DRESDEN, Dec 5 — In Dresden, thousands are celebrating what must be the sweetest day of the year — the arrival of the largest Christmas cake in the world.

This year, the famous rum-and-fruit confection weighs more than 2,800 kilogrammes, that’s more than 6,300 pounds. It took 60 bakers a week to prepare.

One man came all the way from Berlin to get a slice.

“It is definitely worth the crowding and the pushing, because it is really delicious. Really. There’s no stollen in Berlin that can compare,” says Christian Berger who has made his way here from Berlin to be part of the celebration.

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Meanwhile, in Munich, families on a special Christmas steam train found more than a ride.

St Nicholas, who traditionally visits German children on December 5th, came aboard to hand out sweets a little early.

Some were surprised to see him, but all were delighted.

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“My son loves trains, and he’d never met Nicholas before, so he’s definitely enjoying it. It’s a wonderful experience,” says Karin Engel.

“It was totally great, a total surprise. Something like that happens seldom, in a train with Nicholas,” says Peter Loeffler.

St Nicholas was accompanied by Krampus, who punishes children who misbehave.

But he had little to do on this train, so he helped St Nicholas hand out chocolates instead. — Reuters