"With the days getting shorter and temperatures falling, nothing beats wrapping up in a warm coat and scarf, and sipping mulled wine (Gluhwein) at a Christmas market in Germany. And you're in luck: some of the Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkte), or winter markets (Wintermarkte), are already open or opening soon. So get ready to stand among the twinkling lights, browse stalls full of handmade gifts and tuck into a bratwurst or some gingerbread at one of these wonderful Christmas markets."
"Traditionally, most Weihnachtsmarkte in German-speaking regions start around or after the weekend of Eternity Sunday' or Sunday of the Dead', known as Totensonntag in German. Totensonntag, a religious holiday with Protestant roots, is usually marked on the last Sunday before Advent and is a time to remember those who have died. This year, it falls on November 23rd, while the First Advent Sunday is November 30th."
"It's worth noting that this year false claims about German Christmas markets being cancelled had gained some traction on social media. These claims have by and large been proven to be false. However, a nation-wide focus on security has meant that some markets are being asked to step-up their efforts, and in a few cases the added costs involved have led individual markets to scale back or close."
Germany hosts more than 2,500 Christmas markets, called Advent markets, with many opening around Totensonntag and the First Advent. Totensonntag, known as Eternity Sunday or Sunday of the Dead, is usually the last Sunday before Advent; this year it falls on November 23rd, with First Advent on November 30th. Some markets open earlier or remain open into the new year. Visitors can expect twinkling lights and handmade gift stalls, mulled wine (Gluhwein), bratwurst and gingerbread. False claims of widespread market cancellations on social media have largely been disproven. Increased security requirements and costs have caused some markets to scale back or risk closure, with Magdeburg’s market reported at risk.
Read at www.thelocal.de
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