We are of course talking about Germany (although Belgium also has some pearls, but you can read about that here).

The fun thing about Christmas market hopping? You don't just see the markets, but also the cities themselves. From small historic towns steeped in history to larger cities like Hannover, with art, culture, and trendy hotspots.

After checking in, we went into town with a guide who told us all about Hannover. Would you rather walk around on your own? Then follow the red line painted throughout the city. It allows you to walk past all the highlights without having to open Google Maps every time.

And in December there's something else fun: on a parking deck where a beach bar is located in the summer, you'll now find a Christmas rooftop bar. The place is called 390 and sits atop Parkdeck Röselerstraße 7, right in the city center. From below, it looks like a regular parking garage, but take the elevator to the sixth floor and you'll find yourself in a surprisingly pleasant spot. City views, cozy decor, and a warm tent surrounding it. We were fans.

Hannover is a city of art, culture, and music, but in December, everything goes into Christmas mode. That means five (!) different Christmas market areas.

Our favorites: the medieval section, where you'll step back in time with fires, wooden cups, and traditional crafts. And the Christmas forest: more than fifty enormous Christmas trees surround the fountain, with wood chips under your feet and little nooks everywhere for chatting, enjoying drinks, and warming up. Right in the middle of the city, but it truly feels like a forest.

Also great: kids can bake, craft, and roast marshmallows. Plenty to do.

• Wine & Gourmet: Small, cozy, and right next to the Christmas market. For mulled wine, wine, and charcuterie.

• 6 Sinne: We ate here in the evening. They had many different kinds of flammkuchen, and the caprese was also excellent. In the summer, you sit outside, but this time they had put up a winter tent.

After all the markets we drove back to Hannover for a final evening. Strolling around a bit more, popping in at Kauf Dich Glucklich and then dinner. We finished at Soli Deo Gloria: Great atmosphere, delicious pasta. Simple but just right after a long day. Prefer pizza? Go to Francesca & Fratelli, a real Italian, according to the locals.

Four cities, tons of delicious treats, beautiful squares, cozy streets, and lights everywhere. Germany simply does Christmas really well. It's affordable, atmospheric, close by, and you'll automatically get into the Christmas spirit, even if you're not normally so inclined.

So, if you're looking for something different this year than the standard Dutch Christmas market, head to the neighbors. They won't disappoint. Curious to know more, including about other cities? Read all about it here.  9 Cities.