When the Advent season opens, Christmas markets set up in almost every German town, large or small. The town squares, which normally close early in winter months, are lit up and buzzing. Towns people and tourists gather together, listen to brass band play music, and enjoy the traditional foods of the region.
Vendors sell baked goods, including gingerbread hearts, sugar-roasted almonds, crepes, cookies, stollen (a type of fruitcake), cotton candy and other sweets. Christmas tree decorations, seasonal items, and handcrafted articles, such as wooden toys and hand-blown glass ornaments, are for sale throughout the market.
