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.