Germany's beautiful Christmas markets

The oldest Christmas market in Germany is the Striezelmarkt, which was established in 1434. Visitors should try the obligatory mulled wine as well as the Dresden Christstollen and Striezel pastries. They are well known and beloved all over Germany.

Traditionally, Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt opens the Friday of the first weekend of Advent. The opening ceremony is a big deal, with a youngster dressed up as the Christkind — Germany's traditional Christmas present-bearer — making a speech. Nuremberg’s festive market is one of Germany’s largest and most popular fairs.

Another of Germany's storied Christmas markets takes place at the foot of the Cologne Cathedral each winter. With more than 4 million visitors annually, it’s a front runner among Christmas markets. Organizers place an emphasis on sustainability. Many goods here are fair trade certified.

There are around 80 Christmas markets in Berlin. The one in front of the city's town hall is a great place to start. You can take a ride on the 50-meter-high (164 ft) Ferris wheel, which offers magnificent views over Berlin. There’s also an ice skating rink and plenty of stalls to enjoy some mulled wine.

Lübeck's Christmas market has a 400-year-old tradition and is set amid the historic buildings of the old town, which has UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, visitors can learn about marzipan production — an industry the city is famous for. The confection is very popular all over Germany and not just during Christmas time.

Leipzig's Christmas market takes place in the center of the historic old town and dates back to the 15th century. This makes it one of the oldest markets in Germany. It is also one of the most-visited. Don't miss out on sampling some delicious bratwurst and candied nuts!

Christmas market fans are in for a treat in the German city of Dortmund. The annual festive fair boasts a 45-meter-tall (150 ft) Christmas tree — comprised of over 1,000 spruces — adorned by 50,000 lights and ornaments. Revelers can also browse countless stalls selling anything from snacks to handicrafts and more.

There’s something for everyone at the Essen Christmas market, which has over 250 stalls where visitors can find handmade arts and crafts, as well as culinary delights from around the world. The market has been around for over 50 years!

The picturesque haborside Christmas market in the town of Lindau on Lake Constance has plenty of great booths worth visiting. There's also a special event that's not to be missed. On the Saturday after Saint Nicholas Day, daring swimmers take a plunge into the lake’s cold waters. Would you be brave enough to join them?