Today’s nutcrackers have none of the soldier faced charms of yesteryears – yes, they’re undoubtedly more effective and storage friendly, but then that’s not really the point at Christmas time is it – Christmas is a time for handmade jams and chutneys, when throughout the rest of the year store bought is fine, for toys made by elves or old wisened men and items you’ve never seem before but believe could be indispensable to the future happiness of great Aunt Joan. Düsseldorf’s Altstadt market is one of the most famous Christmas markets and is visited accordingly. It’s known for presenting nice things – though the prices are in line with Düsseldorf’s swanky boutiques and crowds flock to admire them from all over – and for being small enough to avoid the worst crowds and large enough to put on a perfectly traditional show. A hundred year old merry go round will keep the kids occupied in traditional style while you watch the artisans at work. Some years baby Jesus is carved during the advent period and only added to the nativity scene on Christmas eve.

The main problem is that all the stalls are closed by about 9pm so you need to get into the gluhwein and bratwurst early if you want to make a night of it. If you’re there to shop and not just to soak up the festive atmosphere, the best time to go is Sunday evenings when there will be significantly less ‘friendly’ elbows between you and the stall holders.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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Düsseldorf at Christmas

Düsseldorf has many intriguing experiences to offer vistors at Christmas. Whether it be the free ice-skating rink at Corneliusplatz or its gingerbread houses, this is a less well known but a great market to visit. The smell of cinnamon cakes and mulled red wine fill the air - living up to all your fantasies - while boat trips on the Rhine come with live music and deck dancing.

 

Review posted 26th October 2007 by Tony Owusu.

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