The annual German Christmas Market also known as Weihnachtsmarkt has returned to Florence in piazza Santa Croce, selling everything from delicious German foods to Christmas decorations. Small wooden stalls fill up the piazza until December 15 starting at 10am and ending at 8pm every day.
Visitors of the market must not miss the special foods that are available only once a year in Florence. At the German food stand, I highly recommend trying the bratwurst with sauerkraut or the roasted pig. The wait may be a few minutes because of the great popularity of the stand, but it is well worth the wait!
After trying the German food stand, warm up with some mulled wine, also known as Glühwein. The cider stand has taken part in the German Christmas market held in piazza Santa Croce for 12 years, preparing about 1,000 liters of the beverage per year for the visitors. One of the workers said, ‘A shot of mulled wine heats up the fingers and warms the heart’. The mulled wine is made from 22 different spices and the German grape, dornfelder. The different spices create a whirl of flavor in your mouth. For only 2.50 euro you can enjoy a warm cup of cider or mulled wine to warm your heart.
At another small wooden stall nearby, The Cherry Tree is serves up fresh cheese from a farm in England. Here you can find mature cheese and decadent jams for very reasonable prices. One half of a wheel featuring eight different cheeses cost 15 euro, while a full wheel 25 euro. The sundried tomato and spring onion cheddar is delicious! The cheese stand has returned to the German Christmas market for the last 12 years, offering customers the freshest and finest cheeses and, when they are not in Santa Croce, they are travelling the globe spreading the gift of jams and cheese to all.
Not only food is available at the Christmas market but also a great variety of gifts to choose from for all ages to spread some Christmas cheer. The selection varies from purses made in France and India to children’s toys made in Hungary. Young or old, there are presents for everyone at the market.
Several stands around the Christmas market are also selling unique Christmas decorations. Visit Alessandra at the ornament shop to buy a handmade ornament with custom writing starting at 6 euro. Or stop by a few other wooden cabins selling small Christmas houses, hanging angels and holiday-scented incense.
The German Christmas market is guaranteed to put you into the holiday spirit so make sure to stop by and enjoy the delicious food and unique gifts.
