BERLIN (AP) — Traditional Christmas markets are opening across Germany on Monday, drawing revelers to their wooden stands with mulled wine, grilled sausages, potato pancakes or caramelized apples.

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.

Experience the magic of Europe's Christmas markets with 5 enchanting tours that take you to hidden gems and world-famous destinations in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and more. What do travelers love ...

To prevent ramming attacks at Christmas markets, German officials have installed concrete blocks, chain barriers and, in one case, metal bollards removed by a hand-cranked crane. Security personnel ...

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 ...