The streets of this market square are all decked out in a tradition born nearly 700 years ago. Weihnachtsmarkte or Christkindlmarkte (Christmas markets, if you prefer less of a mouthful), take place around the world, but they originated in Germany as a celebratory way to observe Advent, the Christian season leading up to Christmas Eve. These markets are generally open-air affairs where everything is decorated, including the trees (called Tannenbaums in German if they"re firs). People shop from local artisans who sell their handmade wares in small wooden chalets. Then it"s off to eat traditional foods—roasted almonds, pastries, and biscuits—and sip on warm mulled wine.
It’s Weihnachtsmarkt time!
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Marseille welcomes the Olympic torch
-
Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
-
Jöriseen lakes in the Silvretta Alps, Switzerland
-
World Migratory Bird Day
-
English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
-
Over the boardwalk
-
World Space Week
-
Happy Diwali!
-
Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
-
Darwin Day
-
Gemsbok in Namibian sand dunes
-
Old Rock Day
-
Heceta Head Light, Florence, Oregon
-
Sounds of Bach come to Bath
-
High trekking season in Upper Mustang
-
Ludwig’s palace
-
Provence blooms with lavender at Sénanque Abbey
-
Behold the mighty Aldeyjarfoss
-
The call of the wild in Alaska
-
Winter in the Wild West
-
Skyscraper Day
-
Wicker fields in Cañamares, Spain
-
A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
-
Longer days mean warmer sand
-
It s Mountain Day in Japan
-
There’s a dog in there somewhere
-
Cordouan Lighthouse, France
-
Bidding summer adieu
-
Daylight saving time begins
-
Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

