If there’s one place you should spend a Christmas away from home, it’s in Germany. Not only is it home to the original Christmas markets but they also have a number of gay-themed Christmas markets to explore. I’ve actually never visited any of these and, living in Berlin, you’d think there’d be one here, but alas — the gay Christmas markets (schwul weihnachtsmarkte) are all outside the capital.

Classic Cologne: Christmas Avenue

Cologne held its first colourful Christmas Avenue market last year. It was such a success that they’ve expanded it for 2013. Beyond the mulled wine and delicious food, the organizers have come up with hot Christmas cocktails and night cabaret shows highlighting the best entertainers of the GLBT community. Everyone is welcome here to celebrate the Yuletide season.

Festive Frankfurt: Pink Christmas

Smaller and cosier than the popular Römerberg market, this pink-themed Christmas market in Friedrich Stoltze Square is a must-see. Pink-coloured Christmas trees and brandy punch in a four-meter tall cauldron and are just a few of the unique highlights of this market. Culinary delights and egg nog await gay and lesbian visitors and their open-minded friends at this awesome Christmas market.

Merry Munich: Pink Christmas # 2

2013 will mark the eighth queer Christmas market in Munich. This market has an excellent atmosphere: festive sparkling lights are wrapped around white tents that house vendors selling artisanal wares. Famous DJs and a drag queen show will leave you in the Christmas spirit!

Ho, Ho, Ho! Hamburg: Winter Pride

Up in the north of Germany, this market offers a much less commercial Christmas market. The focus is more on the stage where on the weekends, musicians, choirs, and DJs perform anything that is not traditional Christmas music. The market stalls also participate in donating a portion of the proceeds to gay and lesbian initiatives in the community – so you can buy with a good conscience here too. Have some fun and support a good cause in Hamburg!

If you would like to explore more Christmas markets in other European cities, check out this awesome infographic put together by momondo: