December in the US is known for houses enveloped by lights, decorated malls, and Santa Claus everywhere. December in Germany is all about the Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market. Beginning Monday the 23rd of November and lasting until December 22nd every square in altstadt becomes a market.
Bismarckplatz
Universitätsplatz
Marktplatz and its Carousel
Karlsplatz with its ice skating rink (seen here from the castle)
And of course the castle has its own Christmas market as well, unfortunately I had forgotten to take
pictures of it (being preoccupied with the view of the town below).
Inside the shops one can find a variety of baked sweets, candy, wood carvings, clothing, jewelry, and trinkets. The markets feature your typical bratwurst and currywurst but also fire roasted salmon and steak. But the Weihnachtsmarkt is most famous for its Glühwein. And although it translates to "glowing wine" in English it doesn't glow, but is mulled and hot. Perfect for heating you up in the cold. It comes in red wine, white wine, cherry wine, and other variations as well. My favorite though was the Feuerzangenbowle, a drink made by setting a rum soaked sugarloaf on fire and letting it drip into mulled wine.
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