Every year the magic of German Christmas Markets enchants millions of visitors. Crafts, culinary specialties like Gluhwein (mulled wine), baked apples and gingerbread biscuits (Lebkuchen) contribute to the traditional atmosphere.

 

Heidelberg's Old Town is ablaze with the magical lights of Christmas. With Heidelberg Castle as its backdrop, the world-renowned Heidelberg Christmas Market casts a spell over the city during Advent.

On Karl's Square an open-air ice skating rink stretches out below the majestic backdrop of the castle. Here skaters have center stage - and ice skates may be rented for a few Euros. At the evening's close linger over a cup of white or red mulled wine and a snack, while the curtain comes down on a scene of enchantment. www.heidelberg-marketing.de

Bremen, on the River Weser close to the northern coast, puts a maritime twist on the classic Christmas market when the promenade along the river is transformed into Schlachte magic, a festive market offering historical, seasonal and maritime attractions. Another market with more than 160 beautifully decorated Christmas stalls are clustered in front of Bremen’s Church of Our Lady and the Roland Statue in the historical market square. www.bremen-tourismus.de

Ruedesheim (through Dec 23)
The Christmas market in Ruedesheim on the Rhine brings a festive feel to the romantic old town and its popular Drosselgasse Lane. More than 120 stands from 12 nations offer Christmas customs and traditions from around the world. Europe's biggest Nativity scene can also be found in the market square. www.ruedesheim.de

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

German Christmas markets a tradition of the season

Frankfurt (until Dec 22)
Situated in the Roemerberg marketplace with St. Paul’s church as a backdrop, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is regarded as one of Germany’s most important. Organized events include the tower concert on the balcony of the Nikolai church, the Christmas Market of Frankfurt’s artists and the Frankfurt city peal of bells. Children can ride on multiple carousels, marvel at the gigantic Christmas tree and meet St. Nicholas on December 6. Guided tours of Frankfurt are also available. www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

© Landeshauptstadt Mainz

Mainz (until Dec 23)
The Mainz Christmas Market is set in the historic market square against the impressive backdrop of the 1,000-year-old cathedral of St. Martins. Highlights of the Christmas Market include the traditional fairy-tale performance in the city theater, the popular print shop of the Gutenberg museum and the 36-foot-high Christmas pyramid with its numerous figures and lights. Also, there is a wide choice of family programs at the Liebfrauenplatz. www.mainz.de

Wiesbaden (through Dec 23)
"Twinkling Star Market" is the name of the Wiesbaden Christmas Market. Visitors enter the old castle square through four gates decorated with stars. Not to miss is the crèche with its life-sized wooden figures representing the Christmas story. www.wiesbaden.de

Aschaffenburg (through Dec 22)
The Christmas Market is situated against the picturesque backdrop of the castle, with the Franconian Christmas crèche as its center. Also, during this festive season various other charming Christmas Markets can be found in the Aschaffenburg region. www.info-aschaffenburg.de

Bad Homburg (All advent weekends)
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany is the romantic Christmas Market Bad Homburg at the Castle "Landgrafenschloss," which is surrounded by an historical setting. Highlights include the traditional fairy-tale performances on the Kurtheater Bad Homburg. www.bad-homburg.de

Limburg (through Dec 23) and Weilburg (Dec 3 - 21)
Limburg’s historic center enchants visitors with its pre-Christmas charm. Within the walls of the Weilburg Residence Castle visitors find themselves surrounded by a historical Christmas Market dating back to the Renaissance. www.weilburg.de (German only)