German Christmas Markets
 

I am heading to Mainz Germany in either Nov or Dec. The only draw I have to Dec are the Christmas markets. I have heard they are great but are they worth me going when the weather may be colder? I know this is all a personal opinion, but any one who has been to one, please tell me your thoughts.

James, get a hot Gluewein, when you're cold and have fun!<BR><BR>It has to be cold during Christmas markets, otherwise they are no real Xmas markets!

... that should be 'Gluehwein'.

My mother and two sisters went to the Christmas markets in Germany a few years ago. They had a wonderful time, and brought back some real treasures. They all say it was worth the cold, even the sister who was six months pregnant at the time. With virtually everything closed on a Sunday, they took a train ride just to see the countryside and be warm!

Definatley go!!! Germany is awesome at Christmas time and would be worth it! Brave the cold and go!

I second the previous poster: Definitely go! It's a full sensory assault!<BR><BR>It was freezing when I was there last year, but the gluehwein works wonders from the first sip (and what's not in your belly serves a a great hand-warmer) and I found all the colors, lights and sounds to be distracting enough that I honestly forgot about the cold.<BR><BR>If you enjoy being transported into a one-of-a-kind, fairytale-like atmosphere you won't be disappointed.<BR><BR>I am planning a second trip this year to introduce my husband to the wonders of this uniquely German-Austrian institution. See you there!

Hi,<BR><BR>we went to the markets in Bonn and COlogne last year and we're going back this year to Aachen and Cologne.<BR><BR>Of course it's cold! It's winter!!!<BR><BR>Plenty of gluhwein, a plate of kraut und wurst and you won't feel a things.

Hi, James, are you from warm country - e.g. Caribbean, equatorial Africa? If so, the chill may hit you worse than others. It's really really cold, especially in small towns during December and probably cold in November as well but with less beautiful fantasyland wintry snowy countryside - BUT as all these folks are telling you - and bringing back such wonderful memories and sensations - you will love the markets, the lights, the toys, the incredible fantastic holiday decorations, the bratwurst, the bread, the kartoffelzuppen, the GLUHWEIN, gingerbread, waffly things with all sorts of toppings - good grief, do you want company? Just remember to have cash - many vendors don't take credit cards or travelers checks. Have fun - the Germans are really nice and their markets are delightful.

James!<BR><BR>What do you want Christmas in July! Go, Go and one more time Go again! It is a wonderful experience! The weather will be wonderfully cold! Layer up like you are going skiing. gloves and hat and you will be fine! Gluewien and my other favorite insulater, Stroh's Austrian Rum! Yummy!!!!<BR>JOHN

Stutgart has the largest and, in my opinion, the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany - even more attractive than Nuremberg or Munich. It's located on the Market Square and around the old castle. James, it's worth taking the trip south.

Hi James: I went to the Xmas markets in Munich & Innsbruck (Austria). Each had live entertainment every night. Also roasted chestnuts, potato pancakes, and lots of other good, hot food. In Munich, the department stores had animated toy displays. Of course, there was the obligatory Peruvian music, too. And if you get cold or tired, you can always go into a church.

Thanks for all the replys. It seems like a great time. One further questions:is ski places open in early Dec in Bavaria? Thanks

James:<BR><BR>Head to Garmish. Christmas Markets, although not the best (small in comparison) has the great alpine scenery and Skiing!! Stop off at the Frauendorfer for a fun dinner night!<BR>JOHN

James will be in Mainz though. Do they have a nice Christmas Market?

James, <BR>As far as Christmas Markets are concerned, the colder, the better. Just Get a hot gluehwein, bundle up and enjoy. Make sure you go in the evening, when all the trees are lit. The market in Stuttgart is the best. Make sure to head into the court yard of the "Alte Schloss" (old castle), and enjoy the Christmas Music presentations (free). Wish I could go....

I have been to both the Munchen and Frankfurt Christmas Markts and they are totally worth seeing! They are what make Christmas special. Of course it is cold, but that makes it all the more memorable. Drink some hot, red "gluhwein" and eat some toasted chestnuts ("marone") and you will thoroughly enjoy yourself. Pick up some hand-carved Nutcrakers and wooden ornaments from the many crafts booths for fantastic souvenirs. Enjoy yourself and be merry!

