Yes, it’s that time of the year again – the Christmas Markets have opened in many towns and cities across Germany this week.
Here are some of the links to articles that have appeared on this site in previous years, about the Christmas Markets that I have visited in the past:
… and some vocabulary that make come in useful if you visit a German Christmas Market …
… and a podcast in English about Christmas in Germany
Last weekend Oberursel held its Christmas Market or Weihnachtsmarkt. It is a Christmas Market that I generally enjoy going to for a number of reasons. Firstly I can go by train and enjoy a Glühwein, and the prices are also reasonable compared to some of the other markets in the area.
My only complaint is that it is so early in Advent, that for the past few years it usually rained.
Not this year though. With temperatures around 0°C there was snow on the ground and a crisp chill in the air, making the Glühwein much more appropriate. I believe the number of stalls had increased, too. So many, in fact, that the local newspaper had a map in it with them all on. In the town centre there were apparently 121 stalls!. (That’s approximately one stall for every 350 residents). [Read more…]
Glühwein is wine that has been spiced and heated up – although not boiled! It is drunk in winter during advent and as such is strongly associated with Christmas in Germany.
The main spices used are cinnamon, cloves, lemon and aniseed and both red and white wine can be used, although red wine is more common at the markets. It is also available ready-to-drink in bottles and cartons at supermarkets.
In English it is known as mulled wine.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
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