Can you tell me about the Christkindlmarkt?

My wife and I are interested in visiting the European Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkt, this coming Christmas season. We would like to know which are the best ones worth visiting, the best way to get there and where to stay.

We are interested in hearing both from European jellies who have local “inside” knowledge and been there on their own, as well as non-locals who have traveled there with tour groups. My German is passable, so I’m OK trying to come up with an itinerary and going there on our own.

Is it already too late to plan for this year, and maybe we should go for next year?

Thank you.