Christmas in Berlin - The Christmas markets

The opportunity to spend Christmas in Berlin arose after our daughter started a six month internship there in September. She could have flown home for the holidays, but never ones to miss a chance to travel, it seemed much more sensible for us to join her and get a glimpse of how another country celebrates the holiday season.  

 

At the heart of German celebrations are the Weihnachtsmarkts (Christmas markets) which are set up at the end of November in squares and side streets all over the cities. Berlin alone has 70 such markets. Complete with chalet-style full-sized restaurants, heated outdoor bars and pristine public restrooms, it's hard to believe that these structures are only temporary and by early January will have disappeared.

Some stalls offer seasonal goods - knitted goods seem a big draw, maybe not surprisingly if you have forgotten to wrap up warmly before venturing out - while others offer the chance to fill up on bratwurst (sausage), crepes or chocolate, or indulge in Gluwein (mulled wine) with or without a little extra something. Who knew red wine and amaretto would go so well together? 

The markets attract thousands of people every day, creating a bustling but pleasant atmosphere despite the cold temperatures. Some have ice-rinks or fairground rides as added attractions. One (Potsdamer Platz) even has a tobogganing hill. Most have music, either piped in or, as in the Gendarmenmarkt which has a full-size stage in front of the Konzerthaus, live. It's amazing how standing under an outdoor heater, Gluwein in hand, listening to seasonal songs can fill you with Christmas spirit. 

 It didn't actually snow while we were in Germany, but at one of my favorite markets, in Alexander Platz, they made up for the lack of real snow by dousing visitors with the artificial stuff once in a while. It all helped add to the magic of the moment. 

In the last few years Christmas markets have sprung up in many other cities around the world, including New York. However, having already visited the one in Bryant Park before the Berlin trip,  I have to say it doesn't quite capture the spirit of the real Weihnachtsmarkts.