Germany's Romantic Cities: Much more than Christmas markets!
What makes Christmas markets different in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate? The fact that you get so much more than hot chocolate and mulled wine, beautifully decorated stalls and glittering Christmas trees! As well as the magical, authentic markets, atmospheric medieval towns, such as Koblenz, Mainz and Speyer, add music, locally-made gifts, family fun – and Santa, of course!

And, from the UK, it's easy to get there. Fly in 90 minutes; drive (4 hours from the Channel); take the train (under 6 hours). UK tour operator and Germany specialist Fred. tailor-makes well-priced packages, whether you want to fly, drive, or take the train.

Further information: www.fredholidays.co.uk/romantic-cities 

Mainz and Koblenz: Medieval Magic
Each city is different, each market is different. In Mainz, the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate, the Christmas Market (Nov 26-Dec 23) is set against the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old cathedral. The nativity scene boasts hand-carved, life-size figures round the crib; local artisans offer tips for Christmas craft ideas; a roaring bonfire adds cheer to the Christmas village.
Further information: www.romantic-cities.com/Mainz-Christmas-Special

By contrast, in Koblenz (Nov 20-Dec 22), the Baroque Town Hall turns into a giant Advent card with the 24 dormer windows opening up nightly for the countdown to Christmas. Listen to choirs; clip-clop through the Old Town in a horse-drawn carriage.
Further information: www.romantic-cities.com/Koblenz-Christmas-Special

Speyer, Ahrweiler and Bad Neuenahr: Lighting up the Night
Alongside Speyer's Christmas Market (Nov 23 – Jan 6, 2016), choirs and bands entertain the crowds nightly with traditional music. Families love the spectacular displays of fireworks and music that light up the medieval Old Gate. Not forgetting the modern Skyphone, where children can telephone through their Christmas present wish list!
Further information: www.romantic-cities.com/Speyer-Christmas-Special

With its backdrop of half-timbered houses, tiny Ahrweiler's market (weekends from Nov 27-Dec 20) is genuinely romantic. Special is the midnight Christmas market on December 12, entirely lit by torchlight. Bad Neuenahr's Uferlichter festival (weekends from Dec 4-29) also features thousands of lights around the Kurgarten Bridge on the river Ahr.
Further information: www.romantic-germany.info/Ahr-Valley

Bernkastel-Kues and Waldbreitbach: Small and large are beautiful
Bernkastel-Kues celebrates traditionally, with mulled wine, Stollen (special cake) and carolling from on high in medieval houses (Nov 21-Dec 20). But on December 5, scuba divers with Santa hats and lighted torches accompany Santa across the chilly Moselle River; on December 6, Santa parades around town with drummers and trumpeters.
Further information: www.romantic-germany.info/Bernkastel-Kues

The 'Christmas Village' of Waldbreitbach (Nov 29-Feb 1, 2016) is in the Guinness Book of Records, thanks to the world's biggest nativity scene made out of tree roots! Plus a giant Star of Bethlehem, a giant Christmas wreath, and, in the International Crib Museum, 2,200 more nativity scenes!

The Vulkan Express: all aboard the Christmas Special
Step back in time aboard this narrow gauge steam train that chugs its way in to the snowy Eifel Mountains. Ride in the restored carriage on special Advent weekend outings (Nov 28-29; Dec 4-6, 12-13). On St Nicholas Day (Dec 6), the train pulled by historic engines sets off on a 60-minute journey from Brohl to Oberzissen. Santa Claus, the star passenger, gives away Santa goodie bags to all good children! On December 26, the Vulkan-Express Christmas outing climbs from Brohl to Engeln through a narrow valley, over stone bridges and through a tunnel. NB: reservations are essential.
Further information: www.romantic-germany.info/Vulkan-Express

For more information, please visit our website www.romantic-germany.info
or get in touch with us directly:

Rhineland-Palatinate Tourist Board
c/o TourComm Germany GmbH & Co. KG
kerstin.altendorf@tourcomm-germany.com
Phone: +49 (0)6201 6020813