One of the great delights of my life has been to go to Germany in December for the Christmas markets. I have gone several years, each year saying, maybe I won't go next year, but then I can't bear not going, so once again in 2002 you'll find me there. The cold just makes it better! I give my greatest endorsement! I just wish I had a group of friends to go with me. It would be a great &quot;girls&quot; vacation. I see a lot of such travelers, often speaking English or American. It's a wonderful experience!

We have done the Christmas markets about 7 times. Did them again last year.<BR><BR>Regarding the weather: You never know. We have been in freezing cold but we have also been in very nice fall weather. It just depends. For the markets, we really prefer the cold and the snow. Heidelberg in 1998 was fantastic with the largest snowflakes we had ever seen. <BR><BR>I always take some long johns and they work great. You can wear em or not, depending on the weather. You will also quickly find out why Lederhosen are so popular in the winter when you look at your pants after being in the snow.<BR><BR>Gluwein: One thing the Germans do is to produce a special mug for each Christmas fair. You pay for the mug when you buy your first drink. If you want to keep the mug, you can. If not, you turn it in and get your mug money back. Saves a lot of trash that way. We brought one back from each fair last year...Munich, Rothenburg, Innsbruck, etc.<BR><BR>Try to go online to see when the official opening ceremonies are to be held. They all have them and you need to attend if possible. We were at Mainz in 1991 and it is a nice fair. If you can get to Rothenburg, do so. The entire town looks like Christmas all year anyway.<BR><BR>Now you have me looking at plane schedules again. have a great trip!

A PS to my other posting - if you go to Stuttgart, then you can also take an hour's drive to Tuebingen, an old university town with a fairy-tale Christmas market.<BR>Wherever you go, as well as all the goodies mentioned, don't forget to stock up on painted wooden ornaments, glittery tinsel, silver balls, carved figures, unusual toys.......<BR>And don't forget that Germany &quot;invented&quot; Christmas as we know it. Queen Victoria's German husband introduced the Christmas tree to England and then to the rest of the world.<BR>Wrap up warm. There's nothing wrong with the weather if you've got the right clothes.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Don't forget to buy a pickle ornament and learn the story behind the pickle........

What is gluehwein?<BR><BR>

I'm writing this after having just come back from my German friend's place where we sat and drank Gluhwein for the evening. BTW, the German spelling is GLUHWEIN with the two little dots above the U making it an &quot;oo&quot; sound. They make theirs with red wine, star anise, cinnamon sticks, sliced oranges and sugar. They warm it slowly in a pot on the stove until the scent pervades the whole house, then sit with friends and drink from mugs. Just one more of the wonderful things about Germany. The Christmas markets here are wonderful and we try to go to at least five or six a year (usually several of the smaller ones included). You just can't beat the bratwurst either!

I second the recommendations for Stuttgart. Must be seen to be believed.<BR><BR>Linda,the two dots over a,o,u are called an &quot;umlaut&quot; and for non-German keyboards, you have to type an e as in Gluehwein, for it to be correctly pronounced in German.

Message: jjg Thanks for the spelling of umlaut! I knew how to say it but wasn't even going to attempt spelling it :)

Hello, I am staying in Munich and daytrip to markets in Salzburg and Nuremburg. I might do one more small market town if I feel like seeing more.<BR>Plan to use the train day pass I have read about. I would love to visit some castles but would rather do an organized tour. Does anyone know if the tours are going in winter. I will arrive Dec. 3. Thanks for your advice.

Judy -- Are you going on an organized tour or do you make all the arrangements yourself. I have wanted to do this for so long with my sister. It is too late for us this year but we have decided to go next year for sure. Any recommendations??

ttt

I happened to check this board and seen a post for German Christmas markets. I thought it really sounded like a wonderful trip. I read an article in our local auto club publication the same evening, and they offer three different tours starting November 30th to Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I thought it was really a coincidence that I just happened to read a post the same day. Now I am really intrigued with these markets. Unfortunately, I can't go this year because I recently returned from a trip to France. Hopefully, next year. Rita