In the already romantic old town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, the Christmas Market gives this town the final touches of becoming a real-life fairytale village.
The Rüdesheim Christmas Market has 124 delightful stands with hand-made crafts, delicious food and warm drinks that will put you right into the Holiday Spirit. This market prides themselves on being the ‘Christmas Market of Nations’ and they offer international specialties across the market. Here you will notice there are many visitors from around the world and more so compared to other markets. Besides this being a very popular tourist destination, the market also attracts many people from the Rhein River cruise ships that dock there for the day.
It seems not to long ago, I was walking the same winding enchanting streets, in the extreme summer heat, for their annual wine festival. However the winter is surely upon us and the magic of the old town also transforms nicely along with the seasons. Friends gather just like before, this time there are no fest tables but rather, they stand a little closer together for warmth and the chilled Riesling has been swapped for warm drinks like glühwein.
A very fun and special aspect of the Rüdesheim market is that you can take the cable car (Seilbahn) and hover over the Christmas Market then take in the view from the Niederwalddenkmal monument high above the hills.
A round trip ticket costs 7 euro and they are open from 11am to 6pm.
Before you go on your cable car, they have options to buy some sekt or gluhwein to go! They also have a basket of blankets that you can borrow to stay warm on your journey. (Seriously…how romantic?!)
They call this the ‘Silent Ride’ and it really is so perfectly quiet up there. You can relax in the serenity and gaze upon the beauty of the middle Rhein.
The ride is about 10 minutes up and you arrive at the Niederwald landscape park. Here you will feel like you are on the top of the Rheingau and you can discover the Niederwalddenkmal monument which commemorates the 1871 Unification of Germany.
On the way back down I saw a familiar face of a jolly man we all know and love! Clearly, he was enjoying the Seilbahn as well. ;)
Back on the streets of the market which is spread out all over the old town, there are great items to buy and also treats to taste. If the lyrics, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” ever had you wondering what they actually tasted like… here is your chance!
The wind from the hills gave me a chill and I wanted to try the Christmas drink that rules this town: The Rüdesheimer Coffee. It is offered in most cafes and restaurants in the town and they create it with flames right at your table for a special demonstration.
Such a cozy and delightful atmosphere!
Rüdesheim Coffee was invented by a German chef in 1957. It is served in its own specially designed mug which is very similar to an Irish coffee mug. First you add sugar cubes and Asbach Uralt brandy which is burned and stirred for a minute. Then you add strong coffee, and a big thick topping of whipped cream which is sprinkled with vanilla sugar. Finally it is garnished with chocolate flakes on top. This festive drink packs a punch and it will warm you up!
Coffee is done and I am ready to hit the streets again. I ventured to the beautiful center square where they have the main drinking stalls and a lot of food vendors.
I got my favorite market treat: Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes). These did not disappoint! I have always had apple sauce with them before but never the Preiselbeeren (like our cranberry sauce) and it was amazing!
Going to the Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations is nothing short of a dreamlike day. I am leaving with a bag of hand-crafted Christmas decorations, and a belly filled with wonderful treats. Do not miss this Christmas Market! It runs from 23 November to 23 December 2015.
About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/
Video on the Rüdesheimer Coffee:
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