Be aware that Striezelmarkt (christmas market) in Dresden will move temporarily to a different - less nice - location this year.

The markets in Berlin I'd recommend - all of them very nice, scenic and good atmosphere:

Gendarmenmarkt (small entrance fee): http://www.gendarmenmarktberlin.de/?lang=eng
Opernpalais: http://www.berliner-weihnacht.de/
Schloss Charlottenburg: (first time held there !) http://weihnachtsmarkt-vor-dem-schlo...aktuelles.html

Ask the Concierge for directions. All the things you need you'll be able to get at these markets :)

A very nice christmas market which is close to Frankfurt is in Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden Christmas Market

Daysleeper, thanks for the tips. Looks like I'm not going to be short of things to bring back - 2 suitcases then! Just out of interest, where will be the new location for the Dresden market?

Many thanx
R

At Ferdinandplatz - The parking lot next to a large department store. :rolleyes: :(

Just in case you don't know it already: The nicest christmas market in Germany is of course in Erfurt. Why? Because it's my hometown. :D

Damn, of course, I should have known better! Maybe I will bring three suitcases next time:)

Thanx
R

Thanks for the links! I am going to Berlin in December just for the markets... now I'm even more excited about going.... and I'll definitely bring spare luggage for the return trip!

Can someone compare Strasbourg with Nuremburg or those near Frankfurt?

I personally like Cologne ^

It is right in front of the cathedral which gives it a bit extra spirit !

Since we skipped to Austria already :p, Stockholm & Gothenburg are great !!!

Oh please, don't say Cologne. :( Yes it has the cathedral but everything else in this city is ....

Oh, well. :rolleyes:

@SkyTeam777: I liked them both.

Strasbourg - has several small markets all over the city centre, one has to walk and explore. Every little square has got its own market, so there are a lot of hidden surprises to discover. Try the spicy hot fruit juice. Most of the stuff they are selling is a bit too 'kitschy' for my German taste, though. The decorations in the streets are wonderful.

Nuremberg/Nürnberg - There is the one big market in the square in front of the Frauenkirche. Very German and very traditional - Lebkuchen (gingerbread), decorations made from straw and wood, and some 'kitsch', too.
Another typical souvenir or fun gift is the "Zwetschgemo", little figures made from dry plums and figs and dressed up to represent different professions etc. Thesy are funny.
Try the little Nürnberger sausages, Glühwein or hot fruit wines. If you can, avoid weekends because it will be horribly crowded.

Conclusion: it's hard to pick one over the other, they are both worth seeing. If you are visiting more markets in Germany, though, Strasbourg will make a nice change because it's somewhat different.

@daysleeper: I'll definitely see the market in Erfurt this year since the new love I got myself last week(!) lives in the surroundings of Gotha... Oh this is going to be romantic!!! *swoon*

Great information, thanks! Sounds like they're both collectively about the same size. Looking forward to it.

Can anyone recommend a Christmas Market in the Landstuhl area?? I had thought of visiting Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl. My wife is recently assigned to Landstuhl and I plan on visiting 7-17 December. looking for suggestions.
Greg

Kaiserslautern has one. Don't know how good it is but probably good enough to spent an evening there.