Frohe Weihnachten aus Deutschland! Merry Christmas from Germany!
How quickly time flies, it was just a month ago when the Christmas Markets sprung up all over German towns and now it's already Christmas Day!
Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt)
Christmas Markets in Germany, also known as Weihnachtsmarkt, are one of the most interesting places to visit in December. The aroma of grilled sausages, Glühwein (mulled wine) and cinnamon permeates the air in every Weihnachtsmarkt that one visits. In addition to that, stalls usually have elaborate decorations in order to attract visitors, resulting in a spectacle of colours, lights and patterns.
The top 10 most common items in the Christmas Markets are:
1) Sausages
Germany + Sausages = Happiness!
Bratwurst mit brötchen (~15 cm sausage with bun) typically costs 3 Euros; you can also opt for additional toppings such as curry (Currywurst) or onions for additional 50 cents.
On the left hand side of the grill platter in the picture above, you will notice that the sausages are longer than usual. Indeed they are, those sausages are half-a-meter long! One of these extra long sausages with baguette costs 4.50 Euros.
2) Steaks
In addition to sausages, some stalls offer a large range of grilled products including steaks. A good option if you want to have a full meal in the Christmas Market.
3) Glühwein
A warm drink is the best way to keep oneself in high spirits during the gloomy, cold winter! Glühwein (mulled wine) is a lovely combination of red or white wine with spices that is served warm. In addition to Glühwein, non-alcoholic beverages are also served, such as Kinderpunsch (mixed fruit punch) and hot chocolate.
There are typically small tables around the Glühwein stall where customers usually hang around while sipping their warm drinks. It is interesting to see these tables acting as a venue for ad-hoc social hotspots among visitors of the Christmas Market.
A 0.2L glass of Glühwein typically costs 2.50 Euros, but you will have to additionally pay 2-3 Euros as Pfand (deposit), which you will get back once you return the glass.
4) Reibekuchen
Reibekuchen can be roughly translated into potato pancakes, which are deep-fried until crispy. Each piece is almost the size of your hand. For 3.50 Euros, you will get 3 pieces of Reibekuchen plus Apfelmus (apple puree) sauce. It may appear to be a mere dessert, but it can be deceptively filling!
5) Chocolates and Nuts
The stall in the picture sells a huge variety of nuts, hence it has called itself the "Almond King". In addition to nuts, such stalls offer colourful "love chocolates" with interesting captions. Natürlich the most common phrase is "Ich liebe dich!" to catch the eyes of loving couples.
6) Champignons
A portion of fresh champignons usually costs 4.50 Euros. In my opinion, it is rather costly, nevertheless an alternative if you do not fancy meaty food in the Christmas Market.
7) Handicraft
In addition to food, visitors with a passion for fine arts would enjoy shopping for handicrafts in the Christmas Market. These miniature sculptures are carved out of wood in great detail. However, these works of art do not come cheap, a small souvenir can cost over 10 Euros!
8) Woodwork
Lifetime supply of wooden spoons and ladles!
9) Merry-go-round
A visit to the Christmas Market is not only a joyous occasion for adults, even the kids can have fun! The music played in the merry-go-round adds to the festive ambience in the Christmas Market.
10) Windmill
Looking for the Christmas Market in town? Simply look out for windmills! These windmills are always located at the edges, somewhat indicating the borders of the Christmas Market. Beneath these windmills, one will always find Glühwein stalls.
Bonus Content: Live Performance in the Christmas Market of Cologne!
Last but not least, Merry Christmas 2015!
