A
Christmas market, also known as
Christkindlmarkt (literally: Baby Jesus
Market),
Christkindlesmarkt,
Christkindlmarket,
Christkindlimarkt, and
Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of
Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in
Germany
but are now being held in many other countries. The history of Christmas
markets goes 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 regions of France. The Christmas markets of Bautzen were first held in
1384.
Dresden's S
triezelmarkt was first held in 1434. Frankfurt was first
mentioned in 1393, Munich in 1310, and Augsburg in 1498. In Austria, Vienna's
"December market" can be considered a forerunner of Christmas markets
and dates back to 1298.
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Zwetschgenmännle |
In many
towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with
the opening of the Christmas market or "Weihnachtsmarkt". In southern
Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is called a
"Christkind(e)l(s)(i)markt" (German language, literally meaning
"Christ child market"). Traditionally held in the town square, the
market has food, drink and seasonal items from open-air stalls accompanied by
traditional singing and dancing. On opening night at the Christkindlesmarkt in
Nuremberg, and in some other towns, onlookers welcome the
"Christkind" (originally boy Jesus, but often depicted as an
angel-like girl), acted out by a local child.
Attractions
and stalls
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Gebrannte Mandeln |
Popular
attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib),
Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), Nussknacker (carved
Nutcrackers), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds), traditional
Christmas cookies such as Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both forms of soft
gingerbread), Bratwurst, and for many visitors one of the highlights of the
market: Glühwein, hot mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy), or
Eierpunsch (an egg-based warm alcoholic drink). Both help stave off the cold
winter air which sometimes dips below freezing. More regional food specialties
include Christstollen (Stollen), a sort of bread with candied fruit in Saxony,
and hot Apfelwein and Frankfurter Bethmännchen in Hesse.
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