Christmas Markets

We went to a Christmas market on Saturday. It seemed that the entire city was downtown, taking in the beauty of the lights and the festivities. It's been dark and cold for a while, perhaps everyone needed some good cheer to brighten up their spirits. Truly bustling, people were everywhere, swarming from the Hauptbahnhof onto the streets, taking in the sights of the season.

We ate some crepes with cherries, then stopped at a stand for hot roasted chestnuts. The line for Gluhwein was long, too long to manage with a toddler (another time). Sophie spotted the carousel and rode on the tiger and then the trolley. We saw the Nativity, a windmill with the Three Kings, and lots of Christmas trees. Then we saw a parade with Santa, the Snow Queen, and lots of life-sized gingerbread men and candy canes.

The liveliness and energy of the Christmas markets brings much joy and delight into December. Artists display beautiful (and plain) wares. The food stands are the best: sausages, potatoes, Gluhwein, sugared almonds. Colors and movement everywhere.