Cultural program winter term 2026/27
You will find the current events and excursions of the Cultural Office listed here. Please register online. Registration is not a binding reservation – only after payment of the fee will your reservation be binding and your place firmly reserved for you. In early October, we'll email you a link to schedule a payment date. You will automatically be placed on the waiting list if the event is already fully booked.
You will receive up-to-date information via our newsletter or on Instagram and Facebook.
Table of contents
- CURRENT EVENTS
- 8 Oct I Info market before the matriculation ceremony
- 10 Oct I Dresden Old Town scavenger hunt
- 18 Oct I Welcome tour on a DVB tram
- 24 Oct I Hike in Saxon Switzerland
- 25 Oct I Excape Room & Technische Sammlungen
- 30 Oct I Meet & Greet Game Night – Halloween edition
- 8 Nov I Semperoper – Ballet „Different Grounds“
- 14 Nov I Leipzig – City trip
- 18 Nov I "Cultures Connect" @TUD
- 21 Nov I Cinderella movie & Moritzburg Castle
- 23 Nov I Christmas Crafting – Traditions from around the world
- 28 Nov I Ginger Bread Town Pulsnitz
- 29 Nov I Folk art in the Ore Mountains
- 4 Dec I Baking cookies & Christmas Quiz
- 5 Dec I Kulturpalast – Concert Tschaikowski Pathétique
- 12 Dec I Ice skating at Weißer Hirsch district
- 13 Dec I Chocolate museum & Christmas market
- 19 Dec I Bowling & Sparkling Lights at Wackerbarth Castle
- INDIVIDUAL OFFERS
- FAQ
CURRENT EVENTS
8 Oct I Info market before the matriculation ceremony
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 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 Oct I Dresden Old Town scavenger hunt
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 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
REGISTER NOW
18 Oct I Welcome tour on a DVB tram
Saturday, October 18, 2026, 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
REGISTER NOW
24 Oct I Hike in Saxon Switzerland
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8:30am
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, snack
REGISTER NOW
25 Oct I Excape Room & Technische Sammlungen
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1pm
Can you solve the mysteries of quantum physics? Join us for an exciting visit to the Technical Collections Dresden and step into the world of “Katze Q” – a unique escape room inspired by real quantum phenomena. Together, we will explore four mysterious rooms, solve puzzles and uncover the secrets behind a missing cat. No previous knowledge of physics or mathematics is required – curiosity and teamwork are all you need!
We'll also explore the Technical Collections and discover more fascinating exhibits from the world of science and technology.
Fee: EUR 4
Included in the price: Escape room, museum admission, coffee & cake
REGISTER NOW
30 Oct I Meet & Greet Game Night – Halloween edition
Friday, October 30, 2026, 5 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!
Halloween edition: Feel free to wear your scariest Halloween costume (not mandatory) and look forward to spooky-fun games, activities, and experiences all around Halloween!
Fee: free admission
REGISTER NOW
8 Nov I Semperoper – Ballet „Different Grounds“
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3:30pm
The Semperoper is considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world and offers outstanding opera and musical performances. During a guided tour, you will first learn more about the building’s fascinating history and impressive architecture, while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at opera life and stage technology. After a quick dinner, we will enjoy the dance performance “Different Grounds” together and experience contemporary dance in the unique atmosphere of the Semperoper.
Fee: EUR 12
Included in the price: guided tour, ballet performance, pizza & soft drink
REGISTER NOW
14 Nov I Leipzig – City trip
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9am
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'll explore the historic old town on a guided tour and learn, for example, 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. Afterward, you'll have plenty of time to stroll through the city center on your own.
Fee: EUR 6
Included in the price: Guided city tour, guided tour in the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, lunch
REGISTER NOW
18 Nov I "Cultures Connect" @TUD
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 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!
If you're interested, you're more than welcome to introduce your home country through food, presentations, dances, or whatever else you'd like! Or maybe you'd like to organize a cultural evening around your home country? Let us know, and we'll help make it happen!
