Christmas Markets

Aachen's Cathedral - we'll have to go back to see the inside. 

The stalls around the church.  They weren't open yet as we were early.

Note the huge blow-up gingerbread!  Aachen is famous for their gingerbread.

Look closely and you'll see us walking in the crowd after buying some gingerbread.

Oh, so patient!

Germany is famous for their Christmas markets.  We're lucky to live near at least 15 or 20 markets within an hour of our house.  Most German towns have a market.  Some are just for a weekend, but most run the entire Advent Season.  Some markets are known for something particular, but many have similar items for sale.    Usually you'll find booths selling wooden handwork, toys, candles, ornaments, knit hats and scarves, bratwurst, soup, fresh waffles, crepes, potato cakes, gingerbread, and Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine).  I've really enjoyed soaking up the holiday spirit checking out as many markets as I can:)  Here are some pictures of a few of them.

Xanten, a quaint walled city

I took the train to Cologne with some friends while the boys were in school.  This is what greets you when you walk out of the station!

Amazing Koln Cathedral

The market was by the cathedral.  Pretty cool!

Some German for you:)  The bottom line says "Christmas Market Koln City Center."

They also had characters blowing bubbles from the roof tops.

Dear Kaleb, such a trooper.  Sleeps anywhere.

"Merry Christmas" in Koln.

 

Dortmund - famous for the largest tree!  Created with 1,700 individual trees to stand 45 meters tall.

  It was taller than the tall buildings around it.

Stalls around the tree in Dortmund.

More stalls in another section of Dortmund.

Lots of people enjoying the beautiful weather!

Buying a German hot dog - wasn't what the boys expected:)

Walking in the crowds of Dortmund, keeping track of everyone!

We have a few more markets we'd like to visit.  We'll see if the weather cooperates.  For now, Frohe Weihnachten!  Merry Christmas!