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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A grotesque scene
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For the love of bikes
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Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota
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Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
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Remembering Krakatoa
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Does this shark have an Irish accent?
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Native American Heritage Day
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National Lighthouse Day
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Yosemite National Park turns 132
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Happy World Meteorological Day
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First day of summer
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New Orleans for Mardi Gras
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National Llama Day
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Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
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Playa del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
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Happy Mother’s Day
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Bear Hole Brook, Catskill Mountains, New York
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park shines
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The moon rises for Mid-Autumn Festival
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Happy Star Wars Day!
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Working for that cliffside view
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A unique perspective from Italy’s ‘golden sands’
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A center of antiquity on the Mediterranean
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Spring awakens
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Climb a tree for wild animals and plants
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Independence Day
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Let s ride! It s Roller Coaster Day
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Kings of the Kalahari
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New beginnings
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Papa was a flightless bird
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

