Kate Muser of DW.com provides a history of Christmas markets in Germany, including the ones in Dresden, Nuremberg and other cities since the Late Middle Ages. Martin Luther is said to have encouraged the tradition in Germany with the giving of gifts and a Christ child is said to bring gifts on Christmas eve. There are 1400 such Christmas markets in Germany, and 80 in Berlin alone with the one in Breitscheidplatz one of the most popular ones with its illuminated tree, lights and atmosphere. Grilled meats and baked goods, decorations, are part of the Christmas markets and each has its own local flair. The one in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district is even dedicated to Lucia, the Nordic goddess of light, and to the Scandinavian countries.
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