Monday 2 December 2013

Christmas Magic, German Christmas Market...Wiesbaden

I love a good market and I love all the traditions of Christmas so what a perfect match I have found in the German Christmas Market. We spent the weekend in Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt and had a fabulous time soaking up the atmosphere of the "Twinkling Star Christmas Market".

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

The market features the golden lilies that are on the Wiesbaden City Crest. Legend has it that 
King Chlodwig 1, descended from the oldest known royal line of Franken, the Meroewinger, 
was presented with a lily by an angel. From this time on the kings used this flower as a symbol in their crests.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

The lilies stand tall and bright over the many stalls, selling everything from hand crafted
Christmas decorations, jewellery, leather goods and much, much more.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

Of course there are many bars selling mulled wine and hot chocolate
to keep you warm. I just loved this giant Christmas decoration bar!

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

The Wiesbaden mulled wine mug has a different motive each year. This year the mug shows the 
Museum of Wiesbaden. You keep the mug your mulled wine is served in or you can return
it for a €2 refund. I may have acquired a small collection!

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

With over 130 stalls, of beautiful gift ware it's the perfect place for one stop Christmas shopping, 
with the most magical Christmas atmosphere.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

Who can resist a special German Christmas decoration..or two...or maybe three...

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

I had to return for a second day, to revel in the atmosphere once more, the picturesque Market Square
with the Market Church providing such a stunning backdrop, the twinkling lights adding to the magic.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

There is something for everyone, stalls to browse, music and choral singing, a children's railway 
and two story Christmas carousels, a large choice of delicious food on offer and 
of course the 25 meter high Christmas tree with life size wooden nativity scene.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

Sometimes it's the impromptu things that are the best. This group of students from the Ukraine
were taking photos under the Christmas Tree when they all  started singing a Christmas Carol.
They were spine tingingly good and a large crowd formed around them. 
A magical Christmas moment for all.

Twinkling Star Christmas Market, Wiesbaden.

The Twinkling Star Christmas Market in Wiesbaden is open from 26 November
to 23 December. Such a wonderful, festive atmosphere, 
I got most of my Christmas shopping done!  In the words of a friend...
No one does Christmas like the Germans!

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