Under the lights of the Mainz Christmas Market

Under the lights of the Mainz Christmas Market

The Mainz Christmas Market transforms the well-known streets into a magical Christmas town with market stands, food, drinks and spectacular lights. Once this market has you under its’ spell, it will be hard to leave!

 

  
Mainz has such a gorgeous historic downtown and the Christmas Market makes it even more special. You first enter the market area on the walking street where there are shops and restaurants.

 
The market wraps about the Cathedral of St, Martin and goes from the walking street to almost down to the river. When you first enter the market you are greeted by a huge German Christmas pyramid. These beautiful windmills originally come from the Ore Mountains in Germany and it also has been said that they were the predecessor of the Christmas Tree. German immigrants brought them over to America in the 1700s so they are a known holiday decoration in many American homes. Growing up we always had them in the house during Christmas. I was always fascinated by them because the heat from the candles generates wind which make the propellers spin around. It is quite hypnotizing! Unless it somehow gets jammed because then those wooden propellers ignite like a match stick! Yes, I learned that the hard way…

But there I was, in Mainz standing next to the most gorgeous and huge pyramid I could ever have imagined when I was young! Also the background of the cathedral and market stands really brings out your Christmas spirit!
 

Compared to other markets in the area, the Mainz Market is really big! They also really get a crowd and it can be really packed with people. Mainz has a university and the night I went, I think every college student came out for a mug of gluhwein! I strategically avoided the gluhwein stands when I was trying to maneuver around the market. The drink selection was great though!

 

With great drinks comes hand in hand with great food and this market sure had it! I was impressed with the selection of food that was there. They had options like chocolate covered fruit, waffles, roasted almonds, sausages, potato pancakes and snowballs (from Rothenberg oder Tauber!).
 

There was a food stand with a long line of people standing and waiting. I had no idea what they could be waiting for so I had to wait along with them. When the baker took out the tray of these pizzas the people in the crowd said, “Ohhhhh…AHhhh” so of course I had to snap a photo! (By the way it smelled amazing.)

A very special aspect to this market is the beautiful wooden manger scene next to the church. It is lit up so nicely and the almost life-sized wooden figures have great detail.

It is located on a stage which also gives you a fantastic view of my favorite section of the market: the strings of lights.

The area under these lights is a spot for people to come together and share a mug filled with their favorite warm drink together. Under these lights of the Mainz market I really felt the warmth of the holiday season where everyone is spreading positive cheer and good will towards each other.

Like I mentioned before, you will not want to leave! So up until the 23rd of December, come over to the Mainz Christmas Market and get lost for a few hours under the lights!

Author’s Profile: 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.