Christkindlesmarkts in Germany

Posted by TravelKorner on December 24, 2013 in Destination - Germany, English | Leave a comment

The Weihnachtmarkt in Heidelberg was like walking through a movie set with stalls of crafts, and candies, as well as wursts of many kinds to feed the thousands that attend. The enticing smell of glühwein, more aptly fortified with rum or schnapps, is accompanied with gingerbread to assist patrons soak the alcohol fort hat second round with their eyes all a-glow.

Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmarkt, Marché de Noël, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and Weihnachtsmarkt, are street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, North Italy and many French regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, Savoy, but are now being held in many other countries.

The history of Christmas markets dates back to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire that includes many eastern region of France and Switzerland. While the Munich first mentioned in 1310, the Vienna “December market” was the forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294.

In many towns in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Weihnachtsmarkt, which is generally held in the town square and adjacent pedestrian zones. But, now it’s Christmas Eve, this little towns of wood that will shone in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town that turn it into a “Christmas City” with over 80 market stands – all decorated for Christmas is gone a quickly as it set-up. The city settles in for the experience Silvester!

Merry Christmas to all from TravelKorner!