Christmas Market in Dusseldorf

Downtown Dusseldorf has been transformed from a quaint German town to a holiday landscape. It has taken us many days to wander all of the Christmas Market areas spread out through Dusseldorf.

As we progress through the Christmas market we see a lot of arches with lights of many forms decorating them. The story of the arch, as I have learned, is it originated in the Erzgebirge area of Germany, which is a large mountain range between Germany and the now Czech Republic. The towns bordering the mountain range were mining villages. As the miners left the mines on Christmas eve they would hang their lanterns around the opening of the mine forming a lighted arch. This form of decoration in Germany is 250 years old.

Another traditional item is the Christmas Pyramid which dates back to the Middle Ages. Apparently even then, people got the winter blues. In an effort to cheer people up candles would be lit. They were originally hung from ceilings in German homes. Again, the community ties to mining inspired the original design of a capstan. They are composed in a pyramid type shape with candles on the outer ring and a central carousel in the middle with a rotor at the top that is driven by the warm air from the candles.

Here is a Christmas stand in the shape of a Christmas Pyramid. Daytime.

Night time. (not my picture)

There are multiple carousels throughout the city, and I LOVE carousels!

As the sun goes down, the lights come on. The carousels that were fanciful by day become magical by night. (this is not the same carousel as above)

This one is more like a mini rollercoaster for kids.

They also have an ice rink in the center part of town. I don’t know if it is up all winter or just for the holiday season. I like the “cheater” sleds they have for the young and the inexperienced. The kids can even sit on them while their parents push them around the rink.

We found the displays at Burgplatz, by the Rhine River, the most interesting. They remind me of the little houses we used to put around our train sets as a kid.

At night the castle in the Burgplatz looks like it is glowing. I’m still trying to figure out the definition of “castle,” because this isn’t my idea of a castle. It looks more like a lighthouse to me.

They even decorate the big Ferris wheel for Christmas. Did I mention before that these are dining cars? They have tables and cup holders so you can eat while you ride.

The buildings in Marketplatz look similar to log cabins you might find in snowy villages of the Erzgebirge mountains.

Alina, a girlfriend of one of John’s coworkers, and I had a great afternoon strolling around the markets.

Germany has no problem displaying nativity scenes everywhere.

There is a glassblower making ornaments that are beautiful, but they won’t survive in a suitcase I don’t think.

John and I enjoy trying all of the unfamiliar foods we find. Some we like and some we don’t. The fire-roasted salmon on wooden planks is one of our favorites.

Got to have my sweets too. These little tiny pancakes are a great treat.

Love her outfit too.

There were many street performers playing Christmas music and beating on drums. I don’t know what this guy is playing but, cool.

We walk by one of the canals that run through Dusseldorf, this one flows through a couple of parks. I need to get some  Glühwein, or hot wine. It is almost more popular than beer!

As we pass through the shopping district looking at all of the window displays we find animated teddy bears.

Hmm, I wonder if the person who put this display together really stop and thought about it?

Will upload video when I get back to the states.