One of my fondest memories of our time in Germany was visiting the local Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market). In Mannheim it was set up in the big park surrounding the water tower. This video shows the market in Heidelberg which in our day was held on the streets in the old city. We loved them both. It was the perfect place to do all our Christmas shopping and get them in the mail before the shipping deadlines.
Our tree and house was decorated with ornaments and other goodies found in these markets. Of course we enjoyed lots of delicious goodies to sustain us as we explored the many shops. There were wonderful pastries, lots of wurst (sausages) and of course gluhwein – hot mulled wine.
After a delightful afternoon and evening of Christmas spirits, we’d pile ourselves and our bundles onto a streetcar which would deliver us to the corner of our street.