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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Red Planet Day
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Pollinators: not to be sneezed at
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Road to Sa Calobra, Majorca, Spain
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National Panda Day
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Italy s submerged village
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Honoring the first American woman in space
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Juvenile manatees in a freshwater spring, Crystal River, Florida
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National Mushroom Month
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International Polar Bear Day
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The Christmas Bird Count begins
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Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
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Dalyan, Turkey
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Whanganui National Park, Retaruke, New Zealand
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A desert arts pop-up, just popped up
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Keep your hands inside the ride at all times…
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Whangārei Falls in New Zealand
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Swinging into International Jazz Day
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Hot and Spicy Food Day
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
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Pollinator Week
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Who left the tub running?
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Languid life on the Lakes
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Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act marks 42 years
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It’s Weihnachtsmarkt time!
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A monster view in Scotland
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Blackbird in Essex, England
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Okefenokee Swamp
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Bellissima!
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
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