Düsseldorf Christmas markets

If you're a Christmas Market regular then Düsseldorf will not disappoint.  The Marktplatz, with it's magical backdrop of Dusseldorf's Town Hall and the statue of Jan Wellem right in the middle - is a good place to start.  There's delicious Glühwein to keep your spirits up, hot chocolate for the kids, and lots of hand crafted goods, from wrought iron trinkets to hand blown glassware and wonderfully carved wooden gifts. There's also a 100-year old, restored merry-go-round which will delight both young and old.  The "Engelchenmarkt" on Heinrich-Heine-Platz is full of heavenly creatures, even the huts are decorated with wrought iron flowers and angels. On Flinger Strasse the huts have been painted to look like the buildings in Düsseldorf's old town.  In the "Sternchenmarkt" at Stadtbrückchen you can ooh and ahhh at the sparking crystals that bathe the courtyard in a mysterious, winter wonderland of light. You can also find this marvellous little stall selling the most delightful little bird houses - great to brighten up a balcony or garden. This year also sees the premiere of the 450 m² ice rink on Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz.  It's free of charge if you bring your own skates, and there is of course plenty of food and beverages close by to keep you warm on the inside - including a raclette stand for cheese lovers.