Germany's Top Five

Ready, steady, curl! It’s cold outside so what would be the best way to spend your free time while in Germany? Maybe watching some people slide stones across an ice rink would not be right up there on your list but if you would dismiss Le Gruyère European Curling Championship as such then you would be in danger of missing out on a wintzer spectacle. Held at the Olympic Ice Rink in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the championships come to their heady conclusion on Dec. 17 so if you want to see the best of the action featuring 53 teams from all over Europe then get down there.

Romeo and Juliet...on ice. Not convinced? How about some sensual and sensational love action on the ice? Frankfurt's Festhalle plays host to the new Holiday on Ice show, Romanza -- a mixture of professional figure skating, colourful costumes, music and spectacular light effects. The show takes in the classic love stories of Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Caesar and Cleopatra and is currently touring Germany until February 2006.

A chip off the old block. Still want the ice but can do without curling and smooching on skates? Then get some icy culture in Lübeck. The Ice World festival offers a glimpse into the world of master ice sculptors who have transformed the town into a stage for impressive frozen creations. If you need a break from all the amazing ice sculptures then you can carry on to be amazed by the Medieval Gothic architecture of Lübeck. A day out full of possibilities!

Four-legged fun. If cosier and warmer international action is more your thing but Frankfurt's Festhalle is your preferred destination still, then maybe the Mitsubishi Cup International, one of the biggest indoor equestrian events in Europe, will excite. With prize money in the range of €350,000, it’s also one of the richest and features everything horsey from carriage-driving and dressage to jumping events. The annual Christams event usually attracts around 30,000 spectators so a great atmosphere is guaranteed.

Ye Olde Christmas Market! Germany at Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a market or two. And there are plnety to choose from. However, if you’re looking for something different why not head to Esslingen for the Medieval Christmas Market. Dating back to 777, the medieval market, held every year on the Rathausplatz, has that authentic nature based in historical traditions. Witness the sights and smells of the Middle Ages with jesters, knights and sorcerers and a vast array of delicious food cooked on open fires. There is traditional crafts and art on sale as well as the opportunity to get some slightly unusual Christmas presents. The market runs until Dec. 22 and is open now.