Christmas markets are one of Germany’s claim to fame. It’s a time-honored tradition to go, drink glühwein & be merry. It’s a wonderful time of year. Our favorite time of year.

On Saturday we had a break inbetween rain storms, our weather has been unseasonably warm, and we bundled up & drove down the hill to our favorite little local Christmas market. Calw is nestled on two hillsides, the Nagold river runs through the center. Old fachwerk (the traditional timberframing of old German buldings) houses line the market square while Christmas booths dot the way.

Each booth offers a little Christmas spirit, whether it’s food, drink or gifts. There is nothing like holding a warm, fragrant cup of glühwein (mulled wine) and strolling past, looking in each little booth. I normally don’t get very far without begging from one child or another. This year we didn’t get far before my begging started.

Raclette! It’s a fantabulously meltable cheese. From Switzerland, traditionally melted in front of the fireplace, scraped onto plates & served with boiled potatoes & salad & pickles. I had it this way once, with old friends of my parents. Nothing can beat the traditional way. But the Christmas market way? Flame broiled under a special portable grill? Also delicious & irresistable.

I get mine with the works. Tiny hammy-bacony pieces, lightly pickled onions, sprinkled with secret-recipe paprika/pepper mix. It’s to die for. Sinfully delicious. Perfect with my hot glühwein. My favorite treat. In December I like to tour Christmas market to Christmas market. Raclette booth to raclette booth.

This year it’s the perfect therapy. I need to work on walking. Christmas markets are all about walking. Slow walking. And that is the only kind of walking I do. It’s therapy & reward rolled into one. Win-win-WIN!

I honestly don’t know what I love more…. the adorable booths or the adorable houses

Christmas cafe & Angel mail. We all need Angel mail.

“our” village in iron. Dave is explaining where we are to Tess. I wish I could stick this in my pocket!

Traditional Raclette cheese is melted in front of the fireplace, then scraped onto a plate with potatoes.

Look at that ooey-gooey-goodness!

Here raclette cheese is scraped onto baguette (I added ham & onions). So. Delicious.

I love the old-fashioned, hand-crafted ornaments

This smells as good as it looks

Owls are everywhere! I bet Manda wishes she was here again.

Different oils & vinegars. I want one of each. Santa, take note!

Each family decorates their booth. It’s the best part!

Obviously snowmen & ski’s are my favorite.

Cheese noodles. I don’t know if I want the noodles or the huge pan more.

All about Calw. I love this town.

I also love this doggo

I love the hearts… I hate the cookie (lebenkuchen, blech)

It’s almost dark… time to head home & get kids in bed