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.

Cologne Christmas Market

The four main Christmas markets are at Alter Markt, Cologne Cathedral, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. There is also a medieval Christmas market at the Chocolate Museum. Don’t miss the Heumarkt ice rink.

November 22 to December 23, 2004
Daily 11am–9pm
Fridays and Saturdays 11am–10pm

Dortmund Christmas Market

Dortmund’s Christmas market boasts the biggest Christmas tree in the world. Children love Santa’s Christmas Village for the readings and poems.

November 18 to December 23, 2004
Monday to Saturday 10am–9pm
Sundays 12 noon–9pm (closed November 21)

Frankfurt am Main Christmas Market

This beautiful Christmas market, set in Römerberg square and Paulsplatz, promises music, Christmas readings and a visit from Saint Nicholas.

November 24 to December 22, 2004
Monday to Saturday 10am–9pm
Sundays 11am–9pm

Michelstadt im Odenwald Christmas Market

This Christmas market features a life-sized nativity, life-sized nutcracker figures and a huge musical box.

November 26 to December 19, 2004
Wednesday to Friday 9pm–8pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11:30am–8pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays