Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt

On Saturday afternoon we took the U-Bahn into Hamburg to go to the Christmas Market.  As the shops were still open it was very crowded which Ben struggled with a little, but he really enjoyed the food and Father Christmas…more about him in a minute.

Birgit and Marek knew exactly where they were taking us for the best food.  Birgit and Jana had ‘Flammenkuchen’ in mind, which is a very thin pizza like dough with leek, bacon, cheese type toppings on it.  Tessa had the same, too.  While they were cuing for that, Marek went off to find his favourite dinner, which was ‘Meterwurst’ which is a very long and tasty sausage (by the metre).  I in turn had past a ‘Gyros’ stand and while that is Greek rather than German, it just tickled my taste buds and I had grilled pork with a tzaziki style dressing on it.  The same stand also made steak in a roll, so Nick was also sorted.  Coming to think of it, I have no idea what Ben had that night…I think he had a bit of everyone’s dinner.

I do remember however that he had desert…guess what Sabine, Tessa found another ‘Schlemmergebaeck’ stall and so her and Ben cued for that…

Ben and Tessa wisely bought the ‘big bag’ for Euro 4.

All children really enjoyed it and I think the makers at the Weihnachtsmarkt were even more skilled than the the ones from the Dom.  These ones were super fresh, warm and covered in icing sugar.  A delight!…

Ben has such a sweet tooth…like his Dad, Granddad and Grandpa.

Tessa looking smug that she managed to grab one, too.

Yum, yum yum!

Actually I just realised that I am not sure if Jana ever got any…?!

There were lots of stalls with lovely traditional offerings, lots of wooden Christmas carvings, tree ornaments etc.  Here a some that we managed to get close enough to to take photos.  It was very busy…

Wooden Christmas deco.

I was so tempted to buy one of those beautiful stars, but I know we will never see its lovely light at x-mas time in NZ as it isn’t dark enough outside.

These miniatures always look intriguing.

Oh, and there were also stalls selling hats, gloves, scarves and other warm things…

Jana looked great in this hat.

The highlight for many children at the Hamburger Christmas market is the appearance of Father Christmas (der Weihnachtsman).  He appears in his sleigh, pulled by reindeer and he tells the story of how he found ‘Rudolph’ and why his reindeer have the names they do.  He has a very deep voice and Ben really liked seeing him.  He videoed him so we can now listen to his voice when we want to.

We have a (rather bad) photo of him in his sleigh, too…

…Santa Claus has come to town…

Traditionally adults keep themselves warm at Christmas markets by drinking Gluehwein.  Birgit and Marek told us about a ‘Kinderpunsch’, which is a bit like Gluehwein for children, so while we were waiting for Father Christmas to come, who is very punctual at 18:00, Birgit braved the crazy crowd and came back to us with one cup per family to share. It really was very delicious…

Birgit appeared through the crowd like a knight in shining armour and hot drinks.

I love how all the flower shops are totally geared up for Christmas.  I guess it really works for them, too as there aren’t that many fresh flowers to sell in the middle of winter…

I like the traditional colours in the arramgements.

‘Das Rathaus’ ‘the town hall’

Marek you should be smiling..you are surrounded by beauty…

Have I mentioned it was cold?

We had a very nice time there, although we will take the advice from now on, to visit any further Christmas market on a Friday afternoon perhaps with less crowds.

I really enjoy the U-Bahn rides home from the city, it’s 30 minutes to, aehm, unwind…

just resting…

Tomorrow is Tessa’s birthday…

Tschuess
Tanja