Something I’ve heard a lot about in my previous visits to Germany, but never got to experience before, is the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market). This literally translates to ‘Christ child market”. These markets pop up all over Germany and other parts of Europe in late November and run until a few days before Christmas. Since I’ve never been to Germany in the wintertime before, I got to experience this famous attraction for the first time this month. Berlin alone has nearly one-hundred of these markets which range in size and type. The largest ones can take up an entire plaza and span several streets. Some markets last the entire month, whereas others pop-up for one weekend only. Some markets are themed, for example I went to a Polish Christmas market in Potsdam, and others are more traditional ‘German style’.
Christmas markets generally consist of several vendors who sell food, drinks, desserts, clothes, crafts, and artwork. There is usually a central stage, which showcases local choirs and musicians, or sometimes has theatrical performances. People come to experience the market's atmosphere or find unique and handmade items to gift their loved ones. The larger markets also offer ice-skating rinks, Ferris wheels and other attractions.
