Germany's popular Christmas markets are back in business, and the Gluehwein is flowing in Heidelberg's old town — under the city's landmark castle.
![A nativity play at the traditional Christmas market in Heidelberg, Germany. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SKOJ4PUQKNH6FU7XZ63H7YWDQM.jpg?auth=ac48c4029695706f5c909f3a0be5e53adbdbc6a797c06f77b5b741ab37a11940&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Spread across several city squares, Heidelberg's Christmas market offers some 140 stalls along with an ice rink and a carrousel for children. The market is open well into the evening through December 22.
![Ice skating at the traditional Christmas market in Heidelberg, Germany. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/UKCGI4D4HJRJNMYPANLPL6CALQ.jpg?auth=6c8365f2cb868351e0c730aecd0a6c9f951a504fa285a0c8c3e8b23cd2e7e093&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Christmas markets large and small are a feature of most German cities during Advent.