I often read of people who want to visit the Christmas markets. I am not a seasoned European traveler and am wondering what exactly these are. Are they special markets with Christmas arts and crafts? Are they for buying actual Christmas presents? Are they for shop owners from around the world to buy for their shops? Are they just seasonal? Are they indoors or ourdoors? Are they mostly German, Austrian, etc.? Just curious! Thank you very much!

I went to a few Christmas markets about 4 years ago in Cologne, Germany. Some were very large others small but all fun. There were small wooden huts each with a crafts vendor or food vendor. Lots of handmade crafts, eating and drinking, music and all very festive.

Here is a link to the most common reference site for German Christmas markets. http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/index1.htm

Other cities/countries also have markets, but Germany's are probably the most famous. The markets are outside, in booths, open to general public, sell Christmas decor and presents, have refreshments (most commonly 'gluhwein' - hot spiced wine), entertainment, lights, etc.

I have taken 2 Christmas Markets trips - one on the Danube and one on the Rhine. Yes, they are special markets with Christmas arts and crafts and you most certainly can buy actual Christmas presents. They are seasonal...some are indoors and some outdoors and vary in sizes. The ones I visited were German. They are festive and fun. Lots of music and happy people. The one in Nurnberg is my favorite. I love spending Christmas on a comfortable river boat and visiting the markets.

Take a look at the Avalon and Grand Circle Tours web sites and the cruises that go to Christmas markets--pictures and descriptions of various towns.

The markets are outdoors, usually in a large town square. Besides such things as wood carvings, ornaments, toys, and beeswax candles there are all kinds of local breads (especially lavishly decorated gingerbread) and candies.

Some photos of the Christmas market ("Striezelmarkt&quot at Dresden, just to give you an impression:

http://www.dresden.de/index.html?node=31336;33065
http://www.striezelmarkt.de/ (Click on the "Impressionen" button to see the photos)

Thank you for your answers and pictures. They sure look like fun!

They are wonderful!

The Christmas market in Trier, Germany is worth a visit.

They look like they would be a really awesome 'girls getaway.' I could just picture my friends and I poking around the stalls, shopping, eating, drinking, laughing. Merry times! Maybe someday....