If even the hardest of adult hearts can be moved by a visit to a Christmas market, just imagine the feeling of magic and mystery a young visitor is bound to experience. Fortunately, a great many of Germany’s holiday markets go that extra mile to ensure their events, attractions and activities appeal to junior family members and grown-ups alike.

Sankt Wendel, Saarland: Take a medieval-themed market, set it in a city that looks like a place that time forgot, give it a snow-covered toboggan run and add to the mix 19 miniature houses in which hundreds of merry dwarf-like figures go about their daily business from bathing in bathtubs to bellying up to bars. Throw in spaces in which kids can try their hands at candle dipping or shooting a bow and arrow, watch fire-eaters on stage or ride an old-time merry-go-round, and the result is one of southern Germany’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Sankt Wendel’s market runs Dec. 5-14 only. Online: tinyurl.com/3jme4fts

Frankfurt am Main: New to the metropole’s Christmas market scene this year is an area along the Main River specifically dedicated to the youngest of visitors, where they can try activities such as creating greeting cards or decorating gingerbread. In previous years, other sections of the market have included a nostalgic, two-story carousel and a miniature train. The train’s “driver” in the front seat can even ring the bell to let all know he or she is coming through. Steam train fans old and young can hop on board a real old-time train for a tour of the harbor area on the weekend of Dec. 13-14; due to high demand, tickets can be hard to come by, but are sometimes available on site. Online: tinyurl.com/3df2a276

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg: Few if any other markets offer the chance to see Santa Claus riding in a sleigh led by Rudolf flying high over their heads, a spectacle that awaits visits at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 23. Following his daring ride, the white-whiskered gent hands out trinkets to children at stand number 59. Online: tinyurl.com/3jdtckuf

Kaiserslautern: A popular children’s holiday song immortalizes the Christmas bakery, a feature of many markets, in most cases a weekend-only affair. In Kaiserslautern, children wishing to try their hands at baking cookies can do so from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 14. This free activity takes place in the inner courtyard of the city’s Stiftskirche. Online: tinyurl.com/2xxp5nyr

Nuremberg: In Nuremberg, the traditional bearer of gifts in not Santa but rather the Christkind, an honorary volunteer role a young woman of the town is elected to serve for a two-year stint. In addition to her high-profile job of officially opening the Christmas market, the white-robed, golden crown-wearing symbol of the town is oftentimes on hand to greet market visitors. Hans-Sachs Platz is the site of the town’s children’s Christmas market with its carousel and replica steam train. Online: tinyurl.com/3a33bf9j

Munich: The Tollwood Winter Festival is a marketplace for not only tangible gifts but also an exchange of ideas and a vision for the future promoting peace, democracy and the protection of our natural resources. In addition to its exhibitions and free concerts, this somewhat alternative festival offers fire shows, walking acts, new circus-style entertainers and a tent in which arts-and-crafts projects can be brought to life. Online: tinyurl.com/42cytfu6

Cologne: With at least six distinctly themed Christmas markets scattered through town, those in search of holiday flair can hardly go wrong anywhere. In terms of uniqueness, the Harbor Christmas Market, located alongside the Rhine River embankment in front of the Chocolate Museum, scores points for its giant Ferris wheel, coming in at a height equivalent to a 15-storey building, and a triple-masted wooden ship from which costumed pirates emerge to tell tales from distant lands. Online: tinyurl.com/fwznk4xv

Wiesbaden: The “Shooting Star Market” has a dedicated children’s Christmas market at the Luisenplatz, a square just a short walk from the main marketplace. Here, kids can take a gander at some the people and places straight out of their favorite fairy tales, brought to life through the wonder of clever lighting techniques. The inhabitants of the “gnome forest” are naturally shy creatures, so it might take some time and patience to spot them all. A carousel, arts and crafts area and stage with live acts provide additional possibilities to be dazed and amazed. Online: tinyurl.com/ycxs6ksj

Bernkastel-Kues, Rheinland-Pfalz: One of the most picturesque towns along the Mosel holds a Christmas market with a days-of-yore feel throughout the season, but on Dec. 6, Saint Nikolaus arrives in a particularly grand fashion. The boat that brings him ashore is accompanied by some hundred swimmers braving the icy temperatures of the river, all bearing torches set alight. The spectacle begins at 6 p.m. Visitors to the market on Dec.21 are treated to a grand display of fireworks. Online: bernkastel.de/weihnachtsmarkt

Andernach, Rheinland-Pfalz: Each year, this small city along the Rhine just north of Koblenz stages what’s claimed to be Germany’s largest living nativity scene. Goats and sheep accompanied by human reenactors stage the scene of Christ’s humble manger birth at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas. A modest Christmas village is also up and running. Online: tinyurl.com/52fypz38