Christmas done properly
Whether you’re calling for the ultimate authentic German Christmas market or simply a wintercity break.
The growing global popularity of Christmas markets is largely down to theirwonderful nostalgic charm.And among the many to choose from in Germany, Nuremberg is perhaps the most special. One ofthe old est Christmas markets in the country, Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1628 and bears allthe hallmarks of Bavarian festive joy. Just a 15 minute underground ride from Nuremberg airport,the market takes place in the open town square.
What greets you beside thewarmly lit Old Town Hall are more than 180 traditionally decorated stalls selling festive decorations,toys and high quality arts and crafts.Aswell as traditional Bavarian stalls, more than 20 cities and regions are represented atthe Market ofthe Partner Cities, alltheway from Kalkudah in Sri Lanka to Glasgowin Scotland.
Families can also enjoy the nearby Kinderweihnacht, or children’s Christmas market, packedwith fun hands on activities for kids, including craft works hops and ice skating in the Playmobil Fun Park.The lantern procession is a moving spectacle that sees some 1,000 school children carry lanterns of all colours through the Old Town towards the castle.
Even if you’re visiting outside the festive season, Nuremberg makes a great city break. Discoverthe city’s proud railway history at the Deutsche Bahn Museum,where among other exhibits you’ll find Germany’s oldest railway carriage.The Kaiserburg castle complex above the Altstadt (Old Town) serves as a grand reminder of Nuremberg’s medieval strength,while the 13 thcentury St Sebalduskirche is Nuremberg’s oldest church its pinkish sandstone exterior givingway to detailed religious sculptures and carvings on the inside.