I Love Christmas Markets

It's true.  I can't get enough of these things.  Much like the the art fairs throughout summertime in Michigan, German Christmas Markets are bunches of little stalls selling all sorts of things like jewelery, ornaments, clothing, toys, Christmas decorations, and my personal favorite-Gluhwein!

There is absolutely nothing better to do in December than visit one of the many Christmas Markets that pop up all over the country, sometimes just for a weekend and sometimes for a full month.  I really mean it, there is NOTHING better to do, since you can't ski anywhere nearby and the weather is gray and icky.  So what better to do than shop and drink lots and lots of hot wine?  Even better, go to Wiesbaden where they have hot apple cider with Amaretto in it!  I love wandering around the stalls with friends, shopping or just looking and soaking in the Christmas spirit.  The atmosphere is so cozy and warm, even if the weather isn't.  The markets are especially beautiful at night, and according to the locals Jason works with, some of them are like bar scenes, or at least where you'd go on a date.  But basically, what's not to like?  It is amazing how many people are at these things at all times of the day and drinking Gluhwein the entire day. 

My pics of the markets never seem to turn out, so here's a link where you can see what I'm talking about:
http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1T4TSEH_en___CH372&q=german+christmas+markets&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=ouQHTdX3IYmZhQfkwa1S&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CEUQsAQwAw&biw=1579&bih=659

This year, I've made it to Christmas Markets in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Kronberg, Mainz, and even one in Prague.  Every little town has one too, but the bigger ones are the best.  I've bought bunches of  things like mittens, ornaments and decorations, including a small smoker and nutcracker.  I thought that would satisfy me, but I have Nutcracker Envy.  A few of my friends have gone to Seifen, Germany where the nutcrackers and smokers and such are manufactured.  Apparently, the goods are 20-30% cheaper there and all year round.  I have decided I need a whole army of nutcrackers and at least one BIG one.  I also want a big German smoker guy who can sit on my mantle. I can't quite bring myself to spend the money on one at a Market, but this factory outlet deal sounds good to me.  I think I'll be adding a stop to Seifen on my way to Poland to stock up on Polish Pottery this spring.  But that will be another shopping story!