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
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The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
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Darwin Day
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Here we honor the women who ve served
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Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
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Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire, England
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American goldfinch
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A field of English lavender
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Lanterns alight in Pingxi
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A yearly sign that spring has sprung
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Arromanches-les-Bains for the 81st anniversary of D-Day
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Dashing through the snow
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Kjell Henriksen Observatory
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A whale of a picture
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Hey, don t you guys have somewhere to be?
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National Love a Tree Day
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National Moth Week
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Does it swim in slow motion too?
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Shakespeare Day
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Colosseum, Rome, Italy
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It s truffle season here in the Dordogne Valley
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Celebrating Pie Day is as easy as, well…
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World Olive Tree Day
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Bright and colorful peacock feathers
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