Living in Germany is so wonderful, especially when it come to experiencing the culture here. Christmas is by far one of the most wonderful times of the year, first because we are priviledged to celebrate the birth of our Savior, and secondly, we are able to celebate European style with Weihnactsmarkts (in Germany), Marché de Noël (France) and Christkindlemarkts in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and pretty much most European countries.
We have been blessed to be here for 5 Christmas seasons now and we have taken in new markets every year. We have been to ones in Belgium, all over France and Germany and one in Venice, Italy. Each one brings a new and surprising treat to the senses as you experience a little more of Europe. This year we have only done 3 so far; not because we are tired or bored, but because our family has welcomed our 6th family member (Brayden Luke Noggle born on 11 December 2010!) With me being so pregnant at the start of Christmas Market season, we didn't want to travel too far incase I went into labor. Now that Brayden is here, we plan on taking in the Valkenburg Market which takes place in the caves in Holland and maybe a few more before the season is over.
I wanted to share some pictures and you can see for yourself just how magical Christmas time is here in Europe. Our first market was to Koblenz, Germany; the 2nd was to Metz, France and our last one prior to Brayden's birth was to Rudesheim, Germany on the Rhine River. All were beautiful and unique in their own way.
Hope you enjoy the photos and if you ever come to Europe, try a winter vacation so you can experience a little slice of Heaven.
For more information on dates and times check out these websites:
Koblenz Weihnactsmarkt 2010
Andrea and the kids ready to take in Koblenz
Large Pyramid with vendors selling the famous Gluhwein in the cute, collectible mugs that I like so much!
Where we ate dinner-it was very good
Selling the famous Schneeballen (yum!)
Frohe Weihnacten
Scott and the kids enjoying the market
Selling the famous Schiwboggens that you see in all the German windows
Brats on an open fire
Koblenz 2010
Scott getting his Maronen (chestnuts)-the one main reason he enjoys these markets:)
Lovely vendors
Frohes Fest (Happy Holidays)
The kids excited to eat their Lebkuchen (gingerbread) Heart
Metz, France 2010
Unique and beautiful lights strung between the buildings down the streets
Happy Christmas; this was a Cheerful stall
All the stalls at this French market were just beautifully painted
So chic!
The colors were so vibrant and lovely
One of several carousels
Check out the beautiful lights down this street
And this street! It just kept getting more lovely
Here we are infront of the massive ferriswheel and ice skating rink
This awesome chandelier hung at the end of one street at the entrance of the town
Alot of towns light of the trunks of their trees, these were no exception standing out in bold blue
Everyone loves to ice skate
So frenchy looking, maybe b/c we are in France. Yummy potatoes
More beautiful street art!
Doesn't it look like snow? There was wiring above with sparkling stars in the netting; really neat
Ahhh, the breathtaking famous Metz Catherdral, even more magnificent all lit up!
We ate some famous french macaroons on the way home-yum!
So many lovely stalls with handicrafts
I liked this stall with the cute balcony
Rudesheim Weihnactsmarkt 2010
The sign says it all!
The kids ready for another market and just about to eat from pomme frites (french fries)
I liked all the hanging lanterns in the one section; thought it was totally Pottery Barn style!
Andrea and kids infront of the famous life size manger scene
Everyone enjoying the food and festivities
Loved this stall with a picture of the Last Supper
A beautiful building here-now a restaurant
My friend Dianna and I purchased these fur wraps! She and her family met us there for a lovely evening.
Looking down the famous "Drosselgasse"
Another beautiful building that sits right on the Rhine River bank
The sign says it all!
The kids ready for another market and just about to eat from pomme frites (french fries)
I liked all the hanging lanterns in the one section; thought it was totally Pottery Barn style!
Andrea and kids infront of the famous life size manger scene
Everyone enjoying the food and festivities
Loved this stall with a picture of the Last Supper
A beautiful building here-now a restaurant
My friend Dianna and I purchased these fur wraps! She and her family met us there for a lovely evening.
Looking down the famous "Drosselgasse"
Another beautiful building that sits right on the Rhine River bank
2 comments:
Girl...don't you have four kids now? And you have time to update your blog?? :)
Just kiddin! I love it!
Hey Ann!
What are you and Scott going sell when you're vendors next year? Huh, what do you think? You should totally do it. Put the kids behind the counter too! Everyone loves a kid selling things.
Good blog like them all. First time I'm seeing it since you posted.
Bye,
John
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