Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) in Nürnberg, Germany

Last December I visited my brother Ralph in Germany.  He was stationed there, with the Army, for two years and suggested that I visit during the Christmas season.  I am so glad for that suggestion.  As we enter into this year’s Christmas season I find myself drooling over the memories of Germany one year ago. 

My father, in particular, decked the halls of our childhood home with glass ornaments made in Germany and provided gourmet treats imported from Germany.  Our German heritage and the glory of Christmas festivities were pleasantly pressed into our upbringing.  Our father passed away ten years ago, and my brother thought I would thoroughly enjoy a Christmas in Germany.  He was beyond correct. 

In general, Germany is beautifully decorated for Christmas.  Real pine boughs are draped throughout towns.  Warm lights are aglow in the winter evenings.  Germany is truly a wonderland. 

The Christkindlesmarkt is within walking distance of the train station in Nurnberg.  

One of the things my brother thought I would enjoy was the Christmas Markets (Christkindlesmarkt).  We set out by train from Vilseck to Nuremberg.  We had a hearty supper a few blocks from the Christkindlesmarkt.  I don’t recommend stuffing your belly full of dinner before going to the market.  There are plenty of holiday treats to sample at the Christkindlesmarkt.  Among my personal favorites are the roasted chestnuts.  Oh, so good. 

Roasted chestnuts, yum.

These chocolates are works of art.  

I also recommend getting the glühwein, which is hot, mulled wine.  You purchase a ceramic mug and wine at your first stop.  When you are ready for more, you exchange your used mug for a clean mug and more wine.  At the end of the evening, you take your mug home with you. 

My brother Ralph and I enjoyed sipping gluehwein (mulled wine) during our stroll through the Christmas Market.  

There is plenty to see at the Christkindlesmarkt.  Handmade ornaments, all sorts of gifts and treats.  Everything is intricately decorated.  There are carolers and musicians playing classic hymns.  It is a delight.  Though I had never experienced anything like the Christkindlesmarkt, a warm nostalgia swept over me.  We visited other Christmas markets while I visited my brother last year.  I would definitely like to return and highly recommend checking Christkindlesmarkt out for yourself.

There are many unique, handmade gifts and treats to peruse throughout the Christmas Markets in Germany.

After the Christmas Market, we walked around Nurnberg.