150 Christmas markets now open in Germany
In the country that invented the modern Christmas tree, Germany, Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition.
Unlike many seasonal public displays in the US, the German Tourism Board has no qualms about calling these traditional offerings of handicrafts, ornaments, food and other holiday bounty, "Christmas" markets as opposed to "Holiday" or "Seasonal" displays.
The German National Tourism Board reports that there were more than 150 Christmas Markets in the country this year, starting in the last week of November and running to Christmas Eve (and some a bit longer until just after New Year’s Eve). Christmas markets are open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Here are some of the GNTO’s most recommended markets:
Germany’s largest Christmas tree and handmade decorations and crafts is in Dortmund. www.dortmunderweihnachtsmarkt.de
The Engelke market in Emden on the Black Sea sports Christmas boats and a maritime atmosphere.
www.niedersachsen-tourism.com
Ludwigsburg is known for romantic castles and a fairy tale atmosphere
The enticing smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds, gingerbread and bratwurst fill the air on one of Germany’s most famous markets: Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarket.
www.nuernberg.de
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