I read from Fodor's that on every december 10 there will be a candle light procession by thousands of children. and the christkindlmarkt is the most famous in Germany. Is the candle procession definately held on 10th of december, even on a sunday? can anyone tell me what is the event about? <BR>also, besides nurnberg, which cities in Germany have special events for christmas? <BR> <BR>Thanks and regards, <BR> <BR>mast

Most towns in Germany have Christmas markets. You can find a list of times and locations on the internet or by contacting German tourist board. We have been to markets in Heidelberg, Rothenburg, Nuremburg, Munich, etc. They all start at the end of our Thanksgiving. We have done the opening of Nuremburg market but have not done the candle procession. I am sure you can find info on the net. All of the fairs are fun. Drink the Gluwein and eat the food. A nice time in Germany.

Mast, the parada is not set on a certain numerical date on the calender. I was lucky enough to be in Nurenburg this past December when the parade took place. I asked at the tourist office, if the parade was held on a special day of observance. I was told that it was just held on the 2nd thursday of December. The tourst offices in Nurenburg are very good, at the train station and in the square. Just about every town has a special something going on for advent/Christmas. <BR>Many of the major cities have them for most of December, the smaller towns on the weekends. A small one that is very good is Bad Wimpfen. Only on weekends and is much more craftperson centered then most markets. It is a very pretty looking old town. Nurenburg is also famous for its Gingerbread and the only place to get a Christmas angel. They also have a special sauage that the serve their. Not your normal looking sausage. Do some reading and searching on the subject and you will find some good info. If I can help some more, let me know.

<BR>what time will the christmas markets start and will they last till night? <BR> <BR>Glenn, do you have nurnberg tourist board's website? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>mast

<BR>for anyone who is interested: the candle procession will be on 14/12 this year----reply from nurnberg tourist board. <BR> <BR>mast

Please see www.christkindlesmarkt.de and click on the U.S. Flag for English pages. Nurnberg hosts Germany's most famous Christmas Market. It is a joy. Gingerbread was developed in Nurnberg. You might wish to stay at the Romantik Hotel Am Josephsplatz. It is within walking distance from the market place. You might stay three nights. It is wise to go on weekdays. I have always missed the parade unfortunately, but I'll see if I can find something on it for you.

Mast, I believe that the markets open around 9 am and run to 8 pm most nights, I know one of the nights they stayed open an hour later to 9pm. They get very crowded, especially at the popular gluhwein stands. The best place to see the parade is as close to the castle as possible on the right side of the street (going toward the castle) When the all the children arrive at the castle area, there is a christmas pagent on the outside of the castle. This was you can see the parade and see the pagent without moving a lot.

<BR>Thanks everybody for all the info. I just found out that the parade will start at 5.30pm on 14/12/2000. Maybe we will meet some of you guys there! <BR> <BR>mast