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Our first issue is a guide to shopping in Germany, particularly holiday shopping. Here is all the information you need to know about outlet shopping in Germany, Christmas markets or the new Hummel collection. Or simply stay home, grab a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) and cozy up to William Parks' Christmas tree essay. Come find out what Germany has in store for you.

Stress-Free Shopping: Better for Less

While outlet shopping is considered 'old sport' in North America, the trend is also alive and well throughout Europe but especially in Germany. High-quality European designer fashion, furniture or home accessories for 30%-60% less than the original recommended retail price are available at outlet shops and centres throughout the country. The days of designers burning their surplus and seasonal leftovers are long gone. Factory outlet stores are now commonly strewn amongst the picturesque small-to-medium sized towns around urban centers and, for all you know, maybe right next door! Picnic and a new purse anyone?

Shop 'til You Drop, German Style

Germans love to shop. One of the most charming aspects of shopping in Germany is the Fussgängerzone (walking streets) where shoppers wander freely between varied stores in the city centre of any city and many smaller towns and villages. Some North American brand names can be found here along with multitudinous European goods. What is still very rare in Germany is "The Mall." But more and more of them have been opening over the last few years, including a variety of "Outlet Malls." You can also find a number of "big box stores" in many city suburbs or within an hour's drive of many large urban centres.

Christmas Markets of Germany's Historic Cities

German Christmas markets are known for capturing the season's spirit in an old-world style and exuding a contagious, festive mood. No place exhibits that spirit better than the Christmas markets in the 14 cities which make up "Historic Highlights of Germany." From late November until just before Christmas, your nose is filled with the aroma of steaming mulled wine and grilled sausage, your eyes are confronted, and even confounded, by towering Christmas trees adorned with bright lights and antique ornaments, and your ears are bombarded by live choral and instrumental concerts. Stall after stall of handmade and unusual crafts greet you and make German Christmas celebrations some of the most popular in the world.

Goebel Porcelain Museum-Information Center Expands Its Family Circle

The Goebel Porcelain Works (Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur) in Roedental has long been a major tourist attraction. Situated near Coburg in northern Upper Franconia, it has drawn thousands of tourists from abroad as well as Germans and resident expatriates over the last 50 years.

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Christmas is coming, so let's have something a little different. We have a common heritage in the way we celebrate Christmas. Each year in Germany . . .