Stuttgart rightfully maintains a reputation for having the best Christmas market in all of Germany. The markets are a great place for everyone in the community to shop, eat, and drink lots of glühwein (hot wine). We were able to get a sneak peak of the set up while walking downtown mid November. I was eagerly anticipating opening day.
My mom came for a visit the second week of December and made a great partner in crime as we walked through every aisle, avidly searching for the ideal gifts for family back home.
During the week she was in Stuttgart we visited the markets three times, two days in Stuttgart and one day in Cologne. We would arrive before noon, when the crowds were minimal. By the time we left mid afternoon, we had to fight our way through throngs of people!
A beautiful, and functional, German pyramid windmill
While shops of all types book ended the markets, there was an ice skating rink and children's train near a shopping plaza in the middle. For years we've discussed wanting to set up a train village during the holidays, and at the markets we had the opportunity to see our dreams come to life. There were conductors for the children's trains and electric trains running through the Bavarian style houses and village scenes.
The night before my mom left, we had a delicious farewell dinner at our favorite tapas place, Besitos. Taking the scenic route back to the train station, we passed through the markets again at night and I am so glad we did. To see everything lit up was beyond picturesque. A brilliantly lit tree towered over everyone in the market square, and a mechanized nutcracker was nearby.
Not only have I been looking forward to these Christmas markets for years, but they held extra significance for us. When moving to Germany, we packed only the essentials of clothes and minimal personal items. Packing any sort of decor never even crossed our minds. Our holiday decorations this season have consisted of poinsettia napkins and a roll of wrapping paper in the corner. As a person wholly obsessed with Christmas and all the festivities that accompany it, to be so close to these beautiful markets has helped me to feel at home.
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