Christkindlmarket

I love to visit a Christkindlmarket when I can. St. Paul has a lovely one but the epitome to me was the Christmas my family spent in Vienna. Wandering amid the stalls of artisans, Glühwein, Pretzels, and Gingerbread hearts was truly straight out of fairy tale, especially when a light snow began to float down from above.

 I truly wish I would have purchased a pyramid in Austria like the one we would light every Christmas Eve when I was a child. If you have never seen the traditional German celebration of the birth of Christ it is both inventive and holy. It is truly beautiful.

 

Although St. Paul does a nice job of providing a European feel, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket was the best I have been to state side. It is HUGE and packed, which does help to keep the body heat up when it is cold outside. Here I was able to find the Ginger Ich Liebe Dich hearts in addition to roasted almonds, pretzels and of course Glühwein served in a tiny little commemorative boot.

Glühwein is a delight and although I love a hot chocolate with Bailey’s after skiing, Glühwein warms you inside and out and helps to pry your wallet open to support those local craftsmen.