German Christmas Markets

We went to the Esslingen am Neckar Christmas market last night and it was truly spectacular.  This particular market is one of the few medieval markets.  The vendors dress in traditional garb selling their carvings, jewelry, ornaments, candles and other holiday delights.  There stalls that are for traditional tests of skill like archery, and throwing.  Similar to a fair but done up with scenery to make it look like you are in some medieval village.  There is a tiny ferris wheel for kids that is done to look like its made of leather and forged iron.  There are small but high, metal mesh baskets where fires burn to keep warm.  We bought the traditional warm wine called Gluh Wein which is wine with mulled spices.  It was delicious!  We had warm, spicy bread on a stick which Chase loved and looked so cute as he tore off the bread with his teeth from the foot long stick.  It was Chase and my first night in Germany and we didn't have our luggage so we had no camera.  We plan to return and hope to get pictures that can somehow capture this amazing market.