The Christmas Market (Chiskindlmarkt = “Christ Child Market”) is a street market that generally occurs during the four weeks of Advent. The oldest version of the markets date back to the 14th and 15th century and the original purpose was to stock up for the long winters and to add a bit of light to the dark months. The market is usually located within the town square and has numerous open-air stalls where you can buy food, drink and seasonal items. On opening night of the market, onlookers welcome the “Christkind” which is often depicted as an angel-like girl.
The tradition of the Christmas market carries on into present day as a festive meeting place and cheery market for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Some of the most famous Christmas markets are located in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart which makes them popular tourist attractions during the holiday season. The most popular Christmas markets in Germany are in Dortmund (3.5 million visitors) and Cologne (4 million visitors). The markets are not only found in Germany though, they can be found in many other parts of the world such as our own Christkindlmarkt here in Chicago. Christmas markets are a strong tradition that will likely continue on far into the future because of their familiar, nostalgic feel that help to brighten up even the dreariest and darkest of winters.
The city of Cologne has seven different Christmas markets during the holiday season. The market located at the Cologne Cathedral is in some ways the most impressive because of the Cathedral as a backdrop, the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland and has well over 160 pavilions/booths to shop from and explore.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_market http://www.germany-insider-facts.com/german-christmas-markets.html#.UuSHv3l6ju0 http://heureka.kulando.de/gallery/10131/christkind.jpg http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/cologne_christmas_market.php http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/15/article-0-0AFC728D000005DC-312_634x687.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XUhdfSKZgI/Tu_2SP242oI/AAAAAAAABF4/QqhwrmlN0f8/s1600/Cologne%2Bcathedral%2BXmas%2BMkt.jpg http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/christmas_in_germany.htm