5. The food is as much a draw as the crafts.

Steaming vats of glühwein (spiced mulled wine) are ubiquitous, and a delicious way to warm up. Each port also brings a new delicacy to try: In Budapest, it's kürtoskalács (chimney cakes), while in Frankfurt you should follow your bratwurst with bethmännchen, a Christmas cookie made with marzipan. A can't-miss Bavarian treat is schneeballen, the German word for "snowball." These balls of shortcrust pastry are rolled in powdered sugar (hence the name) or covered in chocolate.