Stuttgart, Germany » Children from ages three to 93 can enjoy a fairy-tale Christmas market on Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz. Stuttgart's Fairy Tale Christmas Market Appeals to Children of all Ages - The city of Stuttgart opens its "Fairy-Tale" Christmas market with a concert in the castle’s inner courtyard. A giant Ferris wheel, roundabouts, fairy-tale figures and a mini railway station with a real steam train delight the child in everyone. Clowns and magicians appear daily on the children's stage to narrate fairy-tales and give puppet performances. The romantic, wintry atmosphere is enhanced by the open-air skating rink, the smells of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air and the backdrop of the Old Castle, the Collegiate Church and the baroque grounds of the New Palace. Stuttgart, Germany

Salzburg, Austria » The tradition and ambiance of Salzburg's Christmas market make an ideal setting to start off the Christmas season. Every year visitors are enchanted by the charm of Cathedral Square, the traditional booths, the strings of light and the quality of the diversified items on sale. Come and enjoy some of the magic this year: from traditional handicrafts, fine baked goods, aromatic tree ornaments and various objet d'art for the Christmas season. Salzburg's Christmas market is a feast for all the senses: the delicious scent of mulled wine wafts around booths adorned with precious, decorative, old and new items. Performances by traditional Salzburg choirs and children's school groups lure a crowd of visitors year after year. The market will be opened by the archbishop on the 1st Saturday in Advent right after the blessing of the Advent wreaths.  November 23rd to December 24th Salzburg,  Austria

Madeira, Portugal » Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in the Madeirans’ habits and are combined with the New Year celebrations in a varied programme of cultural, folk and artistic events, beginning in November, when the lights are switched on in the centre of Funchal, lasting all through December and only ending on Twelfth Night. In mid-November we start preparations for making Funchal a real, life-size Christmas crib.  -  The streets are decorated with lights of all colours and sizes, with designs allusive to the island and the festive season.  In December, the squares are decked with flowers. Poinsettias, holly and lady’s slipper orchids all help to brighten up the city’s streets. And then there are the Christmas carols ringing out in the streets as if by magic and creating a real festive spirit.

The streets fill with people in this atmosphere of great joy. Some are here to do their Christmas shopping, while others just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the days leading up to the festivities.  There are also cultural events, such as high-quality concerts and exhibitions about the season and the archipelago.  And the bustle doesn’t die down after Christmas, as the last day of the year has to be one to remember.  Funchal’s amphitheatre is transformed into a magnificent crib illuminated by more than 250,000 coloured lights, while the hillsides are dotted with white lights, setting the scene for an unforgettable display.  When the clock strikes twelve on 31 December, the skies are lit up with fire, colour and hope for the New Year, which could not get off to a better start.  November 17th to January 7, 2007 in Madeira, Portugal