Ho, Ho, Ho!

If you find it hard to summon some Christmas cheer when it's hot and sunny, or if palm trees and sand make a poor replacement for fir trees and snow, and you long for those cinnamon-clover festive smells, then why not head to Germany for Christmas?

If it's one thing the Germans are good at, then it's creating that special Christmas atmosphere, complete with the right smells, sounds and decorations. It's the mix that makes the magic.

Happy beginnings

In the last week of November, cities, towns and villages set up their traditional Christmas markets. Stalls sell decorations and hand-crafted presents.

They also cook aromatic snacks such as roasted chestnuts, cinnamon-baked apples, spicy gingerbread biscuits, sizzling meats and prepare warming refreshments.

The Christmas season in Germany starts on the first of Advent — celebrated on the first Sunday after November 26, with the fourth of Advent being the Sunday just before Christmas.

Each family — as also cafés and restaurants — has an Advent wreath on which four candles are placed, one being lit on each Sunday until it's Christmas time with all four candles burning.

December 6 saw the advent — if you forgive the pun — of St Nikolaus. He is a charitable saint dressed just like Santa Claus and brings sweets, nuts and fruits to children who leave their shoes outside their bedroom doors the previous night.

The most important day in the Christmas calendar is December 24 — Heiligabend — when the tree is lit, carols are sung and presents given.

Traditionally, carp or goose was eaten at Christmas, but that tradition is no longer adhered to strictly — for example, the British have turkey for dinner. The idea is anything goes.

Usually, the Christmas markets shut at lunchtime on Christmas Eve so that people can quietly enjoy the celebrations in the days that follow it.

But this year, it has been decided that since people like to stroll around the markets and enjoy the festive mood a little longer, many of the shops will remain open until New Year.

Spending time in Germany before or after Christmas is guaranteed to put you in the festive mood. Unfortunately, snow is not guaranteed, although the forecast is hopeful.

High five

Top markets in Germany easily accessible from the UAE:

Berlin : Open from November 26 to December 31; Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm; Friday to Saturday 11am to 11pm; Christmas Eve 11am to 6pm, New Year's Eve 11am to 1am.

Hamburg : Open daily from November 26 to December 31 from 10am to 9pm; on Christmas Eve until 1pm.

Munich : Opens on November 30 and is on till December 24; Monday to Friday 10am to
8.30pm; Saturday 9am to 8.30pm; Sunday 10am to 7.30pm; Christmas Eve 10am to 2pm.

Frankfurt :Open from November 30 to December 23; Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday 11am to 9pm.

Dusseldorf : Open daily from November 22 and is on till December 23, 11am to 8pm.

Note: All these cities will have some markets which will remain open until after Christmas.

Go there ... Berlin

From the UAE
From Dubai to Berlin: Emirates and Lufthansa fly six times a week via Frankfurt. Fare from Dh6,010
Lufthansa flies six times a week via Frankfurt.
Fare from Dh4,170
From Dubai to Hamburg: Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh4,880
Lufthansa flies six times a week via Frankfurt.
Fare from Dh4,120
From Dubai to Munich: Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh4,710
From Dubai to Frankfurt: Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh4,750
Lufthansa flies daily.
Fare from Dh3,770
From Dubai to Düsseldorf: Emirates flies daily.
Fare from Dh4,920
— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata.
Ph: 04 3166160

— Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey is a UAE-based freelance writer