Press Release

 
Press Release                                                                                                             December 2016

Behind the Scenes in SouthWest Germany's Christmas Markets 

An atmosphere of Christmas magic surrounds the markets in SouthWest Germany with twinkling booths, live music and seasoned hot mulled wine known as Glühwein.  Each market has its own brand of magic but it is the people behind the booths who wield their skills to create this joyful atmosphere. All over SouthWest Germany, Christmas markets pop up from the capital city of Stuttgart to deep in the Black Forest at the Ravenna Gorge.  There are many delicious traditional Christmas specialties that entice visitors and locals alike.  Here are some of the markets and the people who take pride in working at them, preparing the unique food that is served at the Christmas markets and creating the magical experience that visitors treasure year after year.
 
Ulm 's Christmas market thrives with the age-old tradition of story telling, which is perfect during the Advent time. Set right in the middle of the market, the Ulm storytellers create an atmosphere of serenity and fun. Instead of sitting in uncomfortable seats, the theater is filled with carpets, pillows and lounge chairs to fit about 70 people.  Fairy tales captivate audiences from the children to grandparents. Sven Wisser and his colleagues take their audiences on journeys to foreign lands, magical forests and more. In the evenings, the theater group also has a program just for adults. Only one hour from Stuttgart, Ulm is where Einstein was born and has a wonderful bread museum.
 
First held in 1972, the Pforzheim Christmas market has been entrancing visitors for more than 40 years. Since the beginning, Gertrand Hötz and her family have been a part of making that magic atmosphere by baking delicious desserts for guests from near and far. From gingerbread cookies, chocolate fruits and candied almonds there is something for everyone. For over 40 years they have been candying the almonds and covering the fresh fruit in chocolate directly at the Christmas booth. For the Hötz family working at the market is as treasured a tradition as it is for families to attend the special market. Known as the city of gold, Pforzheim has one of the finest gold centers in all of Europe.

During Advent time, Karlsruhe transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland. From November 24th to December 23rd, thousands of twinkle lights outline the city. The market is known for its atmosphere, people, goods and above all their Glühwein. Glühwein is an important part of any great Christmas market, there is nothing better than holding a hot cup of Glühwein while surrounded by snow and booths selling sparkling handmade trinkets.  The vintner, Georg-Jakob Keth, invites locals and visitors to enjoy an assortment of his white, red, bio and non-alcoholic mulled wines. Keth has been selling his wines at the Karlsruhe Christmas market for a decade and believes in keeping his wine quality high. Karlsruhe will become even more famous this year as SouthWest Germany celebrates the 200th anniversary of the bicycle by Karl von Drais, who was born in Karlsruhe.
 
The romantic backdrop of the Heidelberg Castle radiates Christmas magic as you walk through the medieval city. Idyllic stalls nestled in the five sections of Heidelberg's Old Town create a warm atmosphere. You can stroll through the city with a partner or take a spin on the ice on one of Germany's most romantic ice rinks. If you are feeling adventurous, take a crisp winter walk to the Klosterhof Neuburg, the Benedectine Abbey situated on the outskirts of town directly on the Neckar River. On the weekends the Abbey hosts a Christmas market where local artisans sell their wares and Neuburg's own wine is made into hot Glühwein. Another annual celebration that just took place is Heidelberg's famous PINK Monday dedicated to LGBT awareness, acceptance and tolerance.  PINK Monday offers pink Glühwein, pink Christmas mugs, pink illuminations and a colorful stage program; proceeds of this night go to support "AIDs-Hilfe Heidelberg."
 
Stuttgart's Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany, with over 280 beautifully decorated booths that stretch from the Schlossplatz to Marktplatz. Each stand sells unique handmade creations, toys, angels and of course Glühwein and Swabian specialties. Behind the booths are some of the most loyal workers, including Adolf Weeber who celebrated his 50th year working the Stuttgart Christmas market in 2015.  His specialty cocktail for the locals and visitors is the "Blond Angel" a concoction comprising of white wine, egg liquer and cream. The Stuttgart market's illuminations are second to none including festive concerts playing seasonal music in the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Palace and the "Wintertraum" on the Palace Square.
 
SouthWest Germany's markets known for their Swabian specialties such as "Dambedei," "Hutzelbrot," "Neujahrsbrezel." At the Christmas markets, the "Neujahrsbrezel" or "New Year's Pretzel," is a bit sweeter than an original pretzel although it is still garnished with salt and is a tradition to have at the New Year's Day breakfast. The "Dambedei" has many names across the region including "Grätti," "Baselmann," or "Klausenmann" but the little edible figure always has raisins for eyes, almonds for a mouth, buttons made of nuts and a small hat.  He used to be made with a bishop's hat and stick, this little pastry man makes young and old smile all over the region. 
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For a PDF Version of this document, please click here. For further information, please see our website: www.tourism-bw.com and please contact: 

                                

Victoria Larson
Press Representative, US and Canada
SouthWest Germany
917-678-7689
Martina Bareiss
Marketing and Sales Manager, Overseas
State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg