Denver Christkindl Market

After spending 3 year of Christmas' in Germany, we developed an after Thanksgiving tradition of heading to Christmas markets, being back stateside I knew we wouldn't be going to any Christmas markets, but after doing some research I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Denver has a Christmas Market, and apparently it's the best one in the USA (score!) I was skeptical of a USA version of a Christmas market, but the idea of glühwein and German food was all the convincing I needed.

The Denver Christmas Market is in the heart of downtown, next to city hall. The market itself is at the corner of Arapahoe St & 16th St Mall. As a market itself, it's on the smaller side, but then again I've also been to the largest Christmas market in the world in Nurenburg, Germany. Compared to the German markets the Denver Christmas Market is pretty up to par. The German food was so good. They even had potato pancakes and nurenburger brats. I wish the pancakes were deep fried, but it was still so good! I seriously got so homesick for Germany, but at least we got a little taste.

A Christmas Market wouldn't be complete without glühwein. Unlike Germany, where you can find a glühwein stall around every corner, you can only find it in the Bier tent. Inside the tent, it's very well decorated-there was even live music! For $8 you can get a Denver market cup and glühwein. The glühwein it self is only $4. 

They also sell German beer in the tent as well! But Christmas markets are for glühwein! (FYI; inside the tent is cash only, there are ATMs in the market, but it's always smart to get some before heading to the market)

Over all, it was a good market. Great selection of foods and crafts, plus it's something to get you out of the house!

Also for those with younger kids, on the other side of city hall, ther is an Ice skating ring. To skate it's free, the only charge you have is $2 to rent skates!

Skate around the rink and then head over to the market for some food and beer and glühwein. It's the perfect activity for the whole family.

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Regensburg Christmas Market

The New Year has gotten away from me, but before it gets further into to 2016, I just wanted to share our experience at the Regensburg Christmas Market.

Regensburg Christmas Market is one that I've wanted to check out since we arrived in 2013. Since it is our last Christmas here, I made it a point to check it out.

The best part of this Christmas Market was that there were 4 of them! Although we knew we weren't going to the Thun & Taxi's Market, they wanted 9 euros for admission, per person! No thank you. Although, I have heard a lot of people say great things about it. I don't like going to Christmas Markets and spending more money on entrance fees.

We headed down to Regensburg with a friend and her two boys. It is fun going to markets with kids who are genuinely excited. Plus like me, love to eat and enjoy when Drew gives them piggy back rides!

We parked at Parkhaus Dachauplatz, it is located right in the middle of town. (D-Martin-Luteher-Str. 2, 93047) I think this would be the best parking garage, even if you're going to the Thun & Taxi's Market. I would suggest getting there early. We had a wait a few minutes because it was full. But it is the best place to park

I love going to Christmas Markets to eat, so of course our first stop was food and Gluhwein! 

The boys seemed to enjoy it too, we ended up finding a big Carousel and they boys went on it a couple of times. 

The Market itself is pretty impressive, the stalls and booths around the 500-year-old Neupfarr Church and in front of the classical columns of the former city guardhouse sell a glittering range of Christmas decorations, traditional Nativity crib scenes with carved figures, children's toys and other very practical presents.

I was impressed with the Market. I wish we would've headed over to the Thun & Taxis Market, but spending 18 euros on entrance fee wasn't worth it. If you want to go to the market at Thun & Taxis as well, I'd suggest going during the week, It's cheaper and less people. But Regensburg is a great market. Make sure you try to get there!

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Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, Germany

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Ansbach Weihnachtsmarkt

On our way to Rothenburg, we stopped of to check out the Ansbach Christmas Market. Ansbach is located about 40 km South West of Nuremberg. Since the 1800's the Ansbacher Christmas market has been held annually during the festive season. From 1836 they only allowed local merchants to sell items at the market, they mainly sold Franconian products like Christmas cakes, toys, nativity figurines and ornaments, books, pictures, nuts, apples and mulled wine. 

Since 1983, the Christmas market has found its location on the Martin-Luther-Platz between the two churches, and in 2009 it was extended through the Montgelas Square.

I found parking at the Altzplatz Parking Garage (Am Mühlbach 2, 91522 Ansbach), since we have an SUV I like to know where to park. This parking garage is a 5-minute walk from the Market.

We arrived early on Sunday morning and there were next to no people there. The Christmas Market has a wide range of arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, candles, and winter accessories. Drew was even able to find mitten/gloves for himself!

The best part about the market was that we were able to find Gluhbeir again! We've only been able to find it at one other place, the Wildenreuth Christmas Market. 

In the center of the market is a giant Christmas Pyramid, on top of a Gluhwein station. It was an adorable place, and it seemed to be where everyone wanted to hang out. Throughout the market there are also fireplaces/ fire pits that contribute to the cozy atmosphere.

I really liked the feel of this Christmas Market, it wasn't as big as Nuremberg, but not as small as Weiden. I think it was a good mix of both.

The Christmas Market is even perfect for Children. They have a little play area, that has a curling rink, a Wagon Train and Carousel for them to play with.

Even though we didn't stay for very long, we left the Ansbach Christmas Market feeling very happy. I would suggest checking out this Market!

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Christmas Photos 2015

I like to do Christmas Photos/Family Pics every year to send out to our family and friends back home. This year I was torn between actually getting some done. I knew I was going to send our Christmas Card out through email...but that's about all I knew.

My wonderful friend Paige, from Paige Ramsey Photography volunteered her services, and I took her up on her offer. Only thing was that I wanted them done at a Christmas Market (it's all the rage now). So Saturday morning we headed off to the Bamberg Christmas Market and killed 2 birds with one stone, we got to check out another Christmas Market, and I got adorable pictures as well! I love Christmas Markets. Everything about them is just so magical. 

My other favorite!

Paige says that she was distracted and it's not her best work, but I love them any ways. She's so talented, even her "not best" work is better than my best work. I guess that's why she's the professional and I'm not. Haha.

I've already picked out my favorite (It was hard choosing) and sent them out to our families.

Rylie's not in any of these this year. I didn't think a Christmas Market would be a good place to take her. Maybe we'll get some with her before Christmas. Haha.

Merry Christmas 2015

Happy Holidays,

Love the Sidles'

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