Traditionally, German Christmas markets open on the first Sunday of Advent. In recent years, however, this custom has become more relaxed. This year I was Thankful for this, since my Mom, sister, and niece were visiting the week before the first Sunday in Advent.
The German Christmas markets are fantastic. Each consists of a collection of small stands set up in town squares. Among the vendors are people selling gift items such as jewelry, hats and gloves, handmade soaps, and lots of Christmas decorations. There is also an abundant selection of things to eat. From bratwurst and pork steaks, to crepes and waffles, each market offers lots to choose from. And of course, there are always warm drinks. The drink of choice at most markets is gluwine. Similar to mulled wine, gluwine is made from red wine and spices. If it's really cold out, you can warm up even more by adding a shot of amaretto or rum to your cup.
We were able to visit a handful of markets in the week that my family was here, including the market near the Dom in Cologne, the markets in the town center of Bonn and Bad Godesburg, and the medieval market in Seigberg. Each market has it's own highlights. Set in the shadow of the Cathedral, the Cologne market has a very regal air. Bonn has a singing deer head. Bad Godesburg has a gigantic manger and lots of Muslims working at the stands.
But of all the markets I visited this year, the market in Seigberg stands out as my favorite. It is a traditional medieval market. That there are lots of candles and torches, all of the gift items are hand made, and the food is cooked over wood-burning fires. Also, instead of a marry-go-round being operated by a machine, two men stood in the center of the platform and turned the contraption by hand.
The German Christmas markets are fantastic. Each consists of a collection of small stands set up in town squares. Among the vendors are people selling gift items such as jewelry, hats and gloves, handmade soaps, and lots of Christmas decorations. There is also an abundant selection of things to eat. From bratwurst and pork steaks, to crepes and waffles, each market offers lots to choose from. And of course, there are always warm drinks. The drink of choice at most markets is gluwine. Similar to mulled wine, gluwine is made from red wine and spices. If it's really cold out, you can warm up even more by adding a shot of amaretto or rum to your cup.
We were able to visit a handful of markets in the week that my family was here, including the market near the Dom in Cologne, the markets in the town center of Bonn and Bad Godesburg, and the medieval market in Seigberg. Each market has it's own highlights. Set in the shadow of the Cathedral, the Cologne market has a very regal air. Bonn has a singing deer head. Bad Godesburg has a gigantic manger and lots of Muslims working at the stands.
But of all the markets I visited this year, the market in Seigberg stands out as my favorite. It is a traditional medieval market. That there are lots of candles and torches, all of the gift items are hand made, and the food is cooked over wood-burning fires. Also, instead of a marry-go-round being operated by a machine, two men stood in the center of the platform and turned the contraption by hand.
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