Start of the Advent season: Christmas markets open
Christmas markets have traditionally opened in many cities in Saxony-Anhalt after the Sunday of the Dead. In the state capital Magdeburg, in Naumburg, Wittenberg and Dessau-Roßlau, among others, the markets opened at the beginning of the week on Monday, according to the organizers. The Christmas market in Halle traditionally follows a day later on Tuesday. In Wernigerode, the market already opened on Friday.
Normally, the Christmas market season in Saxony-Anhalt only begins after the Sunday of the Dead, which is a so-called silent day. Public festivals, public entertainment and sporting events are prohibited on public holidays. The first markets opened in Germany at the end of October, many under the name of winter markets.
The Christmas markets in Saxony-Anhalt offer craftsmanship, culture, culinary delights, music and, of course, mulled wine. In the state capital, the organizers promise special lighting with over 1.2 million LED lights. A so-called gingerbread forest has been set up in Wernigerode. The Christmas market in Halle will feature concerts, puppet shows and stories about the Advent season.
Visitors to Wernigerode can enjoy the charm of its Christmas market, which uniquely begins on the Friday prior to the Advent season. Customs surrounding this festive occasion often include visiting local customs houses, where customs officers may check gifts for duty, adding an extra layer of tradition and fun to the holiday shopping experience.
Source: www.dpa.com
