Christmas markets in Berlin: Spandau Altstadt

This was my favourite market and I went twice.  I like that it's a bit cheaper than the markets in the more well-known and central (read touristy) areas.  It also snowed lightly when I was there and it just seemed right to be at a Christmas market while it's snowing (light snow fortunately).  And I went on the Ferris wheel which was amazing and probably will be a Berlin highlight. The Spandau old city (altstadt) is about 800 years old.  I also popped into the St Nikolai church.

Beautiful

The inside of St Nikolai church that's apparently about 600 years old

There is a medieval section in the market as well

Next to food and drink stalls there are loose tables where people stand and socialise.  Lovely atmosphere.

Country music at a Christmas market in Berlin - this was a surprise.

Nutella on giant pancake.  Delish!

German version of a boerie.  

Big Christmas tree

Lights everywhere

Robson getting ready for our Ferris wheel ride

This is one for Robson's facebook page

View from the top

I love the gridwork here

Some of the gondolas had a plastic cover

Light show onto a building

A view towards Spandau mall

Blue building

I love all the different colours and textures in this picture

Christmas markets in Berlin: Schloss Charlottenburg

There are apparently around 60 Christmas markets in Berlin.  I visited a few of them in the last month.   Unfortunately we don't have anything similar in South Africa.  There are very unique smells and sounds to these Christmas markets that probably adds to the magical atmosphere.  Maybe a bit like how the smell of pudding, pancakes and braaivleis, tombola tables and the sound of Afrikaans music in the background bring back years of church bazaar memories to mind.   It makes my mouth water even here in cold Germany!  In the same way, Christmas markets smell of mulled wine and roasted wurst.

The first Christmas market we went to was at Schloss (palace, castle) Charlottenburg. It was freezing and unfortunately we got our wires crossed and ended up walking nearly 2km to and from the market to the right S-bahn stop.  But it was a lot of fun.

Micah and Frank waving to me with the market in the background.  

This is the view from across the street.  Beautiful, isn't it?

Behind the lights is this revolving nativity scene tower.  Below that is a stall that sells drinks.

Love the lights

Frank freezing under the lights

Many markets has these types of angels. 

Indoor stalls with the Schloss in the background

The Schloss looking really stunning with the lighting.  The picture doesn't capture the magic though.

Amazing stall selling chocolate tools.

So realistic

Look at those espresso makers!  It's chocolate!

A typical German meal...

and the ever present Gluhwein.