A Winter Weihnachtsmarkt Land

It is really, really cold in Hamburg these days--so cold that there really is only one thing that can make up for the frustration this evil weather causes. Luckily, that one thing is spread thickly all over heat-deprived Hamburg transforming our chilly city into a spectacular celebration of all-things Christmas.

Weihnachtsmarkts (Christmas markets) decorate Hamburg like bulbs on a tree. I have been waiting for these precious shops prior to our arrival and am ecstatic that they are finally here. I attended the first one I could find the first hour it opened. It was organized by the Scandinavian Churches of Hamburg and was a stunning collection of gluhwein, the nearly famous warm, sweet red wine enhanced perfectly with holiday spices, and so many handmade goods that the experience brought on a seriously-powerful jaw-dropping moment.

These super duper cute spinning candle holders are in many of the markets. Their cuteness comes with a cost: I've seen them anywhere from 80-300€ ($100-$400). It seems to be that seasons' greetings aren't free in this city.

The biggest market I've stumbled across/found with GPS in hand is at the Rathaus Market, Hamburg's Town Hall building and square. The building alone is a sight to be seen, but add to it's square lots and lots of Christmas trees and more lights than the Griswalds' abode and you've got a yule-tide lover's dream.

Oh my gosh I know--spectacular, isn't she?

At the Rathausmarkt Weihnachtsmarkt you can eat, drink, shop, and freeze your bunnies off until your bags and belly are content. It truly does numb the pain of the almost-arctic weather we've got going on over here.

The endless good eats include grunkohl--kale cooked with pork sausage and various seasonings--as well as the obvious market food: sausage, potatoes in every imaginable form, and various sandwiches.

And, of course, there's dessert:

Dessert goes far beyond cookies. For those that don't love pistachio marzipan as much as I do, there are cookies, cakes, chocolate, and candies galore to be enjoyed.

The markets have become a common stop for lunch, dinner, and gluhwein, for Reg and I and our friends.



Nothing says Christmas in Germany like gluhwein.



While most of the shopping is done outside, inside market shopping exists as well. Not only does this posh holiday haven have a roof, but it boasts some of the most darling must-haves you can find.


Like these.



And these.




And these hand-made mangers.



And these cutie-pie minis.



And aaalllllllllllllll these.

These markets have been going strong for over a week now, allowing me nearly a month of market madness before our trip home. The cold doesn't seem nearly as dreadful with all these fun-having possibilities in front of us.