My visit to Efteling on December 27, 2015, was an unexpected and truly magical Christmas gift. I owe a massive thank you to my dear friend, Monique, and her family for taking me along for free!
The park in late December was absolutely breathtaking. The air was crisp, the grounds were dusted with fake snow , sadly it didn’t snow. The whole atmosphere felt cozy and festive for Winter Efteling. It was the perfect escape into a world of legends and fairy tales.
When I think back to my time living in Germany, I don’t just remember the snowy streets or the smell of glühwein wafting through Christmas markets. I remember the sparkle of tiny ornaments that somehow capture the feeling of the season. I only brought three decorations home with me, but each one carries a story
For me, the best part of Christmas in Germany was the Christmas markets. From October, the festive spirit fills the air with streets lit up in Christmas lights, window displays dressed in holiday cheer, and Christmas-themed clothes everywhere. But it was the markets that truly stole my heart. You don’t have to spend much to enjoy them—handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats like bratwurst and Glühwein (mulled wine) make the experience magical. The warmth of the Glühwein alone made me feel like I was glowing!
Living in Essen, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, I visited several markets before spending Christmas in the Netherlands. Though I admit this list is a bit biased, as these markets are tied to my favorite memories in Germany, they hold a special place in my heart.
The internet is a buzz with a viral post stating that all Germany’s Christmas markets are cancelled this year. This is not true. While social media has been buzzing with stories about cancellations due to “security concerns,” the truth is far less dramatic. Most of Germany’s Christmas markets are still happening in 2025. Only a…
The Cologne Carnival, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned festivals, isn’t just about wild costumes, parades, and parties. At its core, it’s a time-honoured celebration of freedom, satire, and community—a time when the rules of daily life are set aside, and revelers embrace a world of uninhibited fun and self-expression
So, you’ve decided to stay in the Netherlands over the Christmas holiday and are ready to celebrate the Dutch way—whether you’re visiting your partner’s family, celebrating with friends, or just eager to embrace the local customs. You’re in for a treat, or at least something different from the usual Christmas dinner of gammon, turkey, vegetables and trifle pudding. Welcome to the world of gourmetten!
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience at a German Christmas market.
How to dress for German Christmas Markets
A list of all the places in Germany where
Cherry Blossom trees grow
A list of spots where you can view the Cherry Blossom trees in the North Rhine Westphalia region of Germany
A roundup of the food I loved the most in Greece
Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is a place where you can find an interesting mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, beautiful cherry blossom trees, and world-class museums. I first heard of Bonn through my roommate Maria, who was moving there. Over time, I fell…
Nikkidiscovers 