Your wintertime traditions should include going to a German Christmas market. There's a deep history in these markets, plus a lot of great items to purchase! Here are some of the best German Christmas markets to visit.

• Aachen - Located near the Belgium border, Aachen is home to Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aachen Cathedral. While here, make sure you check out the marble throne of Charlemagne. Afterwards, head over to the Christmas market in order to be thoroughly delighted. You can't miss it with its large inflatable gingerbread like cookie called a Printen. This cookie actually originated in Aachen back in 1820. This means that you can find plenty of these confections throughout various stalls. In total there are around 130 stalls at the market with many of them featuring local favorites like sausages. Another thing worth mentioning about Aachen is that it's water is heated by nearby volcanoes. Locals swear by the health benefits of it.


• Bonn - This city is where Beethoven was born. Tourists can visit his former home and here they will find the largest collection in the world of his instruments and original score. During the winter season, the city is very magical with the snowflakes turning it into a little winter wonderland. The Christmas market is so much more than just shopping. It features musicians playing festive tunes, Christmas decorations galore and merry-go-rounds for children to enjoy. There are over 130 different stalls to check out as well as plenty of street food to sample. While here, make sure you try the potato pancakes, called Kartoffelpuffer, with a side of applesauce. A sight to see, and maybe even taste, is the Marktchampignons in knoblauchsosse. It's basically mushrooms cooked in garlic sauce in huge pans. This dish is considered a delicacy in Germany.


• Lbeck - The Christmas market started in in 1648 in this city. One of the things that draws crowds every year is when the market launches at the end of November, Santa Claus marks this event by repelling down St. Catherine Church's 400 foot side. Something worth mentioning is that the entire downtown area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This has to do with the monuments, churches and interesting artwork that makes up the area. The stalls at the Christmas market are colorful and feature handmade crafts. Food and drink offerings include marzipan and mulled wine. In fact, Cafe Niederegger has been making marzipan for over 200 years. They literally have thousands of different type to choose from.
  
  
• Wiesbaden - Something interesting that this city is known for is its spa. Wiesbaden is one of Europe's oldest spa towns. This destination is known for its festivals and concerts as well as it's gardens and resorts. However, the Christmas market is what brings thousands of people here each year. Visitors are often intrigued by the large lilies that are illuminated around the market. They are the coat of arms of the city. Visitors can browse through the more than one hundred different stalls and perhaps sample a crepe or two.