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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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
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Snow buntings take flight
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Travel Sunday: On the Ganges in Varanasi, India
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Stepping stones in Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland
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A meerkat stands alone
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Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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Hippo family in Chobe National Park, Botswana
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World Lizard Day
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St. Barbaras Cathedral, Kutná Hora, Czechia
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National Take a Hike Day
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Mute swan
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Waiting for winter
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Come out of your shell for World Turtle Day
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A dying breed of tree thrives in an American park
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Fog above the forest
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Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
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Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Morocco in bloom
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
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Fashion models of the avian world
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World Whale Day
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Extraterrestrial Culture Day
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Sea fireflies at the seashore
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National Aviation Day
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A theatrical dream
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Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
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Mangrove Conservation Day
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World Otter Day
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Red squirrel
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

