Figure 1.-- These Berlin German school children (about 10 years old) are eating cotton candy at the city Christmas Fair. The boys are wearing their school caps and have on short trousers with black long stockings. We don't know the exact date, but we suspect that this swas about 1930. The Christmas fair was an annual event in Berlin and other German cities.

German Christmas markets evoke a wonderful seasinal atmosphere. A German reader tells us, "Special Christmas markets in Germany are rather pretty. They are made like a little village of small huts and lots of Christmas trees and very many decorations and lights. You can buy things related to Christmas and presents. You can eat and drink Christmas market typical stuff (very delicious), sometimes there is music, some attractions for children, ... You can find them everywhere in Germany. Some people travel through different towns to see as much Christmas markets as possible. Tourists planning to visit Germany during December should visit one of these Christmas markets." We see these markets in other European countries as well, including Italy. Historic Christmas markets can be found in cities, towns, and villages throughout Germany. And they appear to be becoming increasingly popular. The Christmas fairs and markets are unique. Many of the markets held in other countries were inspired by the German tradition. The unique aspect of these markets is that they offer a variety of gifts that are arisan craftwork of varying quality and not mass produced. The merchants offer all kinds of traditional items. One of the most popular items is crib figurines--but never plastic. We also see a variety of toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles, lambskin shoes, and much more. And there are a range ofv traditional treats. Shoppers can fortify themselves with a glass of mulled wine you may be offered. Other treats incluse baked apples, chessnuts, grilled sausages, and much more. These aromas of course add to the ambiance. And there all kinds of sweet treats for the children, including gingerbread (Lebkuchen), marzipan, cotton candy, and other sweet attractions.

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Created: 10:42 AM 8/18/2011
Last updated: 10:42 AM 8/18/2011