Thanksgiving In Heidelberg, Germany

We spent Thanksgiving 2012 in Heidelberg, Germany enjoying it's many Weihnachtsmarkts (Christmas markets) and Altstadt (old town).  We had our fill of turkey and stuffing on Wednesday night with our Bible study group, The Hanger, and then enjoyed a mid morning coffee on Thursday at my Commander's house with a few other families in the squadron.  Around noon on Thursday we made our way to Heidelberg during nap time, and met up with a few good friends.  This Thanksgiving I was particularly thankful to God for my family and the opportunity to live in Europe!
 

All cities in Germany have a Weihnachtsmarkt which starts around Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas.  They are generally set up in the city's stadtplatz (city center) with a nativity scene, nutcrackers, toasted almonds, food stands, Christmas music, and merry-go-rounds for the kids.  The best part is the people out enjoying their culture and the time of year with a cup of Glühwein (hot red wine) or hot chocolate.  Some of the first Weihnachtsmarkts date back to the 12th and 13th century.  Lana was probably tired of me saying, "Germany is so great" as we walked through the town.  Everything is so old and people know how to relax and enjoy the season.

 

 

We also visited Heidelberg Castle, which is up on a hill overlooking the old town and Neckar River.  Liam enjoyed the short train ride up the "mountain" as Thomas the Train is one of this favorite toys these days.  The beginnings of the castle date back to 1214, but many additions have been made over the years.  Inside the castle is the world's largest wine barrel (last picture below), which was built in 1751 and held 58,000 gallons of wine.

 

 

 

 

 

In the weekends ahead we plan to visit different Weihnachtsmarks, starting later today with the one here in Wittlich.  Next weekend we'll visit the one in Bernkastel and maybe Trier.