Visit any German Christmas Market, German Fest, or Fair, and you will smell the sugary, cinnamon, nutty scent of Gebrannte Mandeln. I’m certain they waft the smell around to lure you in (and it works). Grab a bag to munch as you shop—Crunchy, sweet, nutty, and so very delicious. But there is no reason to wait until your next visit…
Category: German Holidays and Festivals
Leckerlee Lebkuchen – Authentic German Lebkuchen Made in America
It starts with the smell of spices… ginger… is that cardamom? And then you take that first bite. “oh my gosh”. You get the nuts and citrus. The texture is amazing. I’ve been eating Lebkuchen my whole life, but outside of a German Christmas Market, I’ve never had it as fresh or flavorful as Leckerlee Lebkuchen. This is Lebkuchen baked…
Where did the Christmas Tree Originate? In Germany of Course!
In modern times, we see the Christmas Tree as the symbol of the Christmas Season. Whether you decorate it with fabulous blown glass ornaments or hand-made ornaments that the kids made at school, there it is! A tree in your home. Maybe your Christmas Tree is covered in lights, glass ornaments, and tinsel, or you prefer the more child-friendly wooden…
The German Christmas Shop- For those Special Christmas Memories
You remember it…that Christmas Eve special magic that comes from the movement and light of a spinning Christmas Pyramid. The special “Christmassy” incense smell coming from Santa’s pipe. Finding my favorite special German Ornaments on the tree… and knowing that under the tree in a special box would be one for my tree when I’m grown. The people at The…
Krampus Collection from Rare Dirndl-All Ready for Krampus Season
It’s finally here! The Rare Dirndl Krampus Collection for 2024! You’ll find perfect Krampus Gifts for those who prefer the sugary sweet Christmas Season with a side of menace. There is something special for all ages… from jewelry to coloring books. I love the fun Tee-Shirts and cozy Sweatshirts. And if it’s colder where you are… check out this year’s…
Freimarkt in Bremen- A Market and Fair with 1000 years of History
Most people have heard about Oktoberfest in Munich, but it’s not Germany’s only big Fall Festival. The Freimarkt in Bremen, which starts the second week of October, attracts over 4 million people yearly over its 17 days! What is the Bremen Freimarkt? This 1000-year-old festival is the largest in Northern Germany. Although it started as a “Free Market“, meaning that…
What is a Froebel Star – German Paper Folded Christmas Stars
While researching Moravian Stars (aka Herrnhuttersterne), I came across sweet little folded German paper stars. While they didn’t look like the pointed Moravian stars, although that’s what many resources called them. In Germany, they are called Fröbelsterne or Froebel Stars. (Other names for the folded stars: German Star, Advent Star, Danish Star, Nordic Star, Polish Star, Pennsylvanian Star, Christmas Star,…
What is German Unity Day – Tag der Deutschen Einheit
What is German Unity Day or the Tag der Deutschen Einheit? This National Holiday is the celebration of when Germany unified into ONE whole country. For 41 years, Germany was split between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the Democratic Republic of Germany (East Germany). They existed as two separate nations. On November 9, 1989, the checkpoints at…
Oktoberfest Foods- Delicious Foods to Soak up all that Beer
When it comes to Oktoberfest, the first thing people seem to focus on is the BEER. But you want a base for all that alcohol… so don’t forget to EAT! Besides, the festival food is delicious. There are many traditional German Oktoberfest Foods that you will find served in the various Beer Tents and on the Wiesn. Feel confused by…
A Visit to Seiffen Germany- Germany’s Spielzeugdorf
I’m utterly convinced that, despite the North Pole story we were told as children, the real Santa’s workshop is actually in Seiffen, Germany. This tucked-away town in the Erzgebirge, known as the Spielzeugdorf or Toy Village, is renowned for its production of wooden toys and traditional German Christmas decorations. The main road is lined with stores full of Nutcrackers, Smokers,…