"Weihnachten" (Christmas) in Germany!

It's definitely hard being away from friends and family during the holidays, and we have found the only way to make it better is to travel.  =)  And there is nothing like Christmas in Germany!  We explored the German Christmas Markets last year and knew we had to return to see them again (see last year's blog).  This time, our friends Emily and Jon joined us for the Christmas Market adventure through Bavaria, and once again, the markets didn't disappoint! 

Brian and I with Emily and Jon on our Christmas Market road trip

First, it should be noted that although Brian and I went to the same area last year on the same weekend, we didn't see any snow.  This year, there was a TON of snow on the ground everywhere we went, and the snow snowers made appearances quite a few times while we were there. 

Brian loved the "icicles on icicles"  =)

We started off in Augsburg where we enjoyed our first Gluhwein (hot mulled wine) and had sauerkrat and spatzle for lunch.  We also brought in a little culture by seeing the "Golden Room" of the city's Town Hall, which also had the added bonus of overlooking the beautiful Christmas Market.  We then headed over to the small town of Dinkelsbuhl, which I love visiting simply because of the name.  =)  Afterwards, we made our way to Rothenburg ob der Tauber where we were staying for the night.  Rothenburg is considered the quintessential Christmas Market town, and it definitely lives up to that.  The town is large, but quaint, and the Christmas decorations are stunning.  It's also home to the official Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store, which puts on a beautiful Christmas display and sells thousands of Christmas ornaments and other decorations.

Overlooking the Augsburg Christmas Market

Brian with his first Gluhwein of the 2010 season

Walking along the Medieval walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Our next stop was Bamberg, which was honestly a bit of a disappointment, not because it didn't have a great Christmas market, but simply because of its size.  This was more of a "big city," which makes walking around and especially parking more complicated and takes away some of the quaintness we love about German Christmas Markets.  We actually found out later that the night we went was ESPECIALLY crowded because it was the "Einkaufsnacht" or "Shopping Night" when all of the stores stayed open late. 

Our cute B&B outside of Bamberg (check out all the snow!)

Our final stop was Nuremberg, home to arguably the most famous Christmas market.  We started the day off with a bit of culture by going to the Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände (try saying that one without breathing in between!).  For those who don't speak German, this is the Document Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds.  Nuremberg is of course famous for the Nuremberg trials after WWII, and it was very insightful to wander through this building and learn more about the history of this time.

Having some fun with the audio guides!  =)

We then made our way to our final Christmas Market in Nuremberg.  It actually started snowing while we were wandering through the 180 little stalls, which made it all the more beautiful! 

Emily and Jon at the Nuremberg Christmas Market

Germany holds a special place in my heart, and there is nothing like Christmas-time there.  The Christmas Markets represent everything I love about Christmas - wandering around admiring beautiful decorations and getting warm Gluhwein or Apple Cider with friends and family.  If you want to go somewhere extra special at Christmas-time, this is it.  For now though, Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Perfect Christmas scene in Germany