From the middle of November until Christmas, different parts of the city turn into magical gift markets. The aroma of fresh bakes and Santa Claus distributing gifts to the little ones trail embassy row which each country showcasing its best tradtions. Over 90 exhibitors presented an exclusive palate of interesting lifestyle products and unique gifting ideas at the German Christmas Market organised by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce this weekend.
German families and senior executives were seen serving home-baked cakes, freshly baked waffles and other specialities while the children from the German school participated in Christmas choir.
“This is the eighteenth edition and promotes Indo-German business plus cultural relations,” said Sonia Prashar, Deputy Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.
The first ever Christmas market, Dresden’s “Striezelmarkt”, was recorded as far back as 1434. In those days, Christmas markets lasted no more than a day or two and tended to confine themselves to the area around the main church. Nowadays, Christmas markets usually start before the first weekend of Advent (around the end of November) and go on until Christmas Eve or thereabouts. Some do not finish until Epiphany on January 6. Christmas markets in Germany's rural areas are no less attractive than those in larger towns and cities, though some only take place on weekends.
Through the years, each market has stayed true to its own particularities, with each specialising in local delicacies and traditional products. In the past, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their wares at the city’s market, which led to the distinctive regional character of today’s markets. Today, German Christmas markets serve much the same function that they have for centuries — as a festive meeting place for locals and a market for homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Some of the most traditional German handicrafts can be found here in the weeks before Christmas — from nutcrackers, wooden figurines, straw stars and smokers, to cookie tins, glass balls, toys, and tin tree ornaments. You can buy everything you need for Christmas here: candles, tree decorations, sweets, biscuits, baking tins and toys. Over time, each market develops a character of its own, influenced by its setting, regional traditions or particular specialities.