For me, the best part of Christmas in Germany was the Christmas markets. From October, the festive spirit fills the air with streets lit up in Christmas lights, window displays dressed in holiday cheer, and Christmas-themed clothes everywhere. But it was the markets that truly stole my heart. You don’t have to spend much to enjoy them—handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats like bratwurst and Glühwein (mulled wine) make the experience magical. The warmth of the Glühwein alone made me feel like I was glowing!

Living in Essen, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, I visited several markets before spending Christmas in the Netherlands. Though I admit this list is a bit biased, as these markets are tied to my favorite memories in Germany, they hold a special place in my heart.