Christmas Markets, or weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt {literally translated, Christ child market} have opened everywhere in Europe. It's basically a street market in celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. In any major city, even small cities and towns, you'll see Christmas markets in the city/town center. The place is adorned with lights and Christmas decor and there are tons of vendors selling trinkets, ornaments, and even some household gadgets. Most importantly, traditional regional foods and nice, hot drinks (to keep you nice and cozy warm) are sold. Here in Germany, you can enjoy a fine mug of gluhwein (hot, spiced red wine). It's just an all around fun time for the entire family.
This past weekend, we went to the Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt. We went in the evening and the weather was just perfect. No rain or heavy winds, and it was probably in the low 50s. Like I said -- perfect! We had a marvelous time!
Here are some pics!
Clockwise: A typical ornament stand; A bunch of beautiful ornaments; Sweet treats--thos big hearts are gingerbread cookies; a life-sized Advent Calendar. The building is the Stuttgart Rathaus or City Hall.
Clockwise: Star lanterns--I love these!; Malu and Sina in front of the life-size Nutcracker; I was able to find some herbs de Provence that I couldn't find at our commissary; and me buying chocolate-covered everythings. Delish!
Clockwise: Santa Claus ornaments; Since we weren't in a drinking mood, we settled for some heisse schokolade or hot chocolate. It definitely hit the spot!; We were starving that night and helped ourselves to some wurst, brotchen (bread) with sauerkraut.
Clockwise: Mommy & Sina; the display atop the tent that we bought our dinner from; visiting the Kathe Wohlfahrt where I bought Sina that Advent Calendar music box to the far right; more lovely ornaments in my favorite color!
I also bought traditional German straw ornaments and had some freshly roasted chestnuts to go with my hot cocoa. The sights and sounds were intoxicating!
As I said, there are tons of Christmas Markets going on all over Europe and we intend to visit a good amount of them before we move back to the states. As a matter of fact, our friends are coming into town this weekend and we intend to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market. My favorite city!
It's rough being away from family during the holidays. I mean, there's no place like home for the holidays, seriously. However, Germany does Christmas like nothing I've ever seen and we're enjoying every bit of it. More to come on the holidays you guys!
Happy Wednesday to All!
3 comments:
The Christmas Markets all sound SO cool. I wanna go!
I am SO jealous! Everything looks amazing and so fun!
Ooo straw ornaments? I need to try and find some of those! I also need to try and hit up the Stuttgart market! We are planning on going to the Rudesheim market (like 20 minutes down the road) this weekend. If you've never been to the Strasbourg market, it's awesome! We loved our visit there! Have fun!
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