Christmas Markets:  one of the things that Germany does best!

Fortunately for me, I stayed in Germany just long enough to see the opening of its Weihnachtsmarkts during my last week there. 

These markets are as much for shopping as they are for hanging out:  there are rides and activities for children, with Glühwein and traditional foods for adults.  I visited the markets in Lübeck, Hamburg and four separate markets in Berlin.  My casual analysis is: the smaller the town is, the more charming its market!

Lübeck’s market was set up in front of it’s Rathaus in the town square and could not have been more adorable.  Hamburg’s market was the best for shopping with vendors from all the surrounding provinces.  Berlin’s markets ranged from the super-posh Gendarmenmarkt with its high-end vendors and ongoing stage shows to the tacky Alexanderplatz market, while at Marienkirche there is an ice rink, ferris wheel, pony rides, and lots of room for people to hang out, eating and drink for hours on end.  In every city there was a great feeling of making merry and taking time to meet with friends and family.