Weinachtsmarkt

German Christmas markets are known for their celebration of all things Christmas -- food, decorations, toys, drink, gifts.  Aboard the MS Aurelia, we sailed from city to city experiencing Christmas markets in sunshine, rain, and darkness.  For ambiance, it is much better to go at night as the place is ablaze with lights, but then, it is usually very crowded and so, go during the day. 

You can eat and drink any time of the day.  Gluhwein comes in red, rose and white, with more or less spice and sugar.  You pay a deposit on the cup and you can return it anywhere at the market.  And there are lots of food specialities-- reibekuchen (potato pancakes), sausages of all kinds, gingerbread, roasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, etc. 

The ornaments range from tacky to fabulous.  Creches come in all shapes and sizes including a whole variety of accessories -- hey, Bethlehem needed chopped wood, a well, etc.

And there are toys -- wooden, metal, paper, cloth, etc.  You can pick up any cookie cutter you can imagine.

So, that's a check off the "I would like to see/do" list.  I don't think I am at the bucket list stage yet.