Running this year from November 23 to January 6, I arrived in Baden-Baden in time to catch the very…read morefirst day. Organized and tidy, there's plenty to see, plenty to eat, plenty to drink, and of course, plenty to purchase. Get your Glühwein here and yes, they have actual ceramic mugs as opposed to some cities that are trying this in plastic (hello, Mulhouse). The wine is different from one vendor to the next so you might have to try a couple of them. Note that there is a €3 deposit on the mug which you get back when you return it, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir. Baden-Baden's Christmas Market has a fairy tale street, a dedicated market stall area with food (to eat and to purchase as a gift), trinkets, scarves and hats, carved wood, spun glass and so many interesting things. Don't miss the nativity scene exhibits in the Trinkhalle. Along the way, you'll find live music and more. I did not find a vendor that did not accept Google Pay / Apple Pay but there might be some so be prepared with cash just in case. Yes, they do Euros here in Germany. There are organized tours if you'd prefer a guide to show you the way https://www.baden-baden.com/en/events/baden-baden-christmas-market/guided-christmas-market-tour-english. [Review 20955 overall - 227 in Germany - 1940 of 2023.]

My mom and I took my kids to France last month to visit the Christmas markets. The trip was my…read moremom's idea (and very generous treat), and it was as ambitious and chaotic as it was special, my boys' first time in Europe, for a Christmasy long weekend. We took the train to Strasbourg and had less than six hours before our train to Paris, one of which we lost looking for a storage locker at the station. Setting aside lunch and the forty minutes required to use the bathroom at Galeries Lafayette, we had about two hours to explore the actual Christmas markets. Strasbourg has several of these markets, and while we went to two or three distinct ones, they were all within walking distance of each other and more or less blended together. They were definitely charming, even if the rainy weather was not what my mom had in mind when she booked this bucket list trip. The lights and decorations were enchanting, and worked well with Strasbourg's beautiful architecture. We did some light shopping, buying magnets and Christmas decorations at a couple of the hundreds of booths. There was one booth with rude vendors, but they seemed to be outliers, and we just moved on to the next shop, which was selling very comparable goods. We found one ride for the kids, a kind of janky merry-go-round that was, at least, Christmas-themed. We also saw the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, a cool Gothic church and one of the city's most famous sites. I admit we spent more time at the merry-go-round. This was a hectic way to see Strasbourg, but the kids had fun and I'm glad we were able to check it off my mom's list. Next time, we might just hit Solvang, but the Strasbourg Christmas markets probably are worth seeing before you die.

This was the main purpose of my ten day November 2021 trip to Europe: To meet up with my frequent…read moreflier friends in Strasbourg (one from Atlanta, one from Minneapolis and two from Detroit) to attend the oldest Christmas market in Europe in the "Capitale de Noël"! Sure, Düsseldorf was a fabulous meetup with Klaus-Dieter and Stuttgart was great to see the transportation museums. But Strasbourg was the hook for the trip! There are a couple of markets around Strasbourg in different plazas but the main one is around the cathedral. They had set up a clear entrance and exit with security checking COVID QR codes and matching IDs. There were also concrete bollards placed to prevent a vehicle from doing something stupid. Once through the entrance, masks off and enjoy! A few dozen Christmas themed kiosks with Christmas tree ornaments, engraved glasses, chocolates, leather goods and more. Of course, lots of food so plan to be hungry when you arrive. We had three different glühweins (I prefer the red) and each had a slightly different flavor. A ham and cheese crepe was consumed. And I bought a few things to bring home. Just so much enjoyment here and the crowds were manageable. Tips: If you're going to shop, bring a reusable shopping bag. You can get back your €1 deposit on your glühwein cup by returning it. And importantly, keep in mind that you're in a big crowd so mind your wallet/handbag and be aware of crazy people who might be doing dumb things. Have fun! [Review 16442 overall - 76 in France - 1950 of 2021.]

