Christmas Spirit and Christmas Markets of Germany's Historic Cities
Heidelberg, Germany (pts013/19.10.2007/11:15) There are few traditions in the world as sought after as the Christmas spirit and the Christmas markets of the 13 member cities of Historic Highlights of Germany capture that spirit best in an old-world style, evoking the true sense of the season and the contagious festive nature of the local residents. From late November to just before Christmas the aroma of steaming mulled wine and grilled sausage, towering Christmas trees adorned with bright lights and antique ornaments, music floating everywhere with live choral and instrumental concerts, and stall after stall of handmade and unusual crafts make these celebrations some of the most popular in the world. A variety of packages, daily tours and special events are being offered by the member cities to showcase each of their highlights and to welcome visitors from around the world to share in the holiday spirit.
Some highlights include Lübeck's Christmas Fair, dating back to 1648, boasting more than 400 merchants offering everything from toys to gingerbread, and a fairytale forest where the little ones can meet Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella; in the 2,000-year-old city of Regensburg guests hear the voices of the Domspatzen (boys' choir) emanating from the cathedral as children ride on wooden merry-go-rounds or adults make their way through the artisan stalls; and in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, visitors of all ages are entertained with brass choirs and puppet theater performances in the midst of the medieval Main Market.
Lübeck - a tradition for more than 350 years, this Hanseatic city offers several possibilities to independent travelers: crafts market in St. Petri Church or Heiligen-Geist-Hospital where superior craftsmen showcase their handiwork; and Marzipan-Bazaar inside the Niederegger shop is a tribute to lovers of tasty marzipan. http://www.lubeck-tourism.de.
Potsdam - the 1,000-year-old city has an array of free and inexpensive attractions for visitors: an Advent concert (12/2) and Christmas concert (12/26) held at the park of the Schloss Sanssouci; and a variety of Christmas markets showcasing a steam-powered merry-go-round from 1893, children's railway, Polish arts, crafts and specialties, and culinary delights from Holland. http://www.potsdam-tourism.com.
Regensburg - A special group package for eight or more includes two nights bed and breakfast, guided tours of the city and Palace of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis, entry to the Romantic Christmas Market and a traditional caraway roll with sausages from the Historic Sausage Kitchen - Eur 145 per person, double. http://www.regensburg.de.
Rostock - the largest Christmas market in the north of Germany is lit up by thousands of Christmas lights in the historic city center. The fair begins with the arrival of Santa and the dozens of stalls near St. Marien Church offer medieval crafts, entertainment and wonderful foods and drink. A one-day program, "Sweet Scents, Christmas and Pleasure," includes a guided city tour, a stroll through the Rostock Christmas market and a Mecklenburg Christmas menu, at prices starting at Eur 26 from 10 up per person and Eur 19 from 26 up per person. http://www.rostock.de.
Trier - "Trier's Christmas Market" is a three-day program with 3- or 4-star hotels, city walking tour, breakfast daily, gala dinner, engraved wine glass, wine tasting and dinner, and a city guidebook. Prices are Eur 133 and Eur 155 respectively Sunday-Thursday and slightly higher on weekends. http://www.trier.de/english & http://www.trierer-weihnachtsmarkt.de/en/
Wiesbaden - the elegant city, renowned for its ancient hot springs and old-world charm, opens it arms to visitors with choirs, nativity plays, arts and craft displays and the "Twinkling Star Christmas Market." A day program includes admission to the holiday decorated skating rink and rentals, soup and mulled wine, and the opportunity to relax in the thermal baths and saunas of Thermalbad Aukammtal at the end of the full day; prices are Eur 29,50 per person. http://www.wiesbaden.eu/christmas
Würzburg - the historical market square in front of the Gothic Chapel and baroque architecture of surrounding building makes an ideal location for the 80 stalls that offer artist glass, pewter and pottery, wooden toys, Christmas cookies and the famous hot spiced red wine. There is an Artist's Christmas Showcase with glass-blowing, wood carving and engraving; a Medieval Christmas Market where bagpipers, court jesters, storytellers and jousting knights come together; and the Würzburg Christmas Express - a ride on the historic tram that takes young and old through the Old Town. Group tours inquiries are welcome. http://www.wuerzburg.de
Historic Highlights of Germany is a tourism consortium consisting of Augsburg, Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Lübeck, Münster, Potsdam, Regensburg, Rostock, Trier, Wiesbaden and Würzburg - cities rich in historic and cultural heritage. Contact Historic Highlights of Germany at info@historicgermany.com or visit http://www.historicgermany.com
(end)| Aussender: | Historic Highlights of Germany |
| Ansprechpartner: | Björn Rudek |
| Tel.: | 0651 - 97 808 28 |
| E-Mail: | bjoern.rudek@hhog.de |