Fee: free admission
Location: Fritz Foerster-Bau, room FOE 101, Mommsenstr. 6
REGISTER NOW
21 Nov I Cinderella movie & Moritzburg Castle
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11am
“Three Wishes for Cinderella” is probably the most famous Christmas movie in Germany. After watching this fairytale classic together, we drive to nearby Moritzburg Castle, one of the most beautiful moated castles in Europe and the setting for Cinderella's film. In the exhibition on the film, we will discover background stories and marvel at recreated film scenes, original costumes and multimedia productions. We will also dress up in movie costumes and, of course, try on the lost shoe on the stairs.
NOTE: Film and exhibition are only in GERMAN!
Fee: 6 EUR
Included in the price: Movie, museum admission, snack
REGISTER NOW
23 Nov I Christmas Crafting – Traditions from around the world
Monday, November 23, 2026, 6pm
With some paper, a cup of tea, and Christmas stories, we’ll make ourselves comfortable. As we craft together, we’ll create Christmas stars for our windows and other creative Christmas decorations from around the world. For many of us, the magic of the Christmas season isn’t just about the twinkling lights and the scent of cookies – it’s also about crafting together.
Would you like to share a Christmas tradition from your country with us? Then get in touch – everyone is warmly invited to get involved!
Fee: free admission
Included in the price: handicraft materials, Christmas sweets
REGISTER NOW
28 Nov I Ginger Bread Town Pulsnitz
Saturday, November 28, 2026
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 7
Included in the price: audioguide tour of the museum, baking and decorating gingerbread cookies, gingerbread tasting
REGISTER NOW
29 Nov I Folk art in the Ore Mountains
Sunday, November 29, 2026, 9am
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: manufactory tour, handicrafts, lunch
REGISTER NOW
4 Dec I Baking cookies & Christmas Quiz
Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 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: EUR 3
Included: baking utensils, Christmas quiz, Christmas snacks & drinks
REGISTER NOW
5 Dec I Kulturpalast – Concert Tschaikowski Pathétique
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm
Together, we will visit the Dresden Philharmonic for a special concert evening at the Kulturpalast. Before the music begins, we will meet for a drink and have some time to chat, get to know each other and get into the mood for the concert (mandatory). We will then enjoy a diverse programme featuring a concerto for two pianos by Philip Glass and Peter Tchaikovsky’s famous Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique” – a powerful and emotional musical journey that ends with quiet, almost fading sounds.
Fee: EUR 4
Included in the price: Concert ticket, soft drink
REGISTER NOW
12 Dec I Ice skating at Weißer Hirsch district
Sarturday, December 12, 2026, 10am
Time to prove yourself on the ice! We’ll spend a fun winter morning skating together at the ice rink in Dresden’s Weißer Hirsch neighborhood. Whether you’re a pro or stepping onto the ice for the first time, fun is guaranteed. After a few laps on the ice, we’ll warm up with some kids’ punch and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the picturesque concert plaza. So lace up your skates and join us for some winter fun!
Fee: EUR 9
Included in the price: admission and skate rental, small lunch snack
REGISTER NOW
13 Dec I Chocolate museum & Christmas market
Sunday, December 13, 2026
What would the Christmas season be without a little chocolate? During a visit to the CAMONDAS Chocolate Museum, we’ll first dive into the world of chocolate, decorate our own chocolate lollipops, and, of course, enjoy a tasting. Afterward, we’ll relax with coffee and cake and have time to chat with each other and meet new people. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you like: You can stroll through the Dresden Striezelmarkt with your new friends, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, and maybe discover a sweet treat or two.
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: admission, guided tour, small chocolate tasting, lollipop making, coffee & cake
REGISTER NOW
19 Dec I Bowling & Sparkling Lights at Wackerbarth Castle
Saturday, December 19, 2026
In the mood for a fun afternoon with a bit of friendly competition and a festive Christmas atmosphere? We'll start with some bowling—fun, team spirit, and maybe even a strike or two. Afterward, we'll head to Wackerbarth Castle, where “Wine & Light” awaits us with a beautiful, festively lit winter wonderland and cozy music. There, we'll wrap up the evening in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the special ambiance together.
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: Bowling alley & shoes, a drink, entry Schloss Wackerbarth
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
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 English.
- 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).