Leipzig Christmas Market: Bands, Bows and Baaaaa

Leipzig Christmas market was actually one of my favourites. Granted, by the time the #christmasmarketcrawl was over, I had a few favourites, but Leipzig was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Firstly, unlike Berlin’s Christmas markets, it had a “small town” feel.

Secondly, there was a Christmassy entrance featuring nutcrackers. If that doesn’t make you want to skip right in, I don’t know what will.

Thirdly, a band plays live music every evening at 6pm on the balcony of the town hall.

Fourthly, they have real live sheep in the nativity scene.

You get the picture. I loved it.

The market snakes throughout some of the streets of the city before converging in the town square, where most of the action is. Another great aspect of this market is that it has a medieval section, where the stalls are housed within faux Medieval buildings and they sell gluhwein out of pot mugs, in addition to selling things like bows and arrows, that people will probably never buy, but it’s great to peruse.

I also loved the selection of food and drink in Leipzig. They are big on selling things called handbrots, which is basically a small crusty bread roll stuffed with things like ham and cheese. When you see them pulling these babies out of a steaming hot wood-burning oven, it’s hard to resist.

Other delights included delicious lebkuchen (German-style soft gingerbread), kartoffelpuffers (potato fritters similar to hash browns) and every type of hot alcoholic drink you could think of.

Over by the large ferris wheel (every city has to have one), there is a separate Scandinavian market selling glogg and reindeer sausages (yep, you read that right). They also sold hot smoked salmon, similar to the sandwich we had eaten at Berlin’s market, so I ordered a plate of it with potato salad, bread and sauerkraut. It wasn’t a cheap option, but sometimes you need a change from the regular bratwurst.

Next to this Scandinavian section there is a winter fairytale scene, featuring characters from popular fables. This was where I encountered some creepy-looking elves sneaking out of “Snow White’s” house. Those guys definitely look like they’re up to something.

For the atmosphere, the surroundings and the range of things on offer at Leipzig Christmas market, I’d definitely say it’s worth a visit if you’re in Germany. It may not be the biggest, but in my opinion that’s what makes it great.