Stroll through winding alleywaysFairytale markets with the romance of half-timbered houses

The Christmas market at the LWL open-air museum in Hagen is an experience from another time. Between historic half-timbered houses and old workshops, nestled in the wintry landscape of the museum, a festive atmosphere unfolds here that inspires not with sparkling glamour, but with traditional craftsmanship and cosiness. The museum grounds are brought to life by the soft lighting and the steam from the forges and bakeries, giving the market an authentic, almost magical charm.

What makes this Christmas market so special is the setting: The old buildings, mills and workshops are not just decorations, but give visitors a lively insight into the crafts of times gone by. In the historic workshops, blacksmiths, bakers and glassblowers demonstrate their art and you can experience at first hand how things were made in the past. This focus on craftsmanship runs through the entire market and sets it apart from others - here it is less about consumption and more about discovering and experiencing traditional craftsmanship.

Romance and tranquillity are the order of the day in the historic town centre of Hattingen at Christmas time. A special highlight is the daily appearance of "Mrs Holle", who lets snow trickle down from one of the half-timbered windows and brings a sparkle to children's eyes. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits and hot apple punch wafts through the alleyways, and there are always little fireplaces to warm up by and chat to. Traders offer handmade products and skilfully crafted gifts - from wooden figures and nativity scenes to candles and ceramics.

When dusk falls over the old town and the crooked half-timbered houses glow with warm lights, the Nostalgic Christmas Market in Hattingen becomes a place of contemplation that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Blotschenmarkt in Mettmann is an insider tip and yet during the Christmas season, visitors are drawn to the winding alleyways of the old town, which shines in a warm glow of lights during Advent. The market stalls nestle close to the old house walls, and instead of glittering opulence, there are handmade little things and regional crafts to discover. Traditional "Blotschen" - typical wooden shoes that give the market its name - can also be found in the offerings from the region. Gifts from the Neandertal and a wide range of handicrafts are also on offer.

Father Christmas comes to the market to receive wishes for the little ones. And children also play a major role in the decorations: 40 Christmas trees individually decorated by school classes give the market a particularly individual touch.

A stroll through the Christmas market in Monschau is a Christmas fairytale: Half-timbered houses with small windows, crooked beams and historic alleyways frame the stalls and carousels that always seem to be here. Local artisans, who complete the magical scene with their traditional products, ensure a range of quality and genuine craftsmanship - from Monschau mustard to handmade wood carvings.

Especially in the evening, when dusk falls and the half-timbered houses glow in the warm light of fairy lights and lanterns, time seems to pass more slowly here, maximising the pleasure of a stroll. The many shops and boutiques in the little town also offer beautiful gifts. For the little ones, a gnome trail leads through the centre of the town and there is a historic carousel at the market. By the way: St Nicholas comes by every Saturday and hands out small gifts. And there is also music at the weekend: Advent concerts by music societies and the festive chorales of the tower brass band on the market square take place on Saturdays and Sundays at dusk.

The Christmas market in this small Eifel town is not just for sightseeing, but can also be experienced with all the senses.

The Soest Christmas market, nestled in the picturesque old town with its impressive half-timbered houses and mighty church, is a special treasure. The historic backdrop of the old town and the imposing sandstone churches make a stroll through the market an unforgettable experience.

The globally unique green sandstone ensemble "Old Town Soest" forms the backdrop for the Christmas market. While countless stars provide the entire market square with its pretty half-timbered houses with an indescribable firmament and add an additional highlight to the cathedral square next to the impressive Romanesque tower of St. Patrokli, elsewhere the tower of St. Petri and the historic town hall form the impressive backdrop for the Christmas market. In the romantic Vreithof courtyard, the stalls wind their way along quaint, invitingly illuminated rows of half-timbered houses.

Every day, the Christmas angel hands out sweets to the children and the tower wind player plays familiar melodies in the evening. At the weekend, children make phone calls to Father Christmas and from the 2nd weekend in Advent you can marvel at the Westphalian cot in St Patrokli.

The Wiedenbrück Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region. So it's no wonder that a real star of the pre-Christmas season is a regular guest: the Nuremberg Christkindl visits the old town every year when the Wiedenbrück market square, lined with historic half-timbered houses, is once again transformed into an idyllic town of lights. St Nicholas and the Wiedenbrück angel are also always among the visitors.

A total of around 40 stalls are set up at the Christmas market during the Advent weeks and offer many gift ideas and toys for the wish list. These include decorative Advent decorations, Christmas trees and a wide variety of treats and delicacies. A nostalgic carousel for young and old, a large Christmas pyramid and an entertainment programme also provide variety.