Today, Christmas markets continue to be an important part of the holidays, particularly in the German-speaking world. These markets appear in most towns and cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Besides the gift shopping, they are fun social events. Locals and tourists alike buy traditional snacks to share with both friends and family. And then there are the food and drink stands that make these markets even more enjoyable. Alcoholicdrinks like mulled wine and punch are people’s favorites, along with sausages, French fries, potato pancakes, and all kinds of grilledmeats and fish. In addition, stands selling various sweets like chimney cakes, candied nuts, and the German Christmas cake, Stollen , can also be easily found.
Like the markets themselves, the foods and gifts have remained basically the same for hundreds of years. Stollen ’s history goes almost as far back as the original Dezembermarkt . Its origins are traceableto 1329.
These are just the traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Other cultures have adopted the custom as well. Such events are not unusual for communitiesin Canada, the United States, or any other place that sawsignificant immigrationfrom Germany and its neighbors. Of course, these markets have their own style and flavor, but they all stem from the original Dezembermarkt .
