Germany's Pride at Christmas

Q: As we will be in Europe in December, we would love to visit one of Germany's famous Christmas markets. Which city do you recommend for a traditional market with gluhwein, roasted chestnuts and local handicrafts? - Angelique Donman

A: With more than 2,500 Christmas markets, you can find one wherever you are in the county, and they all claim to be the best at something. Wherever you go, you will find gluhwein, chestnuts and handicrafts on sale everywhere. The most famous of the markets is in Nuremberg, which draws millions of visitors each year and dates back to the 16th century. It is famous for its gingerbread cakes and the traditional appeal is maintained by strict rules forbidding plastic Christmas trees and taped music. Other markets that have a fair claim to supremacy include Dresden's Dresden's Striezelmarkt, famous for its delicious, powdered sugar-coated Stollen fruit cakes, Berlin's upscale Gendarmenmarkt Winter Fairy Tale, Cologne's medieval-themed Christmas market and Munich's beautiful market on central square, with the Christmas tree placed under the famous Glockenspiel. In Frankfurt the market on Romer Square, with its giant Christmas tree and a vintage carousel, is one of the prettiest, while there's even an "erotic" one catering to adults in Hamburg's fabled St. Pauli pleasure district. As you will already be in Europe, find the city that best fits your travel plans of offers the best value for money packages and you are bound to be charmed by the Christmas Market there. (22/8/10)