Every year from December 1st to the 23rd the marketplace in Nürnberg, Germany becomes the Christkindlesmarkt. It is basically just an outdoor market where vendors sell food (like Bratwurst, my favorite) or drink (like Glühwein, which is warm, spiced wine) or other small gifts. But at its heart, Christkindlesmarkt is a place to go soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy people-watching as you stroll past the vendor stalls and brightly decorated buildings. In a way, it’s similar to Oktoberfest, that other great German tradition. The fun is in being there, walking around with a Brat in one hand and a cup of Glühwein in the other. The Germans really know how to have a good time.

Check out the live webcam at the link above. You can move the camera around by clicking in various areas of the image and you can even zoom in for some long distance people-watching. The image below is the Schöner Brunnen, a famous fountain which has a brass ring said to bring good luck to those who spin it.

Schöner Brunnen