Our final stop at Germany’s Christmas markets may have been our best. Berlin did not disappoint! With the kid-friendly rides and good country food at Dessau and Magdeburg and the fresh greens of lovely booths in Hannover behind us, we thought the markets couldn’t get any better. But then we shopped Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt.
Sophisticated booths mimicked their store-front counterparts, companies with fond reputations for exquisite goods — like the stores in the Kathe Wohlfart chain — and came to life in Berlin. We found several “malls” set up in heated tents selling handcrafted wares with the artists on location to talk with us. In addition, room-like settings enticed us to stay and shop simply based upon tasteful, elegant displays.
Food, too, was readily available. From cheeses to sample to goods you take and eat on the premises, everything on display seemed fresh and beautifully presented. (Admittedly, we sometimes had to ask what the food was since we speak no German!) It didn’t matter though. Sellers were patient, and every bite was interesting!
Roaming the market was half the fun. With a brass ensemble belting it out on the steps of the Konzerthaus, we quickly fell under the spell of Christmas in Germany as we sipped gluhwein, popped a few quark balls (yummy fried cheese) into our mouths, and meandered the markets as if we’d always done so.
It’s hard not to feel like a local there — everyone was friendly. And some spoke fabulous English — like the man from Kashmir selling scarves who told us he began learning English at age 2!lll
What we didn’t expect, though, was a scene that fostered a research project once we arrived home. A lady on stilts dressed in a thin gold costume brushed past us — filling space by flapping her wings, welcoming guests to have their pictures taken with her, and smiling for the cameras all pointed at her.
Later, when we shared the photos, a friend remarked that this gold lady may have been dressed as Rauschgoldengel. As legend has it, a woodcarver who lost his only child, carved a likeness of her out of wood and covered it in Rauschgold, a thin paper-like foil. He added wings to make her look like an angel, and she has become a symbol of Christmas ever since.
Or it could be that this woman represents the Christ Angel who is also dressed in gold and known for her flowing blonde hair. If you know more about this beautiful lady who roamed Gendarmenmarkt, let us know. She charmed us all.
This post ends our tour of the 2021 Christmas markets in Germany, but hopefully, these are not our last ones to see. In German, we’re wishing you health, happiness, and success in the new year.
Gesundheit, Glück und Erfolg!
Travel to find something new,
Rusha & Bert
For more information:
This tour of the German markets was part of a larger tour by Viking River Cruises: Christmas Along the Elbe. Although the tour was altered due to closings for Covid-19, we are grateful for the markets that remained open and for the people on board and in the towns who were vigilant about making our experience as safe as possible.
Chaymaa
So beautiful pictures, wonderful trip! 🤩
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right – a wonderful trip. We loved Berlin’s market set among some handsome buildings. And the goods? Ah, I could have bought more.
Bama
If I were there, I think I would have eaten my way through those stalls! And by the end of it, I would’ve gained a few kgs. This post really is a feast for the eyes, Rusha.
Oh, the Places We See
We did our part to make the food vendors feel as if their food was the best!!! Because it was!!!
Thanks for commenting!
Forestwood
Oh it makes me wish that we had stopped there on our way back to our hotel some years back. We had seen so many Christmas markets around Europe in 2011 that the desire to see another one on a cold winter’s night wasn’t high on our agenda. We took the carriage back and walked past the markets as they were close to closing. Thanks for showing me the things I missed.
Oh, the Places We See
Maybe you can get back. We always say we’re going again but then never do. Hope you can do better!!!
Amy
What an enjoyable cruise trip, Rusha! Thank you for the tour of the market. Love these Christmas ornamets, they are very special. Food looks so delicious. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It was first class!! And I’d love to do it again with more time and a bit warmer weather.
Amy
Hope we be on the cruise and enjoy what you did. I like to travel in warm weather. 😊
gallivance.net
Absolutely gorgeous, Rusha! Berlin really knows how to do Christmas up right. It’s a fascinating city, filled with history. When we lived there it was such an interesting learning experience. We have several Christmas ornaments from Berlin, but we weren’t there for the Christmas Markets, so thanks for taking me there. ~Terri
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for shopping with us. Great choices in Berlin — and quality to boot. Really enjoyed the entertainment and the fashion show by people who know how to dress for the cold. What a Christmas present to us!
kzmcb
I asked my relatives and your gilded ‘angel’ is Christkind, the gift giver.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much!!! I have only seen photos on the internet, but this woman braved the cold for quite some time — and she was a hit!!
lulu
One of these days I’m going to make it to the Christmas markets.
Oh, the Places We See
You won’t be disappointed. So much variety and so many handmade items. It’s a treat just to visit.
cindy knoke
Wonderful! I so miss these markets, thanks to covid.
Oh, the Places We See
Maybe next year . . .
Toonsarah
This is definitely taking Christmas markets to a whole new level! No wonder you loved it here 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It was over-the-too! But I liked the little country markets, too. It’s always fun seeing families having fun together.
Rebecca Cuningham
Wonderful booths. Did you two find anything you liked? Food or presents?
Oh, the Places We See
Brought back ornaments, a table whirligig with candles, some “smokers,” and pretty scarves. Glad I had an extra suitcase!
Rebecca Cuningham
If you’d like to show photos, I’d be interested in seeing them!
Oh, the Places We See
Send me an email to Rusha.sams@gmail.com
I’ll round up a couple of things we kept for us. The rest were gifts for my children.
Michael Andrew Just
Thanks for showing these colorful images!
Oh, the Places We See
Glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for taking a look.
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing your wonderful trips 😄
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look at them.