Over the past few weeks in most German towns, little wooden huts have sprung up on squares and along the main shopping streets. Behind shutters we heard scuffling and hammering, mysterious bags and boxes were unloaded, cables laid, lights tested… wafts of aniseed and cinnamon and ginger… a general air of mystery and excitment.
And now, this weekend most of the Christmas market stalls are finally opening up. The bratwurst and waffles are sizzling, the wine mulling, the stalls full of craftwork and sweetmeats are overflowing with novelties.
I walked through part of the Duisburg Christmas market yesterday lunchtime and got an impression of what they have to offer there… for a start the choice of food was surprising. One stall was just beginning to roast a whole hog…
Why settle for a Bratwurst when you could eat the whole pig?
Another was starting to flame-grill some salmon…
The smoking ban clearly doesn't extend to salmon...
Traditional sweets, nuts and candied fruits are everywhere…
It wouldn't be Advent without toasted almonds
Being only a short distance from the Dutch border, there are plenty of specialities from the Netherlands too – sold from Dutch gabled huts
Poffertjes are technically a Dutch speciality - but the Germans love them
I’m not entirely sure why there was a Viking ship in the town centre selling Glühwein – but it certainly stood out. I didn’t see any Vikings, and the figure of Saint Nicholas on board looked decidedly tipsy…
Glühwein served from a Viking longship? Well, I suppose it gets cold up North....
No Christmas market is complete without a German Christmas Pyramid. This one was a fine specimen because it actually has an integrated Glühwein stand… no German city should be without one!
Glühwein served from a German Christmas Pyramid
Planet Germany 