The Leeds German Christmas Market
It is nearly time for Christmas in case you hadn't noticed, shops are full of Christmas cheer and the Christmas ad for a particular brand of soft drink is on heavy rotation. However, more importantly Christkindelmarkt, more commonly known as the German Christmas Market has come to Leeds.
Any Leeds socialite as well as any number of the many visitors to Leeds will tell you the German Christmas Market is a must on any calendar and is guaranteed to kick start even a scrooge's Christmas spirit. Its traditional wooden market stalls, festive greenery, carousel and huge beer hall all set in the stylish Millennium Square, enchant thousands of visitors every year.
With so many stalls selling traditional and quirky crafts and commodities, you will be hard pushed not to find some Christmas gift ideas and inspiration. In particular look out for the hat, glove and scarf stall, the fabulous fingerless woollen gloves that transform into mittens are a sure-fire way to keep your hands warm this winter.
In addition to all these fabulous craft stalls prepare to be surrounded by the culinary delights of Northern Europe and Germany. With a wide array of delicious fair, you are sure to find something to tickle the tastes of even the fussiest foodie. In particular for those of a carnivorous persuasion make certain you get stuck into the succulent bratwurst and spicy German sausages, cooked on an open grill to seal in the flavour and served in a crusty role these are without a doubt a highlight of the whole market. Also don't forget to visit the cured meats stall to stock up on your authentic salami's, pepperoni's and cured hams that are sure to be devoured with relish over the Christmas holidays.
Hang on though, vegetarians don't fear, there is plenty to whet your appetites too. With an array of pretzel sandwiches, fried potatoes and savoury crepe's you won't go hungry! Oh and for a taste phenomenon make sure you head to the garlic bread stall, being shaped like an enormous bulb of garlic it is hard to miss. The gorgeous aroma will tempt you in, your mouth watering with anticipation for a taste sensation you won't soon forget.
Finally, for those of you with a sweet tooth make sure to take advantage of the numerous cake and sweet stalls filled with chocolate and candies of every variety. But wait don't fill up on sweets to fast, at least not without making a stop at the chocolate fruit stall. Nothing improves a strawberry, banana, pineapple or any other fruit you can dream of then smothering it in warm gooey chocolate, this is an assured treat to the senses and one you don't have to feel guilty about.
Without a shadow of a doubt the whole German Market is an extraordinary experience, however the Frankfurter-Scheune (massive beer hall to you and me), located dead centre has to be the cherry on top of the black forest cake. Acting as a hub for Christmas revellers and providing the authentic beer-Keller experience, make sure to soak in the atmosphere. The sensation created by the scent of mulled wine floating through the air, the German show band's traditional horn and string music emanating through rafters and the sampling and rejoicing at the magnificence of the giant stein beer glasses which require all but the strongest person to use two hands just to lift them, is beyond comparison.
The German Christmas Market is one of the greatest events on the Leeds social calendar. With its Christmas theme, amusements, shop stalls and culinary delights it has something for everyone, and leaves the senses tantalised. All those who visit will be left with a sense of wonder, planning their next trip and subsequent trips for years to come.
The German Christmas Market is open 10.30am to 9pm Monday - Saturday, 10.30am to 8pm on Sundays, and runs until the 19th of December.