Yes, it’s that time of the year again – the Christmas Markets have opened in many towns and cities across Germany this week.

Here are some of the links to articles that have appeared on this site in previous years, about the Christmas Markets that I have visited in the past:

• Oberursel
• Bad Homburg
• Rüdesheim
• Frankfurt

… and some vocabulary that make come in useful if you visit a German Christmas Market …

• Der Weihnachtsmarkt
• Lebkuchen
• Glühwein
• Spekulatius
• Weihnachtskrippe
• Hessenbollen

… and a podcast in English about Christmas in Germany

With winter just around the corner, here are some ideas for things to do in Frankfurt am Main during the cold months of the year:

1. Go ice skating – at the Eissporthalle (take the U7 train or tram no.12)

2. Take a ride on the Ebbelwoi-Express – a historical tram ride that takes an hour and goes past many sights in the city centre whilst service apple juice and cider.

3. Visit a museum, such as the Senckenberg Natural History museum or the Explora science centre. (more…)

Last weekend Oberursel held its Christmas Market or Weihnachtsmarkt.  It is a Christmas Market that I generally enjoy going to for a number of reasons.  Firstly I can go by train and enjoy a Glühwein, and the prices are also reasonable compared to some of the other markets in the area.

My only complaint is that it is so early in Advent, that for the past few years it usually rained.

Not this year though.  With temperatures around 0°C there was snow on the ground and a crisp chill in the air, making the Glühwein much more appropriate.  I believe the number of stalls had increased, too.    So many, in fact, that the local newspaper had a map in it with them all on.  In the town centre there were apparently 121 stalls!.  (That’s approximately one stall for every 350 residents). (more…)