Christmas Markets

Since our arrival to Germany last February we have been told by many people to set aside the weekends of December for the annual Christmas Markets (or Weihnachtsmarkt in German).   These annual markets take place in nearly every village and city throughout Germany and typically run from the last week of November through Christmas Eve (or the weekend before).   

The origin of Christmas Markets dates back several centuries to the time when regular seasonal markets were held throughout the year.  A festive meeting place for the locals and a market for homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations, the Christmas Market was a nice change of pace during the cold winter months and became an event welcomed by the weary villagers. 

Today you will find all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts: wood-carved toys, marionettes, candles, nutcrackers, cookie tins, glass balls, and tin tree ornaments.  Of course with so much to see, proper nutrition is important.  Grilled sausages, roasted nuts, gingerbread biscuits (known as 'Lebkuchen'), and the traditional gluhwein wine are found throughout every market. 

Our plan heading into the Christmas Market season was to visit a few local markets while also venturing out to the larger cities within a few hours drive from our village.  Our first market fell on the weekend of Thanksgiving and was held in the village just over the hill from us in Dudeldorf.  This market has the reputation as being one not to miss and after attending we agreed.  This particular market takes place over one weekend, which is a bit different than traditional markets, but the setting is spectacular.  The narrow cobblestoned streets that make up the heart of Dudeldorf transform into a busy stream of market-goers.  While most stands are temporary and sitting along the road, some of the homes and garages are transformed into a temporary showcase.  Very intimate to say the least. 

The next weekend we made our way back to one of our favorite cities: Cologne.  The market takes place in the shadow of the famous Dom Cathedral, making it one of the more popular markets in Germany.

Immediately the reputation for being very popular was confirmed.  A good thick crowd meandering in between the hundreds of stands and I became thankful for the tall towers of the Dom: you will never get lost in this market. This picture reminds me of the fun favorite book: Where is Waldo?  Can you spot Andrea and our friend Gretchen in this crowd?  

Even through the cold and wind we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Cologne Christmas Market.  When it started to snow lightly we were very excited by the prospect of a white Christmas.  Yeah, little did we know how much snow was to come (more on that later). 

Leaving the Cologne market and looking back, it is easy to see why this particular venue is so popular.  

The following weekend we planned on visiting the Christmas Market in the city of Trier, Germany (a short 30 minute drive or train ride from our village).  That was before the "once in a 20 year snow storm" rolled in and dropped 12 inches, or 30.5 centimeters, of fluffy white powder.  Instead of heading to Treir, we enjoyed getting to know our neighbors better as we worked to remove the snow from our village roads.  Oh well.  We are grateful that we experienced two fantastic markets during our first Holiday season and look forward to next December.