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Sleigh ride and shop through Germany's winter wonderland by partaking in the country's authentic festivals and crafts markets known for their vivacious Christmas spirit.

Old-fashioned Christmas Markets, also known as Chriskindlesmarkt, are located in a variety of big and small towns throughout Europe, but the tradition is perhaps strongest in Germany. If these wonderful family festivals haven't reached your hometown, it's hard to imagine just how much fun you can have sightseeing and shopping in Europe's cultural capitals, in the evening, during the top-value winter season. The whole family will enjoy the equivalent of an outdoor food court combined with a crafts fair, draped in boughs of evergreen and, often, gently falling snow. Typically, wood and canvas stalls are set up in town squares and public parks where musicians play, vendors sell their crafts and home-baked treats, wine bars sell 'hot toddies' and food stalls serve up seasonal specialties. There's no better place to have dinner and no more authentic way to enjoy true European culture. Here are some FTF favorites in Germany.

Nuremburg Christmas Market

Considered Germany’s most famous market, this event is centrally located in the heart of Nuremburg, on the main market square. This jovial gala is nicknamed the “Little Town from Wood and Cloth” due to its red and white cloth décor on the temporary booths. Nuremburg's Christmas Market usually begins towards the end of November and lasts until a day or two before Christmas and accommodates about 180 different vendors. This provides guests with a variety of genuine German cuisine as well as an array of homemade Christmas ornaments and crafts. Some of the savory staples that are presented include spicy gingerbread fruit loaves, an assortment of German pastries and baking goods as well as roast sausages and traditional spiced wine mixed with honey and served warm in a mug, a very popular beverage during the winter. Typical Christmas articles such as tree ornaments and toys are also offered, but a favorite souvenir among visitors is the “Nuremburg Plum people” actually made from real prunes.

Hamburg Christmas Market

During Advent, the season of the Christina Church, Hamburg holds their annual Christmas Market at Town Hall, a statuesque and majestic edifice built in 1886. As Germany’s biggest and most prosperous seaport, it is fitting that Hamburg's charming celebration includes about 100 vendors offering an assortment of handmade ornaments, wooden toys, angels, advent wreaths, and woodcarvings, in addition to sweets and baked goods. Also worth noting, the elaborate enclosed shopping arcades throughout this city provide a bad weather option. While adults go shopping, children can join the fun on one of the fairytale-steamers on Alster Lake, where programs of magic tricks, painting, listening to fairytales and baking Christmas cookies are offered. New this year is “Nordic Lane”, a tribute to Hamburg’s traditionally close ties to the countries of Scandinavia and the Baltic region. What Christmas festivity would be complete without Santa Claus himself soaring high above the roofs of the market cottages in his reindeer-driven sleigh?

Thuringia Christmas Market

Thuringia is located in the middle of the country and hosts one of the most unique Christmas markets because of its medieval culture. The town Erfust is known for its medieval Castle Wartburg. Upon entering this Romanesque palace via the original drawbridge (the only entrance throughout the centuries), you’ll marvel at the picturesque Christmas tree and the distinctive nativity scene displaying 14 hand-carved, life-size wooden characters inhabiting an enchanted forest. If you would like to step back and experience this epic time period, the Castle Wartburg offers a luxury hotel stay, fit for any king and queen, and (princes and princesses). You and your family can take advantage of the traditional crafts, medieval musicians and traveling entertainers that will be present during your stay. For more information and seasonal rates, please visit their website.