Almost every larger city will have its own market (for example Stuttgart) and even the small cities will have a traveling market (Feuerbach). Some cities have a themed market representing a time period (Esslingen), while some have specialty areas, like handmade items (Regensburg).
Regensburg was the first Christmas market we visited. This market sits in the middle of this amazingly quaint town. Nestled between traditional Bavarian buildings you find your vendors, selling Gulhwein and sausage (each city in Bavaria has their own special sausage). Regensburg's market is divided up into 3 separate areas; each area embodies the vendors nicely. The main plaza houses the vendors selling fired glass, wooden toys, and ornaments by the dozens! It is ringed by the larger department stores, and public spaces, and overlooks the Dome. The handmade market is in a plaza surrounded by bookstores, and coffee shops it also has a large open area for the fire sculptures. The final area of the market is filled with food, games, even a puppet show and a lovely place to buy a tree!
Next we visited the rather large Stuttgart market. This market is a tourist hub! At even given moment you can find 3 to 4 countries represented at a stand. This market begins on the main passage in downtown Stuttgart and stretches over the streets to cover almost 1k of vendors. It is amazing. As you weave through the games, trains, and rides on the main passage you than make your way to the first vendors and a temporary ice skating rink! Here the vendors begin with a kid favorite...Dipping candles! You take a white candle and dip it into wax to create a colorful child made creation! Such great fun for only a couple Euros! As the market snakes through the streets you find toys, and advent wreaths; you might see a nativity scene or a smoking man (incense burning clay sculpture). Further into the market comes the smells of food roasted fish, roasted chestnuts, candy, gulhwein, kinder punch, and sausage! When you arrive to the back of the market you find yourself starring at a large advent calendar in the windows of the main building. It is a lovely area filled with magic, Christmas joy, and anticipation for the season!
The next day we visited the Esslingen market, a medieval market. Described as "The medieval stands of the traditionally dressed craftsmen present calligraphy, leathery, silver jeweler, dyer’s trade and a lot more." This market is an experience to say the least! The lively characters in full attire that work each booth, the flags, banners, and music! The amazing craftsmanship of the items, and the one of a kind children’s games make for a fun time! Even the food in Esslingen comes with its own flare; Hemp bread, baked bread on a stick, food cooked in giant kettles, and guhlwein in terracotta cups! The atmosphere of this market is also one of a kind...The town is built around the Neckar river and consist of some of the loveliest half-timbered houses (traditional German style) and narrow streets! When you visit this market you just feel whisked away to some place far away!
On Monday I had the privilege of going with some friends to visit the Ludwigsburg to visit what is called a “Baroque “Christmas market. This market is what I would describe as a midsize market! I would say that it had 150 or so vendors. This market is entirely placed in the towns market square adjacent to the main pedestrian shopping area. The market is flanked by giant metal angels that light up the evening skies. While the market isn’t as large as Stuttgart’s it still has a large variety of ornaments, hats, houses, and wooden art. It also had a couple specialty items like homemade liquor, and lovely garden pieces (great birdhouses).
Having been to a few markets now, I can clearly say I have discovered a few favorites! First, the cups! When you get your Gulhwein, hot coco, or Irish whiskey it comes in the cutest cup. You pay a pfund on your cup usually 2-3 Euros’ so in a sense the vendor is charging you for the cup. So, in many circle you will find people that collect the cups!
Next, I am in love with the food! It is amazing, ample, and affordable! We have tried to share everything so that we can keep eating more and more! Finally, the items that are made locally. You really do have to double check! However, when you find one the craftsmanship, detail is mind blowing! Fabulous wooden sculpture, tiny little carvings, and glass ornaments!
This weekend we are off and ready to explore another market!
Maybe get another cup!
You've been busy!! I love the variety of Markts you've seen and the collection of mugs you've acquired. Germany is amazing during most seasons, but I think Christmas is the best!
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