Lights, Coffee, Ponies at the Rüdesheim am Rhein Christmas Market of Nations
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Lights, Coffee, Ponies at the Rüdesheim am Rhein Christmas Market of Nations

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Throughout the Advent season, Rüdesheim am Rhein hosts an annual Christmas Market of the Nations.  It earned the title of my personal Favorite Christmas Market of 2012 due to its beautiful Christmassy atmosphere.

Beautiful at night
Nighttime at the market

Nothing was missing–there were even (surprisingly!) pony rides.  In fact, this market will be an all-around hit with the little ones.

Carousel
Carousel
Pony rides
Pony rides
Live bunny village
Live bunny village
Small kiddie train
Small kiddie train

Decorations were festive and the life-size nativity scene, said to be one of Europe’s largest, was beautiful.

Nativity scene
Nativity scene
Fun decorations
Fun decorations

 

What else is there?  Food and drink of the Rheingau!  There’s no better time to stay warm with a delicious Rüdesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee drink that is divine.  That’s not to say you shouldn’t warm up with a mug of Glühwein, but I’m telling you: this coffee is a must.  It’s served in its own special mug because, well, it deserves its own special mug.

They'll probably flambé it right before your eyes!
They’ll probably flambé it right before your eyes!
rudesheimer kaffee coffee
You can be sure I own this mug. Now, if only I had a personal chef to flambé me some Rüdesheimer Kaffee…

 

You should also grab some Asbach chocolates for yourself or for gifts.  Or both.  My personal favorite are the little filled bottles with a crust inside.  Look for the “mit Kruste” seal.  In general, remember: German filled chocolates tend to pack a bigger punch than American chocolates!

asbach candy
All I can say is YUM

It’s simply quaint to wind your way through the narrow cobblestone paths of Rüdesheim.

rudesheim christmas market
Randy looks happy!

That said, it is a popular and therefore crowded market, which could detract from your experience if you’re looking for an intimate setting; you also have to make sure that what you’re buying wasn’t made in China or the like.  You might find, though, that this detraction is counteracted by the natural charm of Rüdesheim.  Christmas trees line the narrow streets, including the famous Drosselgasse, an oft-photographed street all year round.

rudesheim christmas market
Drosselgasse

 

One unique aspect of the market is its “Market of the Nations” theme.  In about a dozen areas of the market, you will find goods from each of a dozen nations.

New scarf and hat!
New scarf and hat!

The gist: the market is charming and just the perfect picture of Christmas, but be prepared for crowds!

What we brought home from Rüdesheim: A lovely Nordic scarf and hat set for me, a Sweden soccer scarf for the husband, and awesome memories.

rudesheim christmas market

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About Post Author

Kari Martindale

Kari Martindale likes words, so she uses them a lot. Kari sits on the Board of Maryland Writers' Association and is involved with various nonprofits. She writes spoken word poetry, children's books, and other stuff, like whatever blog post you just read. Kari has visited over 35 countries and all 50 States, and is always planning her next road trip. She likes her family a lot; they tolerate her just fine.
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