Christmas is that time of the year when people go out and spend time with near and dear ones. Festivities start with the onset of December and usually last till the new year arrives. In Germany, Christmas celebrations are a mix of old and new traditions. People put up lovely Christmas trees, decorate their homes with lights, mistletoe and nativity scenes, put up a special Christmas window display, go out with friends and dine in with family.
Nuremberg Christmas Market – A 400 Years Old Tradition!
Also, a part of the tradition are Christmas markets. Christmas markets have existed for centuries and have been an integral part of the Christmas celebrations. People go market hopping with friends and family, have few drinks, enjoy the delicious food and watch the live Christmas concerts and carols. I too got a chance to visit Nuremberg’s famous Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt
Right at the Heart of the Old Town
Right at the heart of the old town of Nuremberg, is held the world famous Christkindlesmarkt. It is a ritual that boasts of more than 400 years of tradition. The market has evolved through the centuries and this can be both seen and felt at the booths here. Christkindlesmarkt caters to the tastes and choices of people of all age groups. There is always something to take away.
Nuremberg Kinderweihnacht
Just around the corner is the Nuremberg Children’s Christmas Market. The place is just like a dreamland. There is a two-tiered Christmas carousel, mini Ferris wheel and a toy train. The Nuremberg Christmas angel visits the market on alternate days in a week and the children get to have free rides on the carousel. There also always a dressed-up Santa Claus whom kids adore and make wishes to. There are stalls that invite children for handicraft activities like baking, candle making and more.
Food and Beverage in ChristkindlesMarkt
A major attraction and revenue generator for Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is food, delicious and traditional, from different regions of Germany. The irresistible aroma of food and beverages linger in the crisp winter air and make your stomach rumble!
Rostbratwurst
Nuremberg Rostbratwurst is popularly served as Drei im Weggla or three-in-a-bun. Three grilled Nuremberg sausages are served inside a split bun with a choice of sauces like mustard, horse radish or ketchup. Traditional char grilled sausages are quite popular among the market goers and are an absolute must-try.
Glühwein
Glühwein or the Spirit of Christmas is fruit wine mixed with traditional gingerbread spices. The specialty of this wine is the spicy aroma that oozes out of it. Adding to it’s uniqueness is that it is served hot. There are other drinks to go with your food, like traditionally brewed beer, non-alcoholic kinder punch and eier punch for kids.
Heisse Marroni
One can easily spot the stalls by looking at the signs “Heisse Marroni” or by listening to the sellers shouting in a very dramatic way “Heiiisseee Marrrrronnniii“. The firewood roasted Chestnuts have a mildly sweet and deliciously smoky taste.
Gebrannte Mandeln
When a sugary, nutty aroma catches your attention, have no doubts. It’s Gebrannte Mandeln calling you! This Deutschland delicacy refers to candied or caramelized, roasted almonds. A wide variety of other nuts is also available, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pecans, macadamia, walnuts, cashew nuts, and peanuts.
Gingerbread
Lebkuchen or the German Gingerbread is made of flour, ground nuts, almonds or hazel nuts, honey, ginger root and spices of Christmas like cinnamon, nutmeg etc. This delicacy is an unmissable participant during German festivities like Weihnachten or Christmas.
Choco Fruits
Chocolate dipped fruits or fruit skewers are a must-have in Christmas market. Prepared fresh at the spot and sometimes with toppings, these definitely are a healthy and delicious dessert.
Christmas Souvenirs
For sure, you can find a lot of souvenirs at the Christkindlesmarkt. Christmas decoratives, toys, candles, porcelain and ceramic cutlery, handmade soaps and bath salts of exotic aromas and many other things to buy and gift during the festive season.
Prune Men
Zwetschgenmännle or the Prune men have been constantly sold at the Christkindlesmarkt for decades. The prune men can be seen in as many as 350 different avatars: bride and groom, guitarists, pianists, cooks and waiters, pastors, devil and more!
Decorative Danglers
A variety of beautiful Christmas ornaments and danglers for your pine trees, of wood or ceramic is sold here. You can also buy yourself some danglers to grace your living or bedroom.
Lamps and Lights
Colorful Christmas stars or lights can be bought here. Usually, these are hung in the balconies or near window displays of German homes.
Showpieces
You can get some beautiful showpieces like themed snow globes or ceramic figures at beautiful prices, that can be gifted to your near and dear ones.
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are quite famous here. Do visit Käthe Wohlfahrt outlet at the central market. They are specialists in Christmas decoratives.
You Seem to Lose Track of Time!
One can spend endless time here, hopping from booth to booth that have attractive items for sale, many of which are not available outside the market. With a mug of hot mulled wine in hand and a sausage burger in the other and the tune of silent night or joy to the world playing in the background, one can stroll along the festively lit lanes and discover the true Nuremberg.
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