Added on 041208: OMG! Pics!…read more(http://www.ka-news.de/fotos/bilddetail/cme1855,72297.html?SORT=PRIO) Must see! :D ~~~~~ This Christmas market is held in the heart of Durlach, about 15 minutes from Karlsruhe by tram. (Tram #1, Tram stop: Schlossplatz) The few stalls in the front part sell the usual food/beverages/ornaments/etc. like other normal Christmas markets, but if you walk farther you'll feel like you're going back in time. The vendors wear medieval clothes and they speak a distinct style of german (I think, I hope someone else can confirm that since my grasp of german isn't that good ^_^). There is a booth selling bows and arrows, another booth selling medieval clothing, some booths selling decorations made from wood, some others selling food (my favorites are Rittersteak and some kind of Fladenbrot--they're all very yummy) and a couple of taverns (mead! yoohoo!). Oh, and there is even a storyteller! She usually stands in the middle of the market, close to the big campfire, telling stories or playing some kind of flute. I prefer this market than the one in Karlsruhe's Marktplatz, I like the flair and it's not so crowded. The only downside is that with all those campfires around the market you'll reek of smoke.

One piece of advice if you are considering visiting these Christmas markets in Germany: RUN. Like,…read moreseriously: RUN! Better hurry, too, before tourists ruin these gems like they have just about every other market in Germany. Over the years, tour buses and Hallmark movies and overtourism have really ruined the magic of the German Christmas Markets, but any OG Christmas Market fan will tell you that the Mittelaltermarkt & Weihnachtsmarkt in Esslinger are what markets used to be! These were by far my favorite markets in all of Germany. We grabbed an Uber from Stuttgart to get to town, and it cost us less than $50 and took about 20 minutes. Coming back, we hopped a local train to Stuttgart that was cheap and fast. It was so easy to get there via either travel method. Esslingen has two major markets in town (just follow the crowds). Both have their charms. The first is mostly a foodie market so if you like treats and eats, this is your place! Go with an empty stomach! The second is an incredible medieval themed market that feels like a Renaissance Faire sprinkled with holiday magic! I loved both of these markets so much. The foodie market had so many good eats. From cinnamon rolls to cheeses to fondue to sausage on a stick to smoked ham and fish, you won't go hungry here. We found the food prices to be pretty cheap, considering. Think 5 Euro sausages, 9 Euro fondue. The Medieval market had Renaissance Fair type food, served in fun ways (like potatoes on sticks, drinkable grogs of soup, and the like). Each had a few rides or fair type games, but not a lot. This was mostly about eating and enjoying the atmosphere. The Medieval market has an unbeatable atmosphere. Shopkeeps dressed in traditional garb, flaming torches providing candlelight, craftspeople carving wood and making horsehoes, and even a parade with a visit from Krampus! Plan to spend several hours here, and make sure you stay to see it at night! It is magical! Restrooms are difficult to find, and there's a very small one (with a very long, long line) that costs money to use. Many of the local restaurants don't provide bathrooms either, so be aware if you were planning to buy something so you could go. Both markets were absolutely jam packed with people, but they still captured a local flair. In other words, more locals than foreign tourists - but as soon as the word gets out, that is going to change, and hordes of American and British and Canadian tourists crammed into overstuffed mega-tour buses will descent on the markets and totally take them over (in other words, ruin them). Yes, I realize I'm an American tourist, but I'm talking about the worst kind of tourists, not the ones who respect and want to learn about the local culture. Any traveller knows what I mean.

An amazing market in one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. It is part of the Fachwerkstrasse…read moreand has beautiful old buildings and the medieval market is fantastic. Food is excellent the entertainment is great and the vibe is amazing. Not to be missed if in Stuttgart during Christmas market time. Opens on the 1st advent day and carries on for a few weeks.

