The Real Beth R.

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, which usually begin the last week of November and continue until two days before Christmas. In each city, there are several smaller markets organized by specific groups like neighbors or the fire department, while the larger and main markets are organized by the city. A Christmas market is essentially a market for Christmas-themed goods. These markets feature wooden huts, twinkling lights, local food, and various Christmas trinkets. The hot wine, also known as Glühwein, is a highlight of these markets and is sold at different huts at different prices and with different tastes. Each Christmas market also has unique local food for sale. For example, Rostock’s Christmas market sells currywurst, which is unique to Rostock. Other markets throughout Germany may sell it as well, but each city may have its own recipe.

On our first day in Germany, which was believed to be the 2nd of December, we decided to visit the Christmas market in the evening. This was our first Christmas market experience as a little family. As soon as we arrived, I noticed the cold and brightness of the place. The first thing that caught my attention was a big Ferris wheel with bright lights, along with other big rides.

As we walked into the market, my boyfriend and his father played a mini soccer game, and I received a little soccer boy key chain from it. They also played a typical shooting game that you’d find at a fair, and I received a little teddy bear from it. Seeing my husband having fun with his family in the snow made me feel so happy and grateful. It was almost like a scene from a movie, with the snow falling gently and the lights and excitement around us making the cold bearable.

We didn’t stay at the market for long that night. We walked towards Main Street and entered the mall. It was our first time shopping with his parents, so we looked around for a bit. After that, we walked down the street next to the mall towards a stall that sold Currywurst, a traditional German sausage dish. We bought some, and I have to say, it was delicious. I was starving, so I was able to finish it all.

After eating, we went to get Glühwein, a popular drink to try at Christmas markets. It’s a warm wine that heats you from the inside, making it perfect for a cold evening. Personally, I tend to get warm when I drink any form of alcohol, so one cup of Glühwein was enough for me since I am a lightweight. After we finished our drinks, we continued to walk around and explore more of the market.

Before leaving, the last thing we did was to go to the grocery store. I always enjoy visiting the grocery store in Germany because everything is so systematically arranged and different from what I am used to. For instance, eggs are not stored in fridges and the products are available in smaller quantities. When I am shopping in the grocery stores with my husband I always like to look for products that are available in the States as well as those that are exclusive to Germany. The most astonishing aspect is that the price displayed on the shelf is the final price.

Overall, it was a delightful experience spending time with my husband and his family at a Christmas market. This was the first time we went out together as a family, and it was truly special. The food was amazing, although I didn’t get to try much. There were plenty of sweets to indulge in, such as churros, crepes, Mutzen, and many more. For me, the highlight was the gluwien, which we sipped from little mugs with unique designs for the year 2023. We were even able to take the mugs home as souvenirs.

Moreover, the Christmas market is an excellent place to spend time with your family and do some holiday shopping. I was able to buy many gifts for my loved ones here. There is a great variety of ornaments at different stalls to choose from for your Christmas tree. Overall, I highly recommend visiting a Christmas market in Germany at least once. However, keep in mind that it can get super crowded during the last few days.