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In the build up to Christmas, the streets and squares
of the two-thousand-year-old city are filled with sparkling Christmas
lights. The castle-like towers of the mansions built by medieval
patricians look magical in the shimmering atmosphere, as does the
Christkindlmarkt, Regensburg's beautiful Christmas market. The stalls
and booths around the 500-year-old Neupfarrkirche and in front of the
classical columns of the former city guardhouse sell a glittering range
of Christmas decorations, traditional Nativity crib-scenes with carved
figures, children's toys and other very practical presents. Children
with shining eyes ride on wooden merry-go-round horses, or sit like
princes and princesses in golden coaches. Sometimes the horses come to a
standstill, though, so that visitors can listen to the clear voices of
the Domspatzen, the cathedral boys' choir, or to an ensemble playing
traditional Christmas music on wind or brass instruments. And Santa
Claus kindly comes to the Market not just on Christmas Eve but on every
Wednesday during Advent, walking through the streets of the little
wooden town with a big sackful of sweets and goodies for young visitors.
There are all sorts of delicious things to eat and drink. Regional
specialities – mulled blueberry wine from the Bavarian Forest or mulled
cider made with apples from orchards in the Upper Palatinate – are just
as popular as the spicy little 'Original Regensburg Sausages' or the
plump and juicy grilled sausages served in a crisp bread roll with sweet
mustard, horse-radish and a gherkin. And, of course, there are also
plenty of stalls selling traditional German Christmas delicacies like
gingerbread, caramelised almonds and roast chestnuts. Through narrow
streets, hidden passageways and courtyards, the visitor can stroll on to
Kohlenmarkt and Haidplatz, where artists and craftsmen set up stalls
laden with wonderful handmade wares such as dolls, pottery, paintings on
silk and other materials, marionettes hanging amid a mass of strings,
fine-quality toys and all sorts of other gifts.
Close by, a little wooden town has sprung up in the romantic courtyard
of the 'Thurn & Taxis' Palace, its stalls and booths bathed in the
shimmering light of lanterns, candles and torches. Visitors will be
enchanted by the traditional craft goods, by the culinary delicacies and
the Christmas music. Santa Claus and the 'Christ Child' regularly visit
the Christmas market. |
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