We've entered Advent, and in Germany that means it's the season for Christmas markets as well as church celebrations. Christmas markets have taken place here for centuries. Stalls selling all kinds of handmade goods and food pop up in public squares throughout the country. Cities and towns are awash in lights and decorations. Dresden is home to the oldest Christmas market -- its Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and continues to this day.
We won't make it to Dresden during this trip, but we plan on visiting several markets throughout the country while we're here the next two weeks, including in Cologne, Nuremburg, and Munich. People who have visited these markets have told us to expect great food and a festive atmosphere. A few commented that once you've seen one, you've really seen them all. I'm not sure that's true, but we're going to put that view to the test. We will absolutely be doing all things Christmas market in each place we visit. Hopefully, I won't have to buy another suitcase for the souvenirs we might buy.
