Event: Germany - Berlin

Berlin Christmas Markets

When:	24 Nov - 31 Dec 2008 (annual)
Where:	Gendarmenmarkt
Costs:	Free; Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market €1

The Berlin Christmas Markets bring the smell of Glühwein, heart-shaped gingerbread biscuits and roasted almonds to public squares and venues around the city. Don't fight the urge to fill that Christmas stocking. Go with it!

Among the most traditional of Berlin's markets is the Nostalgic Christmas Market around the Opernpalais on the grand, embassy-lined Unter den Linden. Open from 24 November to 28 December, it sells jewellery, glassware and ceramics.

Another is held around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in the centre of western Berlin on Breitscheidplatz (26 November to 23 December). The spireless stump of a church still stands in ruins in commemoration of the Second World War. When you've explored all the market's possibilities, you'll be ideally placed to continue shopping along Berlin's leading shopping street, the Kurfürstendamm.

If you have children in tow, try the Christmas market on Alexanderplatz, which offers merry-go-rounds and fair rides in addition to the traditional Christmas stalls (24 November to 23 December). The centre of eastern Berlin, the square is dominated by the high TV tower affectionately referred to as "Alex" - you can nip up into the revolving restaurant at the top for a great view of the city.

A steal at one euro for entrance, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is framed by the lit-up German and French cathedrals and Berlin Concert House (24 November to 31 December).

If you're determined to seek out the full-on, ultra-traditional Christmas market experience, then leave the city centre and head for the north-western suburb of Spandau. Easily accessible by public transport in 20-30 minutes, the vast Spandau Christmas Market (26 November to 23 December) spills out into the whole of the Old Town. It's worth the trip. For peaceful browsing, go during the week.

Please contact the Berlin Tourist Office for details of the more than 30 individual markets that take place in the city between November and January.