The magic of a traditional German Christmas is casting more UK visitors under its spell every year. Historic Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular, due, no doubt, to the enchanting Festive Season atmosphere they evoke.

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 and 9 pm.

Please note that the fith Sunday before Christmas is 'Totensonntag' a Remembrance Day in Germany. 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.

Christmas all year round!

A collection of Christmas items from various historical periods are now on show in the German Christmas Museum located in the same building as the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village in Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road. Rare decorations, Advent calendars, Christmas postcards, nutcrackers and Nativity scenes are on display. The entrance to the museum is inside the Christmas Village shop, where Yuletide goods are on sale all year round.

Special Christmas Market Break with DERTOUR

There are few things more magical than the smells and sounds of the German Christmas Markets.

It is a wonderful experience for people of all ages, a chance to celebrate the charm and tradition of yesteryear. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, the aroma of grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts and caramelised sugared almonds and wander around the beautifully decorated wooden stalls brimming with hand-made gifts. Tempted?

To experience all this, DERTOUR are currently promoting a Christmas Market weekend special to Berlin and Cologne: