Where in Germany has the best Christmas markets?

[Spottypurse]

And how big a suitcase will I need for the trip home?

When's the best time to go?

And what are the must buys?

And who are the best airline to fly with?

I've been to hamburg when the markets were on (they have several) and they were gorgeous, but rammed.

I think Cologne is the very famous one.

I've been to Hamburg too (about 5 years ago) and it was gorgeous. So was the one in Celle (small town in Luneburge Heide) but obviously a lot smaller. To be fair I think most towns and cities won't disappoint.
I have heard that Nuremburg is the most famous Christmas market though.

Hannover used to be great

:)

Lots then :)

Lubeck is great, has the advantage of being the cheap Hamburg airport (it is too Hamburg as Stansted is to London).

Great marzipan there, I have never bought a lot, normally eat lots. Stick with Erzgeberger (?sp) Christmas stuff the quality is vastly better in my opinion but so is the price.

as you can see

A great one and very crowded is Nuernber. I think Ryanair now flies to it.

Muenster is nice, Hamburg is good. The best I went to is Rothenburg ob der Tauber but far away from any airport so you would need a car.

I've heard that Nuremberg is the best German Christmas market. www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/nuremberg_christmas_market.php

I've been to Cologne and that was lovely but extremely crowded. It did have several different markets and ice skating though.

Munich's is lovely, but people from Munich make trips to the Nurnberg market so must be really special.

Best for tree decorations, chocolate covered fruit and gluwine!

The best I went to is Rothenburg ob der Tauber but far away from any airport so you would need a car.

We started our holiday in Rothenburg ob der Tauber last month!
Lovely town, just like something out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. Of course we didn't see a Christmas market in July but we did go in to the most amazing Christmas shop I have ever seen - Kathe Wolfhart's Weinachtsdorf, next door to the Christmas museum.

We managed without a car but we did have quite a long train journey.

Flew to Frankfurt then train to Wurzburg, change for Steinach then change again for Rothenburg.