Germany transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas season, and while cities like Berlin and Munich grab most headlines, the country's smaller towns offer something truly magical. Picture ...

There’s no denying the vast appeal of Europe’s traditional Christmas markets – the sparkling lights, festive shopping, local food favorites, joyful faces and the steaming mugs of Glühwein, of course.

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. It all started in the Middle Ages, when sometime in the 1400s German Catholics decided to turn their everyday food ...