Christmas Markets Galore

From cities to small towns, Germans seem to love their Christmas Markets.  Since November we have passed through or seen probably over 15 Christmas Markets.  And really we don't see what's not to like... every market is unique and they all have a different feel.  

Radevormwald 

Our small town of Radevormwald hosts a Christmas Market.  The market is small and is only open for one weekend.  However, there is something wonderful about being able to walk up the road to find warm wine, crepes, and sausages.  And although the market wasn't really that exciting, we got the impression that those in the tight knit community enjoyed being among their friends and neighbors.

  

Münster

In Münster we learned the hard way that Saturdays are not always the best days for Christmas Markets.  The city seemed extra crowded with shoppers and market goers (if possible, it’s best to go on Sunday because all of the regular stores are closed).  However, we still had a really good time.  Beautiful medieval buildings surrounded Münster market, giving Münster a romantic feel.  We went with our landlord and learned a lot.  We learned that Amaretto tastes wonderful in hot chocolate.. and that Amaretto was originally created by the nuns who couldn't drink alcohol produced from fruit. So to get around that, they decided to make their alcohol from almonds.  We learned that not all Germans like Glühwein... Lutz I believe has a hatred for this "terrible smelling wine."  Ultimately Münster reminded us why we enjoy Christmas markets, they bring friends together over the holidays.  

Munich

The Munich markets were nice, although we only experienced them in the daytime.  Billy tried a candy apple that was candied with a green shell... he said it was terrible, mind you it also looked terrible! But I guess that's part of the fun of traveling and tasting foreign foods.    

Cologne

Cologne

Cologne

Cologne

My favorite Christmas Markets were in Cologne.  The city has 5 huge Christmas Markets and they each have their own feel.  The markets were decorated with different lights and themes.  One of the markets was decorated with gnomes, they were on the roofs of the Christmas stands and swinging from light poles.   The huts in another market were covered in what looked like metallic wrapping paper (very tacky in my opinion).  This is the same market that had a booth that only sold men’s briefs. Some of the markets had ice-skating rinks of all different shapes. The one where Andrew and I skated was unoccupied except for my purse which I left in the center to skate around.  These markets were filled with the sounds and smells of good Germany Christmas traditions.