Do you ever find yourself yearning for a more traditional Christmas? Consider a trip to Germany during the Advent season for a visit to the magical Christmas markets. You will see, smell, and taste the magic of Christmas… just like you did when you were a child.

The scents of Christmas spices fill the air around the wooden market stalls. Indulge in Glühwein (warm mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies) roasted chestnuts, roasted almonds and bratwurst as you shop the stalls for traditional toys and Christmas decorations including nutcrackers and marionettes.

Visit each market at least twice to experience a completely different atmosphere from day to night. A daytime trip, with less people, makes browsing the stalls a breeze for the serious shopper. But when the sun goes down the families come out. The Christmas lights twinkle as a chill fills the air and you can reach for a warm glass of Glühwein. Your heart will smile as you feel the Christmas magic.

Hamburg Christmas Market

There are many Christmas markets to choose from in Hamburg featuring magic shows, carousels, circus artists and a even a fireworks display on December 20.

November 22 to December 23, 2004
Daily 10am–9pm

Braunschweig Christmas Market

This traditional market in Burgplatz (castle square) boasts events and entertainment for the whole family.

November 24 to December 28, 2004
Monday to Saturday 10am–9pm
Sundays 11am–9pm (December 26 1pm–9pm)
Closed December 24 and December 25

Bremen Christmas Market

Set in the market square and Böttcherstrasse, this market features advent concerts, hand-carved wooden Nativity scenes and illuminated Christmas pyramids.

November 25 to December 23, 2004
Monday to Saturday 10am–8pm
Sundays 11am–8pm

Hamlyn Christmas Market

This Christmas market in the old quarter features a Nativity scene with real animals and a giant Christmas pyramid.

November 26 to December 23, 2004
Monday to Thursday 10am–8pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10am–9pm
Sundays 11am–8pm

Lübeck Christmas Market

The Christmas markets in the old quarter feature an ice sculpture festival, a craft market and a fairytale forest outside St. Mary’s Church. Don’t miss the local specialty – marzipan!

November 22 to December 20, 2004
Monday to Saturday 11am–9pm
Sundays 11:30am–9pm