It's Christmastime in ... Germany !
Germany = Christmas Markets. Christmas Markets = Germany. And that's that.
The tradition of the Christmas market - known in Deutschland as Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt - dates back to the late middle ages. These beautiful street festivals are held throughout the country. From tiny towns to the major German cities, the first 4 weeks of Advent are loaded with beautifully decorated streets and are go-to shopping destinations for those looking to purchase unique, handmade gifts and wares. Some markets last just for a weekend and others go 4 weeks straight. You'll hear MANY english and other foreign language speakers while there as the Christmas Markets are super popular for tourist groups. Basically the ultimate christmas pub crawl. Market hopping totes beats bar hopping. Especially when there is Gluhwein involved :) So bundle up and take a walk through a real-life winter wonderland.
During my initial "holy crap we're moving to Germany" google searches, images of these markets popped up over and over again and gave me ALL.THE.FEELS. And I have basically been dreaming of December ever since.
But, there are SO many of these markets, it's almost overwhelming. I've been scurrying to pack in as many magical markets as possible! And STILL don't feel like I've seen enough -- or drank enough Gluhwein (delicious, German mulled wine). But the markets we've seen have definitely lived up to my expectations and each has boasted its own special character.
Wiesbaden & Nürnberg were a couple of first stops. Wiesbaden is one of my favorite nearby cities and we drove 2 hrs to Nuremberg specifically for their market! We met up with one of Jason's coworkers and his wife for a quick 1-night getaway! Nuremberg holds much WWII significance, so if you feel like you had heard the name of this Bavarian city before, you probably have!
Festive head-ware is not a requirement, but strongly encouraged if you ask me :)
HOW CUTE ARE THESE 2??????
Asher was 1000percent obsessed with this beautiful and intricate train display. He threw his first major tantrum when we left...SO I have a feeling my world will be filled with many more choo choos (and corresponding meltdowns) in the near future.
Thanks to these German friends for suggesting a trip to Nuremberg (and for translating for us!). The market, the Gluhwein and the tasty bites made all my German Christmas dreams come true!
All Gluhwein is served in special mugs commemorating the year. You can turn them in and get a rebate or keep them as a souvenir...but you guys know me. Kept 'em :)
&
Jason prob hoped this photo ended up on the cutting room floor ... but you guys know me. Kept it :)
So we loved the Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg, but my FAVORITE of all markets had to be the Weihnachtsmarkt in Rüdesheim am Rhein. A really cute town right on the Rhein river, home to beautiful vineyards and the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee! I took the 1 hr drive with some fellow-expat mom friends. It was such a fun girl's (plus Asher) day. And I am really loving getting to know new people. I am continuously surprised and warmed by the welcome of fellow expats. It really doesn't matter where anyone comes from, originally. There is just an automatic kinship and understanding. It's pretty funny how much of my time is spent talking to new people. And I am learning (and loving) that everyone has a story and experience to share and I know that I am becoming a better, more open, more grounded, more adventurous person as a result.
Back to our Christmas adventures ... So, it may have been a Wednesday afternoon....but when in Rüdesheim, do as the Rüdesheimers do! Rüdesheimer Kaffee is a spiked coffee made with flambéed brandy, sugar cubes, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It's served in specially designed, handleless mugs & was a really fun [and strong] experience! You really only need one (half).
I can't wait to take some upcoming visitors back to this town -- and experience it when the weather is tad bit warmer :)
Thanks for sharing some of your pics, Tam!
We head back to Kansas for all kinds of Christmas festivities in just a couple of days. So this marks the end of Weihnachtsmarkt Season for this little fam. We ate. We drank and of course we're always Murray (ahem) Merry. [You guys know me ... had to].
We purchased some gifts and some keepsakes and a few christmas decorations that we'll treasure. They'll always remind us of this magical time of year in this fairytale-life adventure we've been living.
ever yours,
lindsey
