive and our Facebook events.
I honestly would like to thank the Kulturbüro of the TUD for the big chances they gave me to get to know better the city Dresden. The organisation and the involvement in different kind of activities have to be considered as a treasure. I think it is not so common to go abroad and find people who are good and kind.
The Cultural Office staff keep you in discovering a new city, giving you little advices in order to enjoy every day pleasures the city can give (without them this couldn’t be the same!)
The trips and the chances to win tickets for concerts or other activities are a gift for me and I guess for every foreign student who comes here. I really appreciate their work and the way they organize things. The more activities they would organize, the more I would like to be present to enjoy Dresden with fun, happiness and joy! J
When I first arrived in Dresden to start my Erasmus I was completely lost and alone, I had no friends and I didn’t know where to go. Basically, the normal feeling that everyone can experience when arriving in a new country.
When at the Immatriculation day I saw for the first time the poster of the Cultural Office, I must admit that I was a little suspicious but curious at the same time.
Some time I can be very shy and stubborn, but then I thought:” Why not? Let’s start this adventure in the right way, I should try and register for a few things”.
So, I tried the Welcome tour on our very own DVB tram and I was really amazed, everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic and in just one hour or so (while sitting on a tram going around the beautiful city of Dresden) I felt that I had made the right decision. A few days later I decided to register to all the trips that they were offering during this Winter Semester. And I have to say that I absolutely didn’t regret it.
In my opinion the best trip of all was Berlin, we have seen so many things in just four days, the price of the trip (only 90 euros everything included) was ridiculous considering that everything was so well planned and organized that I was more and more amazed every day, even if the weather was very bad and cold. Everyday there was a new reason to get ready and start the day in the best way possible: with the huge buffet breakfast of the hotel. I am just kidding, but it’s true 😊
The girls working for the Cultural Office are like angels (yes, exactly like the three Charlie’s angels 😊), they are always so enthusiastic and ready to help and give you advices and tips about the trips or the life in Dresden and they never hesitate to give you a big smile even if it’s freezing cold and pouring rain, yes, we didn’t have a lot of luck, because the weather was always very bad, only for us.
During all these trips I have seen breath taking beautiful places in the region of Saxony, places that I didn’t even know that existed, I have been amazed by castles, stories, ballets, history, museums and the stunning nature of this beautiful region.
The most important thing was that I met so many new people, coming from different countries, different cultures, speaking every kind of possible language. I opened my self-up, trying new things and doing my best to enjoy every moment as much as I could. Even if I was thousands of km far from home, with these weekly plans I never felt homesick or alone, because I had found a new international family.
Even if my week had been stressful or full of lessons and new challenges, during these trips I really felt free and happy to have done the right decision of coming to Dresden, almost blessed.
Last but not least, what about the food? I have tried so many different and delicious thing from all around the world, more that I could have ever imagined; from the super classic German Schnitzel eaten inside and old medieval castle, to the vegan food of the hipster restaurant in Leipzig, to the classic Christmas meal of the German tradition.
Tip for the readers: Just register on time and be ready for a surprise!
P.S. See you next semester!
International X-Mas Party of TU Dresden 2017 © Salt & Pepper Photography
The International X-Mas Party of TU Dresden is a highlight of the university year.
Find impressions of the past parties on the website (see link above).
Show us your best snapshots of the excursions and make them the motif for next semester's flyer! Take part in the photo competition and win cool prices!
Find all information in the Facebook events and on the TUD website. Please send us an email if you prefer not to participate on Facebook.
The competition is supported by the Studentenwerk Dresden.
By the end of each term we ask you to participate in our online survey. Take 5 minutes and win a 5€ travel voucher or a TUD merchandise-set!
Find up-to-date information in our Cultural Office Facebook events
One more detail: All TUD students can take part - regardless whether they already joined one of the events offered by the Cultural Office or not. Good luck!
Contact
© Cultural Office
Cultural Office at the International Office
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Visiting address:
Fritz-Foerster-Bau
SG 8.3 International Office, 157
Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Postal address:
TUD Dresden University of Technology
SG 8.3 International Office
Cultural Office, Room 157
Frau Kožica
Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Office hours:
Appointments by prior arrangement.
The events are supported financially by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA).