christmas market

This is my favourite Christmas market. Monschau is a beautiful, picturesque little town whenever you go, a tourist's photo heaven !! but at Christmas it is just magical.
You can feel the atmosphere heightening as you walk from the car park, along the gorge and into the town (not as far as it sounds).
There are shops & stalls all with twinkling shimmering lights, enhancing the magic. There is traditional wooden toys, candles like you've never seen, crafts, knitwear, music boxes, jewellery, jams & chutneys, stained glass and food !!! Cheeses, gingerbread, chocolate, chestnuts & German meats.
There are plenty of stalls selling food and, of course, Glühwein. Also many restaurants to eat in or have a coffee.
It is busy & vibrant with local music, carols and horse & cart rides.
There is so much to do here, there is a castle, a beautiful church, little bridges over the running water, museums, glass works, shops, shops, shops & shops. A wonderful exhibition of over sized, papier-mâché, grotesque, fairy story characters.
Everywhere there is wonderful christmas displays & lighting.
You would think that the locals would get fed up with it all but not a bit of it. They are happy, friendly and helpful.
Park in the Burgau car park, over 300 spaces, and next to the glass works showroom, it is a short walk into the town.