Annual German Christmas Market

The Florence Christmas Markets are very popular, especially the German Christmas Market or Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt (a little bit of a mouthful!) which takes place on the Piazza Santa Croce, in front of the stunning Santa Croce Basilica. Christmas markets are a very popular tradition in Germany and the idea originated in Northern Europe. Luckily for us here in Florence, the organisers of the Heidelberger market decided to bring the market here in 2003 and they have been coming ever since! 

From the end of November to mid of December, during the Christmas holidays , Florence main squares of Florence are filled with wooden huts, stands and stalls. There are usually over 50 of them. The sellers don’t just come from Germany either; they come from all over Europe, including places such as France and the Netherlands, and they bring with them a huge array of beautiful items, including ceramics, ornaments, homemade toys and woollen goods - perfect to stay nice and warm during the chilly winter months.

One of the main things that draws people to the German market however, is the fantastic food on offer! Whether you want a tasty glass of German beer or perhaps a warming cup of Gluhwein (mulled wine), there will be something to tickle your taste buds. Sample some authentic German sausage, try a piece of ‘Stollen’ (dense German cake) or nibble some typical ‘Lebkuchen’ biscuits; just make sure you have a light lunch beforehand so that you have room for all of these tasty treats!

We went to visit this market and I was fond on that German würstel, this “hot-dog” is actually a brat-wurst type treat referred to in Italy as würstel – derived from the German meaning “little sausage”. The other thing that I found so comforting was when I had a cup of glühwein (roughly, "glow-wine," from the hot irons once used for mulling). It is popular in German-speaking countries and in the region of Alsace in France. To me, it's the best drink in the cold of winter days. For the sake of fun and annual good snack, the German Christmas Market is one of my favorite event every year.

Excerpt from different sources.