Christmas Markets

One of the true joys of Germany is the holiday Christmas market.  For five months, I heard people whisper about the wonderful Christmas markets.  They were absolutely right, the Christmas markets are fantastic.  The best part about the Christmas markets isn't the shopping or the Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) or even the Feuerzangenbowle (literally "fire tongue bowl").  The food's great and there are even some rides.  No, the best part is just the general atmosphere.  Friends chatting with friends, lovers walking together holding hands, co-workers sneaking out of work early for a couple mugs of gluhwein.  The Christmas cheer permeating the market.

Small but picturesque Christmas Market in Eberheim

Eberheim

Christmas pyramid in Wiesbaden

Nativity Scene in Wiesbaden (I thought it odd that the baby Jesus was already there.  In Italy, the baby Jesus doesn't appear until Christmas Day).

Skating Rink in Wiesbaden

Christmas pyramid in Heidelberg