Travel
- Feliz Navidad!
Merry Christmas to all of our friends, relatives, and loyal blog readers! We hope that you are exactly where you wanted to be today. We are very happy where we are, with perfect weather and good friends. We are only missing our family this Christmas....
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- 5 Unique Things To Do At Nuremberg Christmas Market
Christmas markets were first held in Germany at the beginning of the 15th century. And to this day, you won't find a more charming Christmas market, with a more festive atmosphere and vibe in any other country. The German Christmas markets are simply...
- The Magic Of Dresden Christmas Market
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Travel
The Magic Of The Christmas Markets In Germany
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and they are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of the year and as the weather gets colder, I'm already switching to a festive mood.
Hundreds of Christmas markets are organized throughout Germany every year. From the idyllic small villages to the huge cosmopolitan cities, every respectable burg organizes one or more Christmas markets, from the end of November through Christmas Eve.
The Christmas markets evoke an enchanted festive atmosphere. The stalls are beautifully decorated in red and white and are surrounded by impressive buildings steeped in history. But probably what captivates more than anything else the visitor are the charming street lights displays that give a fairy-tale like feeling to the place.
Christmas shopping at the Christmas Markets
If Christmas shopping stresses you out and you can't enjoy this period of the year because of it, than a short break to a Christmas Market might come to your rescue. Christmas shopping is friendly and relaxed in Germany and you can choose from a large variety of quality hand-crafted objects, such as toys, crib figurines, candles, marionettes, wood carvings, and lambskin shoes.
What to eat and drink at a German Christmas Market?
As winter is pretty cold and white in Germany, mulled wine is a good choice. The wine is locally produced, and in combination with cinnamon and other spices it truly is a delicacy. Not to mention that it is typically served warm.
The magic of the Christmas markets is further enhanced with childhood aromas, from gingerbread biscuits and baked apples, to roasted chestnuts, almonds and the not-to-be-missed German grilled sausages. The local bakeries produce a vast variety of yummy German style breads and cakes and sampling them is a must.
What Christmas Markets to visit in Germany?
As Germany has loads of Christmas Markets, it can be hard to chose only one. The markets organized in the villages might be more intimate, but they are definitely smaller and harder to reach. The big cities have quite a few markets, usually the main one being organized in the city center and smaller ones in the neighborhoods.
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the most famous in Germany, therefore draws in approximately 2 million visitors every year. The highlight of the market is the opening ceremony when the Christmas Angel, a local girl with white and golden dress, blond hair and golden crown recites a solemn prologue. The market lies right in the heart of the city, next to the Nuremberg Cathedral, but due to its popularity, it can get pretty crowded.
Cologne, Tier, Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich host some pretty Christmas markets too, while the Dresden Christmas Market is the oldest in Germany. Ice-skating rings are another winter attraction right in the middle of the city and everyone's favorite, the Christmas tree, spreads its magic over the enchanted markets. In fact, the first Christmas tree ever erected was in Weimar, the German city that also gave the world the famous carol "O, Du Fröhliche".
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
- Feliz Navidad!
Merry Christmas to all of our friends, relatives, and loyal blog readers! We hope that you are exactly where you wanted to be today. We are very happy where we are, with perfect weather and good friends. We are only missing our family this Christmas....
- The Magic Of Bruges Ice Sculpture Festival
December is a magical time to visit Europe. You will find cozy Christmas markets, ice rings, tons of decorations and charmingly lit cities. Ice sculptures? Not so much. Most of Europe's climate is too mild for hosting an outdoor snow and ice festival....
- 5 Unique Things To Do At Nuremberg Christmas Market
Christmas markets were first held in Germany at the beginning of the 15th century. And to this day, you won't find a more charming Christmas market, with a more festive atmosphere and vibe in any other country. The German Christmas markets are simply...
- The Magic Of Dresden Christmas Market
Visiting Dresden in mid-November proved to be a double-edged sword. The Christmas Market wasn't going to open until the end of the month, however, the city was already infused with festive charm. We had the chance to walk among the quiet stalls...
- The House With One Million Christmas Lights...
Faucher family's Christmas lights ... or how to turn your house into a tourist attraction. For 25 years now Faucher family in Delaware, USA has been decorating their house with one million Christmas lights; and this surely gives a totally new...