It seems like the Christmas holidays are still so far away. But if you think about it, November and December fly by, and you can use that time to thoroughly prepare for them. In Germany, for example, Christmas markets and bazaars begin opening as early as mid-November. And the closer it gets to the holidays, the more markets spring up in the main squares of towns.

The market is a kind of medieval town, attracting people of all ages and nationalities. Here you can sample a variety of culinary delicacies, from the usual mulled wine to a whole roasted wild boar. In addition to German cuisine, the market always features dishes from around the world. The market is the best place to learn about the traditions, culture, and history of Germany.

Artifacts made of stone, clay, glass, and wood will tell you the story of folk crafts. Woolen goods from German grandmothers will warm you on cold winter evenings. If you’re visiting with children, they’ll also find entertainment and treats here: Christmas gingerbread, fresh chocolate- or caramel-covered apples, cotton candy, roasted nuts, and chestnuts.

Of course, there would be no New Year’s decorations. Here you’ll find a wide selection of ornaments for your Christmas tree. It’s said that the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany. It was a glassblower from Thuringia who came up with the idea. He was very poor and didn’t have the money to buy apples and candy to decorate his tree with. So, he decided to blow the whole thing out of glass. This idea caught the attention of other glassblowers in Thuringia. To this day, the artisans of this province are renowned for their beautiful glass ornaments in a variety of colors and sizes.