Our First Christkindlesmarkt

When we planned this trip, our goal was to be in Augsburg on Friday evening because, on weekends, this town has a "living advent calendar".  I had read about it on a UK German Christmas market website.  So, we arrived in Augsburg midday with plenty of time to explore the first of the Christmas markets we are going to visit and then see this special event.  I have to say, that while the weather has been cold and crisp so far, it was more of a damp cold in Augsburg and it seemed to seep right into our bones.  We explored the market and we both found it a bit disappointing.  There were lots and lots of food and drink stalls and, yes, we stopped for a glass of Gluhwein; however, I had expected to see more products being sold than there were.  It was still all interesting though.  When we checked into our hotel, the manager told us, aside from the market, there were two important things to see:  the Goldener Saal (Golden Room) in the town hall (Rathaus) and the Fuggeri, a group of houses built in the 16th C which were the first example of social housing.  Those buildings continue to have that role today.

Augsburg's Rathaus

The Goldener Saal

View of part of the Christmas market

We met up with a friend for drinks at 4:30 before the three of us wandered into the main square to see the Advent calendar event.  At precisely 6 p.m., the lights in the square dimmed, and 24 windows in the Rathaus opened and angels appeared.  On the centre balcony, 4 angels played an organ, a lute, a violin and a trumpet.  Some but not all of the music was pre-recorded and was still something very special to witness.  So, the first of our visits to four or five Christmas markets was complete.

The "Angels" on the Rathaus balcony