Nürnberg's Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt)

On Friday after work, before heading to Hattingen for Christmas Eve, we headed with my parents to the world famous Nürnberg Christmas Market (Chriskindlesmarkt). Tourists come from all corners of the planet to see Nürnberg all decked out in its Christmas Spirit. The Christmas Market of Nürnberg stemmed from the middle ages with Nürnberg acting as a trading center for the region allowing the local woodcrafters and bakers to sell their wares.

One of the advantages of going on Friday evening: the tour buses are gone and there are mostly locals around...which makes it much easier to find food at the food stands, and, more importantly, some hot mulled wine (Glühwein).

Above is the famous fountain of Nürnberg. If you find the ring and turn it once, it will bring you good luck and bring you back to Nürnberg. But, beware, there are two rings on the gates of the fountain. Just a hing: the ring that has a huge line of tourists behind it is not the right ring!

A view of the Christkindlesmarkt with the Frauenkirche in the background.
A view of the markets. Each one of the lighted posts represents a row of small buildings selling Glühwein, foodstuffs, and Christmas goodies.