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.

Berlin Christmas Market

There are so many to choose from in Berlin, but the historical Christmas market is set in Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.

November 24 to December 24, 2004
Sunday to Thursday 11am–8pm
Fridays and Saturdays 11am–10pm

Dresden Christmas Market

The Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, features a Christmas pyramid that soars 14 meters tall! Don’t miss the Stollen Festival or the Pyramid Festival.

November 25 to December 24, 2004
Sunday to Thursday 10am–8pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10am–9pm (until 2pm on Christmas Eve)

Leipzig Christmas Market

This traditional Christmas market set in the old market square features the biggest Advent calendar in the world. Don't miss the fairytale forest or the Old Town Hall trumpeters.

November 23 to December 22, 2004
Sunday to Thursday 10am–8pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10am–9pm

Schmalkalden Christmas Market

The Herrscheklasmarkt is set in the old quarter complete with a church and a castle! Don't miss Saint Nicholas and his elves riding through town handing out gingerbread to children.

December 1 to December 19, 2004
Daily 10am–6pm