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  • “It's the Most Wonderful Time, of the Year...”

    t‘s the Most Wonderful Time,  of the Year...Ladies and Gentlemen, the countdown begins, Christmas is just around the corner and the Christmas Markets will soon be open! Not sure where to go? No worries, here are a few personal recommendations for you from me.  I hope that my list will help you organize your limited holiday time! In case this is your first Christmas here in Germany, let me introduce you to what a Christmas Market is, if you're already a pro, you can skip straight down to my list!

    Christmas Markets: This centuries-old tradition reaches way back to a time where regular seasonal Markets took place throughout the year. The winter markets were a welcome and joyful occasion that added a bit of light to the cold, dark, winter nights. Throughout the years Christmas Markets have evolved, grown, and become less functional and more of a holiday tradition. Usually each village will have  a small Christmas Market, lasting anywhere from a few days to a week, whereas the bigger cities will have both Christmas and New Year’s Markets lasting two to five, sometimes even six weeks. They are places full of cheer, with lovely Christmas lights, delicious Christmas treats, and warm Christmas drinks. From roasted chestnuts, to hot mulled wine AKA Glühwein,or warm “Kinder-Punsch,” the Christmas Markets here are something you do not want to miss. It's also a great place to buy homemade crafts, winter apparel, Christmas gifts or holiday souvenirs; you can find nutcrackers, wooden figurines, traditional German ornaments, incense smokers, baking tins, toys, hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, table cloths,  tea, chocolate, dried meats—the list goes on and on. The markets are also often home to rides, live entertainment, games, and nativity scenes (some with live animals), and be sure to keep an eye out for Santa and his Reindeer (no, really). So, without further ado, here are some of the Christmas Markets I think you'll definitely want to visit this year:

  • The Christmas Market in Esslingen,… a Step Back in Time

    It won’t take long to realize that the Esslingen market is different from other markets you may visit in Europe.  Visiting the Esslingen Christmas market is like stepping back into the medieval ages.  The market is surrounded by half-timbered wooden houses dating back from the 13th to 16th centuries that will surprise and delight you, and costumed performers stroll the streets alongside of period-dressed vendors. Aside from the many visitors, over 1 million people visited last year, you get a feeling of traveling back to the Middle Ages.

  • Medieval Markets in Germany

    One of the German's favorite past times during the warm summer months has to be visiting fairs and markets. The medieval markets are particularly popular though.

    Many of the old city centers are transformed into something from times far, far away. It's like stepping through a time portal, right into the busy hours of a crowded 12th century market complete with jesters, traders and the many treasures they brought along with them.

    Immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the old times, minus the inconvenience of the old world Donnerbalken - thunder planks, or what toilets used to be called back then. Just like the regular fairs, the markets offer modern conveniences like bathrooms, parking and the bigger ones often have websites set up to study the program and promote special events or guests.

    Often the markets charge an admission fee, but most wave that or at least give a discount if you are dressed in appropriate attire, like medieval or fantasy garb.

    Vendors set up booths all over the market praising their goods. Marvel blacksmiths working their metals on set up forges, tanners and carpenters, or just your local herbalist offering fresh herbs and cures for small ailments. You may encounter an ale brewer or beekeeper selling local honey or gem cutters and jewelers with precious stones for sale. Tailors often show up with fantasy robes and armor and even weapons and chain or plate armor are available.

    May markets have shows for entertainment, like jugglers, or jousting. They also have special kids programs or booths to bring the old times to the children. Things like bow and arrow shooting, gem or treasure digging or wooden sword fighting are popular at the fairs.

    Be sure to visit all the yummy food vendors that offer long forgotten recipes, bake fresh breads in stone ovens, grill oxen over a fire or smoke fish and meats. If you prefer the more traditional fest foods, you won't be disappointed either.

    My favorite part has to be browsing all the amazing wares. I love watching the craftsmanship that goes into these treasures and haggling for that one find is always fun. Second is definitely the different foods. I am especially fond of the ancient recipes and baked goods with honey and dried fruits.  If asked, my husband would probably prefer the ales, liqueurs and spirits that are home brewed and often much more potent then the stuff you can find in your local grocery store. He is also a big fan of the old style grilled or smoked meats and cheeses.

  • Surviving the Homburg Flea and Antiques Market

    Copyright by:www.together-magazine.com ©

    If you are a treasure hunter like me, this is definitely the place to go. Founded in 1975 the Homburg Antique and Flea Market is the biggest of its kind in southwest Germany and draws in people by the thousands.

  • Filderkraut Party!!

    

    Copyright by:Markus Schwarz schwarz.pics ©

    It is well known that Germany celebrates all kinds of harvests, the wine harvests, apple harvests, even pumpkin harvests. Like every proper celebration, with the harvest fests come the naming of the king or queen, like our wine queens.

  • Medieval Christmas Magic in Esslingen

    

    Christmas markets are one of the most popular attractions during the winter month in Germany. Every larger city has one and everyone has their own little perks. One of the most charming markets has to be the medieval Christmas market in Esslingen. The market is located right in the old center of town and surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses built anywhere from the 13th to the 16th century. The stream that heads through the town with is little bridges just adds to the feeling. Actors and performers are dressed in the era appropriate garb, making the illusion nearly perfect. The market was visited by over one million eager time travelers last year, why not join them?

  • Advent time is Christmas market time in Germany

    

    The official start to the Christmas season here in Germany has to be the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, which is usually also the time that most of the big Christmas markets open up. The Christmas markets have to be one of the most anticipated attractions for tourists during the season and there are just so many of them. With there being only 4 weekends to hit the further out markets and evenings to visit the markets close by, it is useful to have a battle plan, so you can hit as many markets as possible. In our Christmas markets recommendations, you can find some of the most popular markets in Germany and some great tips and tricks.

  • Christmas Markets

    

    During the 4 weeks of Advent (roughly four weeks prior to Christmas) the Christmas Markets – Weihnachtsmärkte - open their doors.

    They originated in German-speaking part of Europe & in the Eastern regions of France in the Late Middle Ages.

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