The streets of this market square are all decked out in a tradition born nearly 700 years ago. Weihnachtsmarkte or Christkindlmarkte (Christmas markets, if you prefer less of a mouthful), take place around the world, but they originated in Germany as a celebratory way to observe Advent, the Christian season leading up to Christmas Eve. These markets are generally open-air affairs where everything is decorated, including the trees (called Tannenbaums in German if they"re firs). People shop from local artisans who sell their handmade wares in small wooden chalets. Then it"s off to eat traditional foods—roasted almonds, pastries, and biscuits—and sip on warm mulled wine.
It’s Weihnachtsmarkt time!
Today in History
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Independence Day
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Caribou on the move
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Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
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Installation art turns heads
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The view will stop you in your tracks
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A wonderland in winter
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Flamingos of the Chilean desert
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Frankenstein Friday
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An ancient sailing tradition takes to the water
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Christmas tree at Crystal Pier, San Diego, California
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World Reef Awareness Day
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Everyone s watching the Perseids
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Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds, England
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Hohenzollern Castle near Stuttgart, Germany
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Trevi in bloom
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Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
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Castle Day Japan
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Blue paradise on the Costa Brava
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A monastery in the mountain
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Come out of your shell for World Turtle Day
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Salt evaporation ponds on the island of Gozo, Malta
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

