Christmas markets have been a long-standing and beloved tradition in Germany, with the country famous for its spectacular festivities that festoon the streets. Berlin alone is said to have more than 60Christmas markets, but there's one outside the capital that has often been overlooked, and it's less than two hours from the UK.

The Nuremberg Christmas market, also known as Christkindlesmarkt, is one of the oldest and most renowned in the world. Each year, traditional wooden chalets, known as "the little city of wood and cloth", decorate the German city with colourful sparkling lights, and the aroma of gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies fills the air.

This Christmas market features around 180 wooden stalls, adorned with red and white tablecloths, offering a diverse range of traditional gifts, from Christmas decorations, handmade wooden figures, glass globes, miniature buildings, alpaca wool socks, jewellery, plant-based body care, homemade honey, and spiced candles.

• 'Sinister' mystery thriller climbing Netflix has fans totally hooked


• 'I retired in my 40s and can now travel the world for free with this simple setup'

Furthermore, there's plenty to choose from for a festive treat, from the famed Nuremberg bratwurst to roast sausages, potato fritters, or a 'Feuerzangenbowle', along with red wine and rum punch. Not to mention, the city's famous sweet treats, including gingerbread, blueberry mulled wine, chocolate gold coins, stollen, and cherry cobbler in a jar.

In addition to the market, numerous events are taking place in the city during the festivities, including live music, Christmas exhibitions, and church services. Next to the Christkindlesmarkt, there's even a special 'Christmas City' specifically tailored for children to enjoy, boasting a two-tiered merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel and a steam railway.

There are also mini houses decorated for the yuletide event, where kids can participate in various activities, such as baking and decorating teddy bears or hearts from honey cake dough. The little ones can also write a letter to Santa Claus and send it at the mini post office, or try their hand at candle-making

In its yearly tradition, the opening of the Nuremberg Christmas Market takes place on the Friday before the first day of Advent, as people line the Main Market Square with the sound of trumpets and choir singers filling the air. The Christmas lights will be turned on during the opening, and then, amid the spotlight, the Nuremberg Christkind will recite a famous prologue.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market will run from November 29 to December 24. The opening ceremony will take place at 5.30pm on November 28.

Nuremberg, located in the southwestern part of Germany, is the largest city in Franconia and the second-largest city in the German state of Bavaria, so there's plenty to explore away from the Christmas market. You can wander through the Old Town, visit the medieval Imperial Castle, and take a guided tour of the city's underground passages, or soak up the bustling city nightlife.

Direct flights from London to Nuremberg start from £15, with a duration of just 1 hour and 45 minutes. Additionally, you can stay at the Park Plaza Nuremberg hotel, which is conveniently located near the Christmas market, starting from approximately £58 per night.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com