Dresden Sister City, Inc. is a non-profit organization in Columbus, Ohio, that promotes the sister city relationship between Columbus and Dresden, Germany.
A Dresden-Style Christmas Market is Coming to Columbus in 2026
Dublin, Ohio, will launch a new Christmas market in 2026. The outdoor market will feature holiday foods and drinks and a festive atmosphere. Those that know Dresden are likely aware that the Dresden Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market.
A Successful 2025 Marathon Season
Five Columbus residents traveled to Germany in October for the Dresden Marathon and five Dresden residents came to Columbus for the Columbus Marathon.
Congratulations to the Columbus runners who traveled to Dresden: Tom Gabalski, Joshua Gandee, John Hykes, Traci Mehalic and Amanda Swanson.
After his trip, Josh Gandee wrote an essay documenting his experience in Dresden. His personal essay demonstrates the life-changing impact of the marathon program.
“When I think of the Dresden/Columbus Marathon Exchange, I don’t think about the Marathon. I don’t think about the 600 miles I ran in preparation, or the way I felt upon finishing.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think back on my time in Germany is the people, and what the program has meant for them. “
Joshua Gandee
To learn more about the Columbus runners and why they were excited to represent Columbus in Dresden, visit our 2025 marathon page.
Connecting the Residents of Columbus, Ohio, and Dresden, Germany
Dresden Sister City programming is focused on two goals.
First, we connect the people of Columbus and Dresden through sports, art and educational programs.
Second, we create opportunities for Columbus residents to gather and explore their shared interest in German culture, language and history.
Who should join? Anyone interested in learning about the city of Dresden, celebrating their German ancestry, meeting new people and promoting Columbus to the world.
Dresden Sister City 