Sternschnuppen Markt in Wiesbaden

In Wiesbaden, the Christmas Market is called Sternschnuppen Markt or "Twinkling Star Christmas Market."  The town comes alive at dusk each night for about 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve.  No matter what the weather, you will find people here enjoying Gluhwein, flammkuchen and brats.  Of course there are many booths with Christmas ornaments and even a leather artist making custom-made belts while you wait.  Near the theater, a compressor-equipped ice skating rink was erected with a warming house and even a curling rink.  A group of local friends and some of Pete's visiting colleagues joined up one evening for a German-style curling match.  As more Gluhwein was sipped, the curling got aggressive and the players and fans grew more rowdy.  A good time was had by all at below freezing temperatures.  Thank God I had my Ugg boots.

Where we entered the market, this icon greeted us.  We called it the manger bar - it was a Christmas pyramid with manger scene above a very busy Gluhwein bar.  We always began our evening here!

A view of the city center leading into the Market.

Some of the beautiful twinkling stars that lit up the night.

Another view towards the old city hall (Alt Ratskeller).

Our very own Ferris Wheel - not quite as impressive as Berlin's Christmas market that we attended last year.

The always active ice arena.

That's me in front of the warming house...

...and inside -quite cozy with lambswool on the benches and a fireplace.

Outside the ice rink were these fireplaces that gave the whole area a wonderful aroma.

The Bavarian curling rink with non professional curlers.  This version of curling uses these "curling stocks" that look like the pieces you play with on the game of "Sorry" - but much larger. 

A Curling break so Ed and Pete can sip more Gluhwein.

We found another traditional Bavarian game called Hammerschlagen while visiting the warming house.  Using the narrow end of a blacksmith's hammer, you compete to see who can bury the nail first, taking turns hitting only once each time.

Our Bavarian host "nailed it" !  Through many hours of hammering nails doing my glass work, I wasn't too bad. 

A group shot of the Bavarian Curling Team... no one got hurt.

... Happy New Year 2013....Tschus!!