Weihnachtsmarkt – Spandau

Christmas markets are a big deal in Germany. And we are learning why.

When the weather is cold and the nights come early, nothing is more welcome than these fair-like gatherings filled with rides, holiday lights, open fires, live music, hot drinks, tasty treats and traditional snacks. Some even have ice skating and Santa appearances.

On Saturday, we took two trains (about 35 minutes total) to Spandau, a locality of Berlin, with a beautiful historic city center.

{Saint Nikolai Church}

We started with some rides and games. While the boys explored a fun house, Dave and I enjoyed Glühwein, a traditional, hot, spiced wine.

Scenes in town:

{Isaac loved the nutcrackers}

As the sun went down, the town took on the feel of a fairy land. The lights twinkled, the scent of the open fires reminded us of camping and the police band played through a familiar blend of traditional songs as we sang along while walking down the sidewalks.

We finished the night with cotton candy and hot cocoa before catching the train home.

We’d definitely recommend a trip to Spandau to anyone coming to Berlin.