Christmas market breaks in western Germany

Base yourself in Düsseldorf, with its splendid old town (Altstadt) that consists of over 200 bars and restaurants. At Christmastime Düsseldorf's Altstadt is transformed by no fewer than 7 Christmas markets, with the largest at the Marktplatz and Heinrich-Heine Platz.

As well as the beautiful handicrafts of the market stalls, you can go on a shopping spree at Düsseldorf's glamorous Königsallee. At dusk, head to the banks of the Rhine and watch as the Christmas lights bounce across the water.

Düsseldorf Christmas Market dates:
23^rd November - 30^th December 2017

Take a day trip to Cologne to see the lively city's spectacular Gothic cathedral (Kölner Dom). Its south tower can be climbed for amazing views of the city.

If you can't satisfy your sweet tooth with the wide range of sweets available at Cologne's 4 large Christmas markets, you can visit the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum Köln) and become Willy Wonka for a day.

Cologne Christmas Market dates:
27^th November - 23^rd December 2017

Take a relaxing day trip to Aachen. Enjoy the soothing thermal baths and spa facilities of the Carolus-Thermen. Then make sure your sightseeing includes Aachen's beautiful cathedral (Aachener Dom), the oldest in northern Europe.

At the city's charming Christmas market you can try the local gingerbread, Aachen Printen, alongside your mulled wine.

Aachen Christmas Market dates:
24^th November - 23^rd December 2017

• Choose from 3, 4, 6 or 8 days of rail travel within 1 month.

• As soon as you're in Germany, hop on and off as many trains as you like using just one rail pass.

• You'll arrive at city centre locations just a few steps from the nearest Christmas market. Leave everyone else to battle it out for car parking spaces!