TRAVEL: The magic of the German Christmas markets.

The reasons to visit Europe in December make for a short list: No queuing at museums and the possibility of a white Christmas. But an absolute highlight not to miss are the Christmas markets.

The markets pop up in late November/early December across Europe and most close just before Christmas. Europe in January and February may be cold and wet, but the Christmas markets in December bring to life that romantic imagery of a winter Christmas.

The traditional markets consist of little wooden huts selling Christmas trinkets, home made crafts, kids’ toys and lots of food and drink. Most are open from 10 in the morning, but the late afternoon/early evening is the best time to catch the romantic atmosphere of the markets as the crowds draw in and the markets are lit up with Christmas lights.

The markets are held across Europe but the most traditional and a must-do experience are the German Christmas markets.

The history of the German markets goes back 1434 when the first one was held in Dresden. Today, Dresden’s Christmas market is famous for its handmade crafts, including the traditional ‘Pflaumentoffel’, a chimney-sweep figure made of dried prunes. You can also see the carvers, glass-blowers and bakers at work in the crafts market.

Wandering around the markets, especially at night with the sky lit up, sipping a Glühwein (mulled wine) or Eierpunsch (an egg-based warm alcoholic drink) is simply magical. If the wine isn’t enough to keep the chill off you then the food available at the German markets will undoubtedly help. From reibekuchen, fried potato cakes served with apple sauce, to a the full range of German sausages, pork stew and meat on sticks to mushrooms with garlic sauce and creamy potatoes, you are in winter food heaven. Finish off your meal with some gingerbread, chocolate covered strawberries or a nutella crepe.

The markets are also an ideal chance to shop for gifts, Christmas ornaments and decorations, from nutcrackers, glass balls to wooden figurines and tree ornaments.

Every German town has a Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt depending on where in Germany you are), each with its own features and charm. Some have ice skating rinks, many have carousels and other rides for the kids and the food and craft on sale reflects local specialties.

You will be spoilt for choice in Germany when choosing which market to visit. Aachen is a chamming medieval town near the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, with two oversized gingerbread men marking the entrance to their Christmas market. The crowds may be big, but grab your gluwein and wander through the little squares and winding roads, stop to hear the carollers sing and pick up an Aachen Printen, gingerbread on a necklace adorned with little sayings, or steamed buns doused in cherries and warm vanilla sauce.

Cologne has not one but eight Christmas markets, drawing in over two million visitors. As well as the more traditional markets held around the dramatic Cologne cathedral with gabled houses as fairytale backdrop, there is also a medieval market with monks and knights and games that involve betting on a live mouse – not for the faint hearted or squeamish. Children will also love the market on the Rudolfplatz, which celebrates the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. The Stadtgarten Christmas market is Cologne’s newest market and feels like a village gathering as young families get together to enjoy the live music and look at the handicrafts for sale.

Another novelty in Cologne is the floating Christmas market, held on board the “MS Wappen von Mainz”, a KD Riverboat on the River Rhine. Plan to stay for weekend and make the most of exploring each of the markets.

Wherever you land in Germany in the lead up to Christmas you won’t go wrong when deciding which market to visit, so let cheap flights and accommodation be your guide.

What has been your favourite overseas Christmas experience?