Christmas Festival in Hanover, Germany

Here, Christmas is much more than a state of mind. It lives, breathes in the cobbled streets. Warm lights dance across the smiles of ruddy-faced children dancing to the music of bells. Angels walk alongside mortals in the festive alleys. On the air is the enchanting smell of roasted nuts and hot cocoa. Welcome to Weihnachtsmarkt in Hanover, Germany.

Germans never need an excuse to celebrate, and Christmas (in German, Weihnachten) is no exception. Nearly every town sets up a Christmas market in the center of activity, called the Rathausplatz, which becomes transformed into a Bethlehem-esque scene, complete with tiny wooden buildings that house, instead of the baby Jesus, Christmas ornaments and holiday treats to eat.

Festivities generally last four weeks, and there is always something going on. Carolers are popular venues, and are guaranteed to sing the world-renowned classic "O Tannenbaum." There are activities for children and adults alike, from carousel rides and visits with the infamous jolly man in red, here known as Weihnachtsmann, to free samples of gourmet cuisine.

Cuisine
And speaking of food, the possibilities are limitless. Traditional Wursts are found sizzling on an open-air grill next to a booth that sells mouthwatering candy-covered nuts and chocolate. German specialties like mushrooms with cream sauce entice hungry visitors, and are usually not too expensive. Vendors have come as far as Scandinavia to participate and offer their own traditional delicacies, such as fish cooked on an open fire.

A long-lasting tradition of Weihnachtsmarkt is Glühwein, which translates to "glowing wine." A strong, fruity wine, whose secret is that it is heated, is an absolute must after walking about in the brisk winter air. This wine has a heavy, sweet smell that lingers on the air, luring frostbitten wanderers over for a mug. It is German tradition to serve it in a mug that is used continually throughout the evening, so be aware of the germ potential. Wiping the lip of the mug is good cold sore preventative.

If hot wine doesn't appeal to you, there are vendors who sell hot cocoa and coffee, which are, in the German tradition, usually spiked with amaretto or rum. If you weren't scared away by the idea of sharing a mug with fellow Christmas enthusiasts, you can purchase a keepsake mug with the year and location stamped on it at any of the beverage vendors.

Ornaments
This Christmas market is an excellent place to find hand-carved, exquisite ornaments. Some of the better-known crafters do charge an arm and a leg for their tiny nutcrackers, heralding angels and intricately carved Santa Clauses. However, it is well worth the slow-moving line to step inside the (heated) shop that houses these delicate ornaments. With the high prices, the place is more of a museum, with the exception of the occasional tourist willing to spend the Deutsche Mark (and now Euro) for a souvenir.

There are many smaller vendors who sell wooden ornaments every bit as good as their high-scale neighbors. There are also booths that sell candles, glass ornaments and gifts unique to the area of Germany you are in. Germans aren't much for haggling price, so be prepared to pay the price listed.

Shopping
Businesses located in the area of the Weihnachtsmarkt thrive on the throngs of visitors, and usually offer excellent sales for the Christmas season. Take a moment to warm up and explore holiday savings in a variety of shops, selling everything from clothing to books to toys.

Late Night Snack
Because Hanover is a metropolis in north-central Germany, it is, as the saying goes, the city that never sleeps - especially during the holiday season. Major department stores, which line the Rathausplatz, keep their lights blazing until the last shopper is gone. And after that, restaurants cater to night owls who crave a midnight (and later) snack.

Möewenpick, a famous brand of ice cream delights, has a huge restaurant strategically located just outside the train station, and just a stone's throw from the Weihnachtsmarkt in Hanover. Not only can you order a Kugel (scoop) of ice cream topped with the richest sweets imaginable, but there are also meals, cakes, and, of course, beer and wine to whet your appetite. Beware of the chocolate shop at the entrance to the restaurant. If you come in hungry, you are likely to leave with several pounds of the stuff in your coat pocket.

Once Christmas has passed, and the strings of lights have been taken down, the magic lingers on. Germans keep the Weihnachten spirit alive throughout the year, and count down until the next season of festivities.