First, we apologize for posting photos of Christmas markets we saw in December 2021 in January 2022, but with the frenzy of the season upon us when we returned from this Viking cruise – Christmas Along the Elbe — and then with an unexpected New Year’s trip to our beloved beach destination, Pawleys Island, we’re just now joining the blogosphere for ’22.
But after being overwhelmed by the beauty of the stalls and the quality of goods for sale at the German markets (like the ones we published first of Dessau and Magdeburg), we’re ready to share memories of a couple more with you . . . even if they are a bit late.
Hannover (German spelling), Germany, really knows how to do Christmas! In fact, the market stalls in and around the venerable Market Church were some of our favorites of the river cruise along the Elbe.
Most outstanding for us — other than the quality of goods — was the decor of the stalls: some topped with fresh greens of the season, others with special add-ons from Christian nativity scenes to secular Santas with reindeer.
Markets in Hannover were added at the last minute by Viking when some of the scheduled markets (like Dresden) were cancelled due to Covid outbreaks. We can only imagine what we missed!
What was inside the stalls was equally notable. From handmade brushes to cloth neck warmers, Hannover’s goods were meant to be bought and shared with folks back home. (We brought an extra suitcase just for shopping, so we had to buy. Right?)
After making our purchases, we gathered with other cruise guests and lined up for more gluhwein (mulled wine) in take-home souvenir mugs.
For these and other reasons — festive stalls; unique, homemade goods; friendly salespeople; and a setting among historic buildings — we loved the Christmas markets in Hannover.
And we have one more market to share in our next post: Berlin!
We’re hoping that Covid cases will subside this year so ALL markets along the Elbe will be ready for business in December of 2022! If they’re open, book a trip early! And bring that extra suitcase.
Travel warmly,
Rusha & Bert