Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt

After returning to Europe from Texas at the end of November, Christmas market season was in full swing once more. This being our last holiday season in Europe, we wanted to make the most of these wonderful markets, which can't help but put you in the Christmas spirit. After six years of living in/near Germany, we finally made it to the daddy of all Christmas markets - Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt.

Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt

Germany's largest Christmas market, more than 2 million visitors from around the world visit this famous market each year. Over 200 stall holders present their traditional wares: Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods, sweets and typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, nativity sets, ornaments, candles, toys and many arts and craft products.

One of the numerous candy/gingerbread stalls

When we arrived on a Friday night, the market certainly did not disappoint, despite the rain and bitterly cold temperatures. In fact, this helped to keep many of the crowds away and we were able to explore this festively lit market in a peaceful setting. While sipping gluwein and perusing the rows upon rows of stalls filled with traditional wares, I wanted to savor every moment of being surrounded by such wonderful smells and beautiful decoratives.

The famous Nürnberg angel

Other than eating all the delicious Christmas market goodies, such as Nürnberg sausages (yes, this is where they come from) and Reibekuchen (potato fritters), my main shopping priority was to purchase a Nürnberg angel. These angels are the symbol of the Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt and ever since I first saw one in the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, I knew I wanted to find one from where they are made in Nürnberg. They are traditionally made with wax faces and hands and flowing curled hair and rich fabric for the dress. After a long deliberation, I decided on one with a beautiful burgundy and gold dress. Every time I place her at the top of our tree, I will remember our wonderful and last Christmas market experience in Nürnberg.

Nürnberg Kinder (Children's) Christkindlesmarkt

On Saturday, we spent the morning exploring the city of Nürnberg. We were amazed at how large this city was and the fact that like Rothenburg, the old town is completely surrounded by a wall with several towers. Unfortunately, we were not able to walk entirely around the wall, but we enjoyed walking a portion of it.

Walking along the town wall of Nürnberg

We made our way through the Old Town to the Nürnberg castle which provided a great overlook of the city. The more we explored of the city, the more we were impressed of all that it had to offer and couldn't believe we hadn't made it to this jewel of a city sooner. That's the problem with Bavaria, there are simply too many wonderful cities and towns to visit, that it's quite easy to overlook some along the way. 

View from Nürnberg Castle

Nürnberg Castle

We kept circling along the wall inside the old town and enjoyed beautiful views of the river that cut right through the center crossed with many bridges. 

Nürnberg old town

We couldn't help comparing Nürnberg to Rothenburg, but simply on a much grander scale. Like in Rothenburg, Nürnberg also had a wood covered bridge perfect for a photo op. 

Nürnberg old town

Nürnberg old town

Other than enjoying the beauty of the town itself, we did make it to one historical site; Memoriam Nuremberg Trials - Courtroom 600. This courtroom gained worldwide fame as the venue of the "Nuremberg Trials" where the top Nazis were prosecuted and sentenced at the end of WWII. These trials were held in front of an International Military Tribunal (IMT) between November 20, 1945 and October 1, 1946. Other than viewing the actual courtroom (still in use today) there is also an excellent exhibition that outlines the various Nazis who were on trial, the members of the IMT, opening and closing statements and other details of the trial. 

Memoriam Nuremberg Trials - Courtroom 600

During our time in Germany, we have visited numerous destinations significant to the build-up of WWII, its tragic consequences, and many memorials to those who have lost their lives. It seems only fitting to visit this site at the end of our time in Europe, which provides a sense of closure and justice to the terrible Nazi movement which tore across Europe in such a destructive, unforgettable way. I will always remember the image below of the courtroom which sentenced these Nazi leaders to their punishment and know that justice will always prevail. 

Memoriam Nuremberg Trials - Courtroom 600

I am so grateful we finally made it to this incredible city which would be a destination to visit any time of the year. But, experiencing the Christmas market here was definitely the icing on our final Christmas-in-Europe cake!