Here are few additional favorites from the Christmas Markets we’ve visited across Germany, Zurich, Netherlands and London.

Regensburg’s Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt

Regensburg is a beautiful little town in the heart of Bavaria, Germany (southeastern part of the country) and hosts a magical Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Castle…its Christmas in a medieval fairytale. Around the castle grounds torches light the way to enjoy wooden huts of original vendors like a hand-made book/journal maker and blacksmith. Fire pits burning, warm you up while you sit in the forest enjoying a traditional Bavarian speciality Feuerzangenbowle, a hot alcoholic Christmas drink made from a secret recipe. Inside the St. Emmeram Castle’s courtyard (larger than Buckingham Palace), you’re greeted by a towering Christmas tree, decorated with pretzels among other things :), and market stalls, Christmas entertainment and regional food and beverage specialities. Several open fires burn mulling wines like “Fürstenkelch,” “Blaublut” or “Prinzentrunk.” Culinary samplings include soup served in a loaf of bread, Spanferkel (Bavarian style spit-roasted piglet), traditional Regensburger Knackersemmel (a special type of sausage from Regensburg served in a bread cake), and Altoberpfälzer Weihnachtzwiebel (fried onions in batter made from a traditional Christmas recipe which originates from the region just north of Regensburg).

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg was neat to visit for its sheer size. The Christmas Market is one of oldest and biggest in Germany, first official records date to 1628 and now has over 200 stalls (although what they were selling was definitely schlocky). There’s also a big Nurnberger Kinderweihnact (Kids Christmas Market) with special kid booths and rides.

Zurich’s Raclette

Zurich has 6 Christmas Markets across the city. My favorite specialty…Raclette, a semi-firm cow’s milk cheese indigenous to parts of Switzerland. Booths across Zurich serve up the yumminess! The cheese is heated by a special machine then scraped onto a plate with bread or small potatoes and topped with gherkins or pickled onions. Raclette comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape.” You can even find the cool makers for home (great for dinner parties!).

Any Christmas Market highlights & favorites you’d like to share?

Coming tomorrow: Glühwein, my favorite Christmas Market tradition.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]