Christmas Markets & Glühwein, Oh My!
Exploring the Magickal German Christmas Markets.
Just when you think your fingers are going to freeze and the cold will be your downfall; this magickal scent of cinnamon and wine blesses your nose which makes you search out the source of this aroma. When you get your cup of Glühwein the first sip will send warmth spreading throughout your body, warming you from the inside out.
If you're coming to Germany in the Winter time you hands down have to visit the many Christmas Markets that are all over. In 2019 I had the pleasure of visiting the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg and this year I visited the Nüremberg market. These markets have vendors from all over and they sale everything, this can be a shopaholic's dream and a foodie's paradise. The vendors sale everything from coffee mugs to scarves, hand bags and Christmas ornaments. These markets allow many travelers to see and experience the heart and artistry of Germans. A lot vendors sell handmade jewelry and herbal teas. Walking through the market you'll also see food venders selling authentic German food from Wrust to Karloffelpuffer and Brezel. Now while German Winter's aren't for the faint of heart there is something that will take you mind off of the cold while you shop til you drop and eat to your heart's content. Glühwein is the fan favorite of German Christmas Markets.
What is Glühwein you ask? Glühwein roughly translates to "glow wine" and it's a wine that includes many different spices such as cinnamon, clove and star anise. It can also include sugar, vanilla and different forms of citrus. It's mostly made of red wine but white wine can also be used. Glühwein has been around the 1420s. It's served during the Christmas Markets in decorative mugs and can also be served with a shot of rum or amaretto(the cup that you see above was my second cup the first cup I had was STRONG) I literally felt my ears and neck heat up. It's a favorite among the Christmas Market goers because it helps heat up people's body so they can explore