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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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy
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World Giraffe Day
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It s Tolkien Reading Day
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Why, aloe there
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Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, Italy
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Northern coast of Colombia
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New York City skyline
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Fiesta at Siesta
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Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
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Green sea turtle on World Oceans Day
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Chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Bardia National Park, Nepal
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The island fox’s incredible comeback
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Aloe in bloom
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Daylight saving time begins
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Beethoven s 250th
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Yosemite National Park turns 132
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The largest American bison around
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It s Independence Day in Mexico
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
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A night on the (ghost) town
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Perfect timing
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Spring equinox
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Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece
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Maya site of Copán
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Hey, you two in the front!
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Dance of the egret
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On the hunt
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