Situated on the Pegnitz river and the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, Nuremberg is Germany's fourteenth largest city with a population of roughly 510,000. It's located about 100 miles (170 kilometers) north of Munich in the German state of Bavaria. Nuremberg is known for its traditional gingerbread (Lebkuchen) products, sausages, and handmade toys. Pocket watches — Nuremberg eggs — were made here in the 16th century by Peter Henlein.

Each year in late November, the enticing smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds, Nuremberg bratwurst and gingerbread fill the air. On Friday before the first Sunday in Advent, the Nuremberg Christkind appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the holiday season and the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. From then until Christmas Eve, the "little town of wood and cloth" will shine in the heart of Nuremberg's Old Town and turn it into "Christmas City". More than 180 market stands – all decorated for Christmas with fresh greens and lights – invite you to enjoy traditional Christmas ornaments of all shapes and sizes, the local gold-foil angel, "Zwetschgenmännle" made of prunes, toys and games and delicious holiday treats to eat and drink. Come and experience this one-of-a-kind atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Market!

In addition to having one of the best Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg is also an important industrial center in Central and Eastern Europe. In the 19th century Nuremberg became the "industrial heart" of Bavaria with companies such as Siemens and MAN establishing a strong base in the city. Items manufactured in the area include electrical equipment, mechanical and optical products, motor vehicles, writing and drawing paraphernalia, stationery products, and printed materials.