Christmas Festival in Hanover, Germany

Here, Christmas is much more than a state of mind. It lives, breathes in the cobbled streets. Warm lights dance across the smiles of ruddy-faced children dancing to the music of bells. Angels walk alongside mortals in the festive alleys. On the air is the enchanting smell of roasted nuts and hot cocoa. Welcome to Weihnachtsmarkt in Hanover, Germany.

Germans never need an excuse to celebrate, and Christmas (in German, Weihnachten) is no exception. Nearly every town sets up a Christmas market in the center of activity, called the Rathausplatz, which becomes transformed into a Bethlehem-esque scene, complete with tiny wooden buildings that house, instead of the baby Jesus, Christmas ornaments and holiday treats to eat.

Festivities generally last four weeks, and there is always something going on. Carolers are popular venues, and are guaranteed to sing the world-renowned classic “O Tannenbaum.” There are activities for children and adults alike, from carousel rides and visits with the infamous jolly man in red, here known as Weihnachtsmann, to free samples of gourmet cuisine. 

Cuisine
And speaking of food, the possibilities are limitless. Traditional Wursts are found sizzling on an open-air grill next to a booth that sells mouthwatering candy-covered nuts and chocolate. German specialties like mushrooms with cream sauce entice hungry visitors, and are usually not too expensive. Vendors have come as far as Scandinavia to participate and offer their own traditional delicacies, such as fish cooked on an open fire.

A long-lasting tradition of Weihnachtsmarkt is Glühwein, which translates to “glowing wine.” A strong, fruity wine, whose secret is that it is heated, is an absolute must after walking about in the brisk winter air. This wine has a heavy, sweet smell that lingers on the air, luring frostbitten wanderers over for a mug. It is German tradition to serve it in a mug that is used continually throughout the evening, so be aware of the germ potential. Wiping the lip of the mug is good cold sore preventative.