Germany prepares for the Christmas period - in pictures

Crowds flock to the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany. AFP
Christmas figurines are displayed at a market in Ludwigsburg, southern Germany. AFP
An employee moves a sawed-off tree at a farm in Berggiesshuebel. Reuters
Dozens of Christmas markets in Germany open around the end of November. AFP
A man buys small Christmas-themed figurines in Frankfurt. AFP
A woman dressed as a snow queen performs at the Christmas market at Babelplatz in Berlin. EPA
Traditional gingerbread is sold at the Christmas market in Frankfurt. AFP
People visit the Breitscheid Square market in Berlin. Reuters