German Christmas Markets

Cologne Christmas Markets - 23 November 2009 to 23 December 2009
Cologne offers a selection of six different Christmas markets, each with their own unique character offering a selection of stalls selling gifts, food, and drink.

Choose the fairy tale Alter Markt, located in Roncalliplatz, with the biggest Christmas tree - a real 24 metre fir tree beneath the Gothic immensity of the Cathedral. Even more outstanding is the floating Christmas market on the ship MS Wappen, which drops anchor at the Rheinpromenade.

On the Alter Markt in front of Cologne's town hall, children in particular will find their Christmas paradise. With a nostalgic children's roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa Claus' grotto and many toy stands, this Christmas market in the heart of the Altstadt will provide plenty of entertainment. 

• Opening hours:  Mon - Sun 11am - 9pm
• Outdoor ice skating rink
• Children's roundabout

Berlin Christmas Markets - 23 November 2009 to 31 December 2009
Berlin has many Christmasnot a markets varying in size, each with their own different atmosphere.
The Gendarmenmarkt is a beautiful square at any time, but at Christmas it really comes alive with beautiful decorations and fairy lights. Among the most traditional of Berlin's markets is the market overlooking the Opera House on the grand, embassy-lined Unter den Linden. This market sells jewellery, glassware and ceramics.
 

• Opening hours :  All day
• Outdoor ice skating rink
• Toboggan run
• Merry-go-rounds and fair rides for children

Dusseldorf Christmas Markets - 19 November 2009 to 23 December 2008
There are a few markets in Dusseldorf, the Scadowplatz is the most famous, with its wooden stalls lining the winding streets. The distinctive 'gingerbread' stalls are complimented this year by the new Sternchenmarkt with giant crystals and vintage toys which make lovely gifts. Enjoy the cinnamon cakes and mulled wine, watch the glass blowers create their wares, or alternatively, take the 'Sterncken Express', a Christmas ride aimed at kids.

• Opening hours:  Sun - Thurs 1100 – 2000 Fri - Sat – 1100 – 2100
• Closed on Sunday 23 Nov
• Merry-go-round for children

Frankfurt Christmas Markets - 25 November 2009  to 22 December 2008
Frankfurt hosts one of the most important Christmas markets in Germany. The square is transformed into a seasonal paradise, complete with an enormous Christmas tree. Let your hair down and sing along with the Advent concerts each Saturday. Brenten", "Bethmaennchen" and "Quetschemaennchen" are typical candy figures that come out at Christmas. Sip some cider and chomp on a pretzel while you tour the city on the "Apple Wine Express" (actually a brightly coloured tram).

• Opening hours:  Mon – Sat 10am - 9pm, Sun 11am - 9pm
• Apple Wine Express

Munich Christmas Markets - 25 November 2009 to 24 December 2009
Munich, the Bavarian capital, entertains shoppers with brass bands and alpine music daily. The main Christmas market (there are a few) is on Marienplatz, and dates back to the 17th century. There are hundreds of stalls selling glass baubles, straw stars and gingerbread, accompanied by hot potato cakes and delicious gluhwein. You can buy get wood carved Nativity figurines from the nearby Crib Market.

• Opening hours:  Mon – Fri 10am - 8.30pm, Sat 9am - 8.30pm, Sun 10am - 7.30pm
• 24 Dec 10am - 2pm

Berlin city breaks  Frankfurt city breaks

Cologne city breaks  Munich city breaks