A Vacation to German Christmas Markets or Deutsch Christkindlmarkts

I miss the holiday traditions I grew up with.  It is fun to create my own new traditions. One reason I love to travel is to explore the many diverse holiday festivities and cultures around the world that you will not find at home.   

Last year I planned ahead and saved for my vacation where I may experience something I don't have in California, a white winter and the German Christmas Markets.  This next story is from another traveler of the Christmas spirit found on the streets of German town of Munich.  Do you see why?

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf

Deutsch Christkindlmarkts - German Christmas Markets By Barbara Carey

As I strolled through the brightly lit and beautifully decorated street Christmas Markets of Munich, the smell of the freshly baked spicy gingerbread cookies Lebkuchen wafted through the air. I could smell the crisp aroma of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and who could resist a sinful sip of it on a chilly November evening. The delicious looking, hot Bratwurst sausages were a delight for both the local people and the tourists. The scent of cinnamon permeated the air, increasing my anticipation of the joyous festival. 

Munich: Christmas market outside the New Town Hall Photographer: Cowin, Andrew

Throughout the streets, there were choirs and brass-bands belting out tunes of traditional Christmas songs, brightening the atmosphere. It was on these streets that everyone forgot their troubles and woes and became wholly new people. Everyone was joyous in the spirit of this beautiful festival. People formed new relationships and had a jolly time interacting with people they’d never met before; with people from various corners of the world on these very streets. 

Munich: gingerbread stand at the Christmas market Photographer Messerschmidt, Joachim

 Christmas markets have been a German tradition for over 700 years. Each and every town of Germany had a different type of Christmas Market. The food and beverages served differed from place to place. The local tradesmen would sell handmade ornaments, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes that would decorate your home and make you feel the merriness of this exuberant festival. Carved nutcrackers (Nussknacker), Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), cuckoo clocks, straw ornaments and blown glass ornaments were some other handicrafts that were seen throughout the market.

Nuremberg/Pegnitz: Christmas tree decorations, nutcrackers, incense burners and candle arches at the Christmas market on Hauptmarkt square Photographer Kiedrowski, Rainer

Children especially seemed to enjoy these markets. Seeing them playing on the festively decorated Christmas carousels radiated happiness and instantly made me smile. You could see kids enjoying the sizzling sausages in the chilly weather. They would pick out pretty ornaments to decorate their Christmas trees with. They seemed to enjoy life in these markets like there was no tomorrow. 

Nuremberg/Pegnitz: people in front of a craft stall at the Christmas market on Hauptmarkt square                Photographer Kiedrowski, Rainer

Adults could be seen sitting in a warm, cozy, open pub, enjoying glasses of wine and mugs of beer next to a lit fireplace. Tradesmen were trying to sell their goods with their wives. They were calling out prices and interacting with us customers in a very affectionate manner. 

And don’t forget their ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ (Merry Christmas in German) greeting after every customer makes a purchase from them. I think we’ve established that there is no better way to celebrate this festive season than in the gorgeously lit up street Christkindlmarkts in Deutschland (Germany).

“From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another,

The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.”- Emily Matthews

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Thank you to Barbara Carey, a voracious reader who can devour thousands of pages of text in single session, and published Author, who enjoys travel, for sharing this unusual experience of the Christmas Spirit on the streets of Germany.

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Are you ready for the crisp aroma of Glühwein while exploring these German tastes and festivities?  Contact us to help you plan your own.

Let's go! ~ The Fun Tour Guru
 

Thank you to the German National Tourist Board for permission to use these fun images from their excellent photographers for the German Christmas Markets.