Christmas Market in Germany 2011

Christmas market in Europe is a tradition that has been there for hundreds of years. Last 2011, I had the opportunity to go to Dusseldorf, Aachen, and Monschau's Christmas market. It is one of the events packed with people and if you live in Europe, you know this seldom happens. In Manila, you would find Christmas markets too but these are often shops that sells cheaper gift items located in big halls or convention centers. So, how are Christmas markets in Europe?

@ Dusseldorf. Look at the  people!

Well, it's different stalls setup in their city center selling those that seems to be part of a Christmas tradition. So imagine, walking in the cold, in the rain or snow, just to enjoy the Christmas market. Let me tour you around...

You'll find a lot of these "Bon Bon" shops or candy shops. They sell cookies like those heart shaped ones hanging in their stalls. A variety of sweetened nuts are also offered in the store. There are also separate stalls selling castanas.

There are a number of shops that sells Christmas items including nativity stuff, ceramic Christmas houses, and wood carvings.

Christmas decorations are also being sold in other stalls.

                                             
Stalls selling candles. This stall is quite unique as there is someone making them so a lot of people would surround the stall to watch him do it. I'm not sure if someone actually buys though. I'm amazed by how pricey candles are being sold here.

This is even better. The guys actually does the glass designs himself. So cool! So no wonder they are expensive, they are not Made-In-China.

Ice Skating ring in Dusseldorf Christmas Market! Look at this kid, he is just so adorable. 

Of course, aside from the stalls selling a bunch of different cute items, there are also the FOOD Stalls! Most people  really go to the Christmas market to enjoy the food. So here is what they have...

Fried potato with apple sauce. It cost around 5 euro and they give you 3 big servings of the fried potato.  It  looks like hash brown but thicker and has a smoother consistency. It is good when dipped in apple sauce though I'm not sure how 1 person can finish the whole thing. 

Some sells raclette (grilled cheese) and dried sausages. I wasn't able to try this though I was  quite full already.

Grill Section. They sell sausages and fries. Of course, you gotta have this when you are in Germany!

That's me, trying the currwurst. Not that good considering I'm in Germany.

The famous champignon. I still find the one in Monschau having the better tasting. They cook it in a big pan and served with a small bread together with either garlic or herb sauce. 

 Finally, the best in the Christmas market, the one where you find a lot of people standing around it. It's the hot wine. You buy it for 5 euro and they serve it in a mug. You can take the mug with you or return it back so you can get your Euro 2.50 deposit back and enjoy another hot wine. This is the secret in keeping everyone warm in the market.