The Weihnachtsmarkt Experience

To some, Christmas is the most wonderful, magical time of the year. It is a period of generosity and festivity as well as a time of nippy weather and the mass consumption of hot drinks. If you find yourself fortunate enough to be in Germany during the Christmasseason, it is strongly recommended that you visit your local Christmas market, known as the Weihnachtsmarkt. This event is steeped in tradition and present all over the country, including villages and big cities. The Weihnachtsmarkt most often occurs between the end of November until 24 December, but it varies from location to location.The Weihnachtsmarkt is a total feast for the senses! Cute, rustic wooden cabins are adorned with twinkling fairy lights, tinsel and various Christmas decorations. The buzz of traditional music fills the air as you are greeted by the delicious sweet, spicy scents of heart-warming Glühhwein, crunchy gebrannte Mandeln, as well as the sugary Mutzen! If you are unfamiliar with these things, don't worry… for they will soon be explained, and will hopefully leave you with a hunger and anticipation for the Weihnachtsmarkt experience!

Glühwein is a sweet, syrupy German mulled wine. It is flavoured with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel, and is served piping hot. It is the perfect drink for cold, winter nights and it is sure to leave you feeling as though you're glowing like a Christmas bauble! Gebrannte Mandeln are roasted almonds covered in a crunchy cinnamon and sugar shell, and are delightfully addictive. Mutze are soft, chewy, fried balls of dough that are cooked with sugar and cinnamon and served fresh and hot. These treats are perfect for warming you from head to toe, as well as giving you the much-needed energy to explore your festive surroundings!

German Weihnachtsmarkts aren't just a place to eat. In addition to food and drink vendors, they have dozens of stalls that sell souvenirs! It is the perfect place to buy handmade Christmas decorations, hand-knitted scarves and novelty winter hats, guaranteed to make the perfect gift! Each and every Weihnachtsmarkt is a different experience. Depending on location, you would see different varieties of food, including local specialities as well as the vendor's own personal twist on traditional recipes. There are often music bands present, playing festive folk tunes that will no doubt get you in a jolly mood!Attending the Weihnachtsmarkt during your stay in Germany is sure to make your visit an unforgettable experience. It is perfect for families, couples, or even those who wish to explore the festivities on their own. When the Weihnachtsmarkt hits town, it's time to put on your boots and a warm scarf. Go forth and discover the magic!