With Christmas fast approaching let’s dive right into the joys of advent and Christmas season! Last year, I went to Nürnberg to the famous Christkindl Christmas Market, this year it is time to visit Esslingen in the Southwest of Germany. They have a medieval themed Christmas market, fitting the architecture of the old town.
A castle sits on a hill overlooking town, the reward for climbing the stairs is a brass ensemble blasting Christmas songs and of course, the view of Esslingen with its snowcapped colorful houses.
part of the castle in Esslingen
first snow this season
view from the castle
medieval architecture
town hall in beautiful lighting
There is no missing the Christmas market spread all across old town. There is a more general section at the town square and themed sections with people dressed up in medieval gear selling “medieval” produce. They even have a mechanical big wheel and hand-operated swing carousel for the kids.
performer at the Christmas market
hot chocolate break inside
Mulled wine or some non-alcoholic punch is obviously the best way to combat the cold, as is the great food offered at the market.
oven roasted bread topped with jogurt and tomatoes
A Christmas pyramid is quite traditional on a family’s Christmas table. The hot air from the candles hit the wooden fan on top of the pyramid and send the figures inside the pyramid spinning. This giant one is electrical, of course.
giant Christmas pyramid
it gets dark so early! – Christmas market in Stuttgart
December 1st – 2nd 2017