Germany is famed for its Christmas Markets.  From nostalgia and old traditions to fun for all the family, authentic Christmas Markets are held across the country with stalls selling traditional gifts and the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts flooding its cities. With so many Christmas Markets in Germany to choose from, MARITIM Hotels recommends the following four:

MOST POPULAR, Cologne (23 Nov until 23 Dec)

Cologne is by far the most popular Christmas Market in Germany, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world every year.  A metropolis on the Rhine, the magic of Christmas can be felt throughout this festively decorated city.  

The focal point of this Christmas Markets is downtown where the larger booths are arranged around a huge Christmas tree located in front of the Cologne Cathedral.  There is also a stage for live music performances and a spectacular ice skating rink.  Smaller stalls are situated across the city, ensuring the city's famous sights and idyllic settings are an integral part of the party ambiance.

BOOK IT: Fred Holiday (fredholidays.co.uk/0808 250 1480) offers two nights at the four-star Köln Maritim Hotel for £349pp including flights from London Gatwick or Manchester based on a twin/double room b+b. Other airports available on request. 

THE BIGGEST, Dresden (26 Nov until 24 Dec)

Renowned for its festive charm and romantic atmosphere, the Dresden Christmas Market, which dates back to 1434, is now the biggest in Germany.

The main Christmas Market is located in Altmarkt Square, the historical centre of the city.  Many more stalls and booths are scattered across the city, all offering a plethora of pretty handmade crafts, traditional toys and culinary delights.  With the world's tallest Christmas pyramid, the world's largest nutcracker and the famous Stollen Festival, the Dresden Christmas Market has huge appeal for its visitors.

BOOK IT: Fred Holiday (fredholidays.co.uk/0808 250 1480) offers two nights at the four-star Maritim Hotel Dresden for £459pp including flights from London Stansted and rail onto Dresden based on a twin/double room b+b. Other airports available on request. 

THE OLDEST, Nuremberg (27 Nov until 24 Dec)

Steeped in history, the Nuremberg Christmas Market 'Christkindlesmarkt' is world famous, with traditions and festive fun at its heart.  This pretty city provides a stunning backdrop for the Christmas Markets, with the festively decorated Old Town offering unrivalled beauty and an enchanting atmosphere. 

Loved by visitors, there is so much to see and do; from the old-fashioned carousel, Ferris wheel and steam train to stalls selling spicy gingerbread, Christmas decorations and gifts.  Wrap up warm and enjoy a cosy horse-drawn carriage ride or soak up the heritage of this market, witnessing Christkind giving gifts to the children.

BOOK IT: Fred Holiday (fredholidays.co.uk/0808 250 1480) offers two nights at the four-star Maritim Hotel Nürnburg for £359pp including flights from London Stansted based on a twin/double room b+b. Other airports available on request. 

THE CAPITAL, Berlin (23 Nov until 31 Dec)

For some of the most spectacular Christmas Markets in Germany, Berlin is a must-visit destination.  Commonly known as the 'Mercedes S-Klasse' market, the Weihnachtszauber is the best market in Berlin.  Well located in the centre of the city, with a number of impressive buildings providing a beautiful backdrop, this market offers a cosy atmosphere with a gigantic Christmas tree, stalls selling unique handmade products and delicious delicacies, and a stage with locals performing live plays daily.

With the city transformed into a magical and memorable Christmas fairy-tale, visitors to Berlin can fully celebrate the festive season in style.

BOOK IT: Fred Holiday (fredholidays.co.uk/0808 250 1480) offers two nights at the four-star Maritim Pro Arte Hotel in Berlin for £339pp including flights from London Stansted based on a twin/double room b+b. Other airports available on request.

MARITIM Hotels is Germany's largest privately owned hotel operator, with 36 first class deluxe hotels in Germany and 14 hotels around the world in locations as diverse as Mauritius, Mallorca, Turkey, Egypt, Malta and China.  For further information, please visit www.maritim.com.

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MARITIM Hotels UK Press Office

Victoria Maltby or Gemma Carey at Philosophy PR

victoria@philosophypr.co.uk 07944 150043

gemma@philosophypr.co.uk 07944 150051