The main Stuttgart Christmas Market is pretty good. It's quite large, so there's a lot to see, but…read moreit's also a bit crowded and overwhelming. I also though the food options left a lot to be desired, as most of the things we bought to eat were just mediocre at best. This is more of a market for those who like lights, crafts, and rides. Oh, and of course, drinking mulled wine! Each of the little booths are decorated with whimsical holiday themes, and the proprietors go all out! I had the most fun looking at the rooftops of all of the booths. Food was mediocre for the most part, and there wasn't anything special on offer. We had garlic bread and mushrooms that honestly weren't even eating. Expect to find all the same old, same old Christmas Market foodstuffs (fried potatoes, potato pancakes, dipped marshmallows, etc.). Since so many famous car manufacturers are located in town, there's a free walkthrough light display in an adjacent park. It's fun, but is basically a light-up ad for cars, LOL.

Dating back more than 300 years to as early as 1692, the Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the…read morebiggest and oldest in Europe. Certainly larger than the ones I have seen this year in Baden-Baden, Colmar, Mulhouse and Basel! Similar vendors, of course. Glühwein is everywhere. Sausages are grilled here and there. Baked goods. Trinkets. Baubles for decorating your Christmas tree. Spices. Candles. Hats and gloves. Carved wooden toys. Candies. I have a new cashmere scarf (it was COLD!), some cookies, some fancy chocolates and a lot of memories. Stuttgart is a big city and the size of the market reflects it. Lots of people. Lots of food. Lots of hot wine. Don't forget to look up. Many of the kiosks have very elaborate decorations on their roof. [Review 21255 overall - 259 in Germany - 220 of 2024.]

This is a small artisan holiday market down the road from the larger Wiehnachtsmarkt at the water…read moretower. Just follow Kunststrasse to reach this smaller market. Unlike the larger market, this is populated by local artisans. Soap, alcohol, wood crafts, metal crafts, and much more. Definitely worth a look. We parked near this smaller market, walked through to see check out their offerings and then returned after visiting the larger market to make purchases. I love that they have a market specifically for local artisans. Definitely check it out!

I went to the Mannheim Christmas Market a few times while I was living in Germany. Their market was…read morefairly large, and they have one of those large candelabra fans, which is pretty neat to see. As with other markets you will find traditional gift booths, delicious food, baked goods and mulled wine.

Strawberry festival is along with Medieval & Christmas market the most romantic event in Esslingen…read more Once a year in June from the early morning hundreds of meters of tables on Küferstraße are set up with strawberry and strawberry cake. I strongly recommend not to miss official cutting of huge heart-shaped strawberry cake at 10 o'clock (Ottilienplatz). After that you can buy a piece of cake for you and your sweetheart ;)))

I don't need too many words for Riquewihr, just take a look at my photos. This is a charming and…read moreinteresting little city to visit. Definitely worth making a trip to see! On my river cruise we went to many small villages and tourist towns, however Riquewihr really shines!

This was a colorful, charming town on the Alsace Wine Route. Our cruise took an excursion to both…read moreColmar and Riquewihr, and these beautiful towns, with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses are straight out of a fairy tale. Colmar is the inspiration for Howl's Moving Castle, as well for Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Riquewihr was a smaller town, but every bit as delightful, and both towns were decorated for Christmas when we visited in December.

I stopped into this boutique because I had ordered a hot chocolate from the Christmas markets and…read morethey didn't cut it after my visit to Angelina's in Paris. I'm happy to say that Lindt hot chocolate was fantastic! We were greeted right at the door with a candy sample and I headed to the drinks station where I ordered a white hot chocolate! My order came with another sample of candy and it was SO GOOD! If you like white chocolate, I recommend trying this in hot chocolate form! If not, they also offer milk and dark hot chocolate. The storefront is nicely decorated and can easily be a small detour on your way to one of the several Christmas markets in Strasbourg. I recommend stopping here for your hot chocolate needs versus purchasing at the Christmas market.