Weihnachtsmarkt

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

I have been oddly obsessed with Christmas Markets the last 2 years. I think Madrid put a spell on me. I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Madrid in 2006. One night, as I was wandering aimlessly around Madrid, I came across the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor. It was pretty sweet - lots of hot drinks, beautiful hand carved nativity sets, ornaments, etc.

I returned to Prague that Monday - and what do you know! - there was a Christmas Market that kicked Madrid's butt. The Market in Old Town Square was fabulous! There was a real nativity scene with real animals and a real big tree and lots of real nasty grog [never try grog] and a freaking ton of people. I love love loveddddd it.

Oh no... it gets better... My old roommate Ana and I went to Dresden at the beginning of December and they had an even BETTER Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt - or technically in Dresden it is called Striezelmarkt). The most delicious food, more beautiful crafts, freezing cold weather, a ton of gifts I left in the hotel in Dresden... blech. Anyway. Only happy memories now!

So that's the story of my Christmas market obsession.

I have come to find out in recent times that there is a Christmas market in Bethlehem, Penn. I hear it is really nice. Here is a website. I will say that I have a major problem paying money to go shopping. But anyway, if it's super nice, I'll pony up the $8.

Ah but now I can keep my $8 (or better yet, spend it on monstrous amounts of Lebkuchen (gingerbread). There's one in Philly! The link is above at the top of the post. The market looks fairly small, but I believe this is only the first year. GO GO GO! Everyone go so the market gets better each year and I don't have to drive myself to Bethlehem or fly to Deutschland! The food looks good, crafts look very nice (lots of German and local artisans), plus it's on my bus route. Even better.

Have I mentioned that I think you should go?