CHRISTMAS MARKETS (Weihnachts Markt)
The Christmas markets in Germany are famous.  Here is the one in Mannheim.  Some of the activity is at the Prada Platz, some in the area behind high end department stores, and some in the Wasser Turn area.  There is plenty of food and drink and gifts and people.  When we went at night, it was so cold.  Next time I will wear more warm clothes.
The Wasser Turn area.

One of the warm drink vendors.  Pretty elaborate booth!

This is in the morning before it got crowded.

Many department stores in the area set up the display windows that makes it fun to look at with animated stuffed animals.  These guys are making bread.

More department store windows.

The children really enjoy seeing these windows.

Dogs are always welcome everywhere.  

We liked these paper stars.  We bought several for gifts and one for us.  Designed and made in Mannheim.

Little ceramic houses are very popular.

This is one of the drink vendors.  It isn't quite finished yet.  The second floor will soon be open for people to go up and have drinks and a view of the Market.

This vendor makes sculpture out of metal welded together.

The local craftsman, more expensive things, are in a Weihnachts Markt that is in another area of town like this one.

Typical street scene with the tram.

This is at the Prada platz.  They set up areas for children to see the different fairy tales.

The Wasser Turn and Market below.

Schneeballs.  Like a waffle molded into a baseball and coated with different sweet flavors.

Wasser Turn and Cristmas trees.

Wasser Turn.

A few people had period costumes.

Displays for children's fairy tales.

Displays for children's fairy tales.

We had to try the local bratwurst.

Getting warm with fire and hot drink.

Warm drink

The crowds and lights at night.

Candles are very popular here in Germany.  There are many very pretty kinds.

These next photos are from the Heidelberg Market.  We haven't been to it yet but plan on going soon.