Felicity Long
One would think that northern Europe in winter would be a tough sell — chilly temperatures, limited hours of daylight, sidewalk cafe life on hold for the season. That said, the enduring appeal of the Continent's festive Christmas markets continues to defy the odds year after year.
Even artificial intelligence couldn't tell me exactly how many foreign visitors travel to Europe for the holidays, but we can extrapolate from the fact that there's a surge in air travel to cities with popular Christmas markets -- some as much as 30% — according to United airlines.
We also know that, while Austria, France and the Nordic destinations boast their share of beautiful markets, Germany draws a whopping 10 million visitors to just four of its cities — Dresden, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Frankfurt — during the holiday season.
Daddy of them all in Dresden
Dresden's medieval Striezelmarkt, which may or may not be the country's oldest market (these designations are contentious, but as it dates from 1434, it's certainly a contender), is the most famous in Saxony. In addition to the handmade ornaments, wooden crafts and seasonal food and drink that you'd expect to find in any self-respecting Christmas market, it also features a 40-foot-tall Ore Mountain pyramid, a giant candle arch and a historic Ferris wheel offering views over Old Town.
But in Saxony, Dresden isn't the only game in town, and for visitors looking to explore some of the region's lesser-known markets, Visit Saxony offers a few suggestions.
Musical market in Leipzig
In Leipzig, for example, music takes center stage at its market, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.
Highlights include nightly trombone performances from the Old Town Hall balcony, choir performances at an outdoor stage, Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" performances at St. Thomas Church and numerous advent concerts in small venues.
There is also a 60-foot Christmas tree in Market Square, Finnish and South Tyrolean villages in Augustusplatz and a 125-foot Ferris wheel for panoramic views.
Kid-friendly medieval Bautzen
Travelers can go even farther afield to the medieval town of Bautzen in Upper Lusatia for a visit to the historic Wenzelsmarkt, which runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 22.
Named for King Wenceslas IV, who granted Bautzen the right to hold what eventually became its Christmas market, the festivities feature re-enacted swordfights and minstrel performances at the Moench Church Ruins, designed to give visitors a glimpse into the medieval life of the town.
Decidedly kid-friendly, highlights also include holiday stories at St. Nicholas Tower, rides at the Corn Market and a visit from Santa Claus, who opens a new door every day from Dec. 1 on at the advent calendar on the Wenceslas Stage beneath the Main Market tree.
A Silesian Christmas in Gorlitz
Gorlitz, a town on the border with Poland with a complicated past, puts on an annual Silesian Christmas Market from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14 in the Untermarkt, below the medieval hall.
Despite its location, much of Gorlitz' architecture survived WWII and its original buildings honor the town's history while also offering its own brand of fairy-tale charm.
Homemade gingerbread, mulled wine, hand-carved angels and regional crafts are on offer, and the Gorlitz Christkind (Christ child) makes a daily appearance at the market.
Star-studded Hernhut
While you're in Gorlitz, add a visit to Herrnhut, a Unesco World Heritage site that also serves as a pilgrimage site for religious travelers.
Keep an eye out the 26-point Moravian stars, which originated there in the 1830s as a geometry lesson for youngsters but which now represent the Saxony holiday season.
Wooden toys in Seiffen
Meanwhile Seiffen in the Ore Mountains is known for its wood carving tradition, a handicraft that has been practiced there for more than 300 years.
Demonstration workshops offer a look at craftspeople carving nutcrackers and wooden figurines, along with wooden toys and decorations.
In addition to family workshops, visitors can take in the Spielzeugmuseum, or toy museum, which offers special displays during the holidays, as well as an Open Air Museum that re-creates historic village life.