Nuremberg, Germany (file photo)

5 Nuremberg, Germany

In Nuremberg, Christmas is synonymous with Christkindlesmarkt, which means only one thing - holiday shopping. Germany's own Christmas mega-market is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, drawing 2 million visitors every year and occupying Nuremberg's central square area for the entirety of the Advent season. With its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, a visit to the Christkindlesmarkt is like stepping back in time. Even the most jaded traveler will be won over by the smell of fresh gingerbread and fruitcake that fills the air. And with such a rich past, it's as easy to lose yourself in Nuremberg's Christmas tradition as it is to get lost among the stalls of the Christkindlesmarkt.