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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Welcome to the Ring of Fire
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International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China
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International Museum Day
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Flying high on National Bird Day
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National Lighthouse Day
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On this shore, history was made
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Seventeen arches at sunset
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Quiver trees in Namibia
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Gazing down on planet Earth
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It s International Jazz Day
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National Trails Day
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Hay bales in North Yorkshire, England
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It’s World Migratory Bird Day
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World Migratory Bird Day
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The Zugspitze: Germany s highest point
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Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
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A medieval Moorish gem
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Cheetah mother and cub
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Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
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New Year s Eve
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Satla marshland in Bangladesh
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The Easter Bunny’s story
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Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves, Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
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Antarctica Day
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Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
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Ready, set, read
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Sutherland Falls in Fiordland National Park
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Maya site of Copán
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Glass footbridge in Zhangjiajie, China
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

