Christmas in Germany is a magical time of year. One of our favorite things to do while we were stationed there was to go to the Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Markets. In the south of Germany these are also called Christkindlmarkt. Most towns in Germany will have a market in the month of December, some very small and some quite large and famous like the one in Nuremburg. They are temporary markets, usually set up in a town square, and consist of booths or stalls that sell a variety of gifts, foods, and drinks, many of which are available only during the Christmas season. The markets open in late November or early December and most are closed before Christmas Eve. Each city or town sets their own dates and times. Markets usually open around lunch time and close around 9 or 10, with festive lights adding to the ambiance after dark. Crisp, cold evenings and maybe even a little snow add to the charm.

Wurst (sausages), kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) served with applesauce or sour cream, fresh roasted chestnuts, and other foods are served in large quantities from small stalls. Kartoffelpuffer were one of our favorites, and roasted chestnuts both tasted good and kept our hands warm. Others, like preserved meats, candies, and cookies can be eaten on the spot ot taken home. The most well-known drink is Gluhwein, a mulled wine served warm, with an alcohol-free version called Kinderpunsch for children. I really like that one, but my favorite was warm honigmilch – honey milk. The best honigmilch I had was at the Heidelberg market, right near the stable with a live donkey and sheep. There is an amazing array of cookies – gingerbread, almond hearts, zimtstern (cinnamon stars). Layden’s favorite was anything with marzipan, a sweet paste made with finely ground almonds and sugar. It can be an ingredient in a cookie or cake, or be molded into shapes like fruits or animals.

Gift stalls most often sell traditional crafts, especially ones made from wood like this small St Nicholas ornament. Items that originated in the Erzgebirge region are very popular, such as nutcrackers and pyramids – the carousels, usually 3-tiered, that turn when candles create warm air that turns the blades at the top. One of our favorites was the honey stall in Mainz, which sold many kinds of honey along with beeswax candles. Our favorite place for preserved meats and sausages (summer sausage, pepperoni, etc) was Mannheim. This stall sold delicious sausages with an outer casing of festive Christmas designs. They made great gifts.

We miss the Christmas markets!