Today, we were delighted to find out that the San Francisco Goethe Institut had organized a Christmas Market in Mountain View, just a few minutes from us. Except for snow and freezing temperatures it had everything that such a market needs: handcrafted nutcrackers and smokers from Seiffen, candles, Christmas decoration and arts and German food such as bratwurst with sauerkraut, wiener with potato salad and of course mulled wine (Glühwein). They even had a stage with life music and a petting zoo for the little ones.
To get to enjoy the mulled wine, there was a two-step procedure: first, one would need to proof being over 21 to purchase a ticket at one specific booth and then would go to the mulled wine booth to finally get the deliciously spiced and warm wine. Many might have felt like us and had missed the Christmas Market custom. The market was packed and lines, especially those for food and drinks, were long.
Happy Holidays! Frohe Advents- und Weihnachtszeit!
Glad you were able to find a Christmas market close to you. Bring a little nostalgia to the holidays for you.
ReplyDeleteWe saw this market for the first time in the area. I used to work not far from its location a few years ago and would not have missed it if it had been there before.
DeleteThere were many Germans but also lots of other nationalities. It seemed like a big success and I am sure that they could establish it there every year in Dec and for more than just one day. Do you have such markets near you at this time of the year?
That sounds like a good tradition. We have a lot of craft markets around here in the winter but they seem to specialize in over priced dust catchers.
ReplyDeleteOne might call wooden nutcrackers, smokers, tier pyramids and angels also dust catchers. ;-) We only have a few little pieces and before they catch dust they are back in their boxes again, waiting for the next Christmas season.
DeleteWhat do they sell at those craft markets in your area? And would adding some food specialties and seasonal crafts give the markets a different flavor?
Lots of products made out of burls and birch. Quite a few jewelry vendors selling Alaska-themed and native Alaska items. And quite a few artists and photographers. I guess I like "functional art", Alaskan berry jam, honey and syrup and most of the markets seem to have some of that but a lot of "junque" as well. You really have to be selective as many of the "Native handiwork" is made in China...
DeleteI so much agree. Edibles won't collect dust and you can try new flavors every time you replace empty jars with full ones. On my trip I noticed lots of "Made in China" stuff, too. Looked like Indian arts but was just cheap commercial trash. Us consumers have to be so much more careful to what we buy these days.
DeleteWhen the one in Vancouver was established it was also a huge success and still is, and there you will also find original German handcraft and cooking. It's part of our tradition, and you'll find that after the third or forth Glühwein you won't feel the cold, or the crowds anymore, you might also by then lost your taste buds, but who needs them anyway for currywurst and potato pancakes, eh? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI was glad that my taste buds were still fully intake when eating that over priced German food. So yummy!! Once in a while! ;-)
DeleteThumbs up! Seems, the world need more Christmas markets to celebrate this wonderful time of year.
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed!! And the crowd showed that others feel the same.
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