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Christmas Markets The magic of a traditional German Christmas
is casting more UK visitors under its spell every year. Historic Christmas
Markets, held
The Christmas fairs and markets of Germany are unique. If you're tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period and would like to get right away for a real traditional Christmas you might consider heading to Germany where gifts are not mass-produced but craftwork of real quality. Here you can buy all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, especially traditional things such as crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes. Many are difficult to resist - as will be the glass of delicious mulled wine you are offered and the baked apples that are very welcome on crisp winter days. The ambience is further enhanced by the
aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty snacks.
Youngsters especially will be attracted to the gingerbread biscuits known
as Lebkuchen, marzipan figures and other sweets. Most Christmas Markets start in the last week of November and run through to Christmas Eve or a day or two before. They are usually open every day from 10am to about 8 or 9 pm. Please note that the fith Sunday before Christmas is "Totensonntag" a Remembrance Day in Germany (23.11.2008). For many German cities (mainly Catholic areas) this day is a public holiday with many attractions closing. Christmas markets may also be affected. As the decision is usually made at short notice, we advise you to contact the local tourist office to check if the market will be affected.
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