Christmas eve in Dresden
 

I will be in Dresden on 12/23 and 24. I've read that almost all things close down after 2pm on 12/24. Any suggestions on what to do and dining options on Christmas eve afternoon and night in Dresden will be appreciated. I am traveling by myself only. Will this make it even more difficult to get a seat in the limited number of restaurants that might be open? Or will there be at least some fast food options still open?

Just check for open restaurants on opentable or the fork. Some places in downtown Dresden are open on the 23rd and very few on the 24th. If a restaurant is open they will not turn you away as a lonely single person on xmas eve ;)

Thanks for the suggestion. Just did a quick check on opentable and the fork. Basically no restaurant, except a couple of bars, is available for one person for Dec 24 dinner. Anyway, I'll play it by ear.

Traditionally, people don't go out to eat on the 24th in Germany, but celebrate with their families. That's why some restaurants are closed, but not all of them. In any case, the restaurants in the hotels are open.
Otherwise, everything is indeed closed from 2 p.m., leaving more or less only church services or some cultural events.
If there are only available tables for 2 it could help to ask directly.

I would not even be sure that the restaurants in hotel are open, they might have a very reduced staff from 2 PM onwards and close the restaurant.

Yes, not a lot going. Might be best to ask at the hotel when you arrive.

Just to share back my experience for Christmas eve in Dresden, though most things are closed, there were still some non-german restaurants open around/near the old town, e.g. Thai, Italian restaurants, local burger, pizza places and definitely doner shops. If one is not too picky, definitely can find something to eat. More restaurants re-opened on Dec 25 and 26.