I'm a simple emigrant and today we are not allowed to dance

There is a phenomenon in Germany – Tanzverbot. Literally this means “ban on dancing” but in fact it is a legal restriction on certain mourning, religious, or memorial dates, when you cannot organize lively parties whether public or at home. And today Tanzverbot in honor of All Souls’ Day. Totensonntag (Totensonntag) here is observed about the same: on this day it is customary to remember deceased relatives and go to the cemetery, lay flowers and candles, and also attend memorial services in churches. It is always the last Sunday of the church year in the Evangelical Church in Germany. And Totensonntag also sort of opens the Christmas season: Advent begins next – four Sundays before Christmas, and Christmas markets officially open. This year I gathered a few interesting markets in Germany. Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, November 28 – December 24 – the most famous market in the world; it will open on Nürnberg’s central square. In addition to the usual handmade decorations and sweets there is a Children's Christmas Market, the Star House, the market of Nürnberg’s twin towns, and a parade of children’s lanterns. Striezelmarkt Dresden, November 26 – December 24 – the oldest Christmas market in Germany. There is the world’s largest staircase pyramid of the Ore Mountains, almost 15 meters tall, and a pedestrian arch Schwibbogen. And don’t forget to buy the Dresden Pflaumentoffel: an edible figure made from dried plums. Weihnachtsfeier an der Spree, November 17 – December 30 – a Christmas market outdoors in Berlin. It operates on an all-inclusive principle; you buy an entrance ticket from 30 euros and enjoy unlimited amounts of food, bonfires, mulled wine, and winter amusements. Schloss Kaltenberg Weihnachtsmarkt, November 28 – December 28 (Fri–Sun) – a market not far from Bavarian Coburg, probably the best for visiting with children. There you will enter a magical world inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, and there will also be a light show that envelops the castle and the forest. Märchenbazar, November 27 – December 28 – a market in Munich’s Olympiapark. There you can peek into large circus tents, see acrobats perform, and enjoy delicacies from around the world. All Frankfurt markets can be seen here. Besides the main ones, I especially like Weihnachtsmarkt im Thurn & Taxis Palais, it runs from November 7 to December 30 and is open until 23:00. And in Germany in general every city has its own atmospheric Christmas market and not just one. And they are all worth visiting! Do you have any favorite markets? Or perhaps you know secret gems? #frankfurt #holidays #top5 photo © Sebastian Weingart