Nürnberg: A Birthday Surprise!

I was woken up by my husband and my beautiful baby on the morning of my 30th birthday, and tightly-gripped in Liam's hands was a bright red envelope, which I had to pry open, containing my birthday card. 

"Time to pack your bag," it read, amidst other sentiments too private to share here, and with a huge grin on my face, I leapt out of bed faster than you can say 'presents'. I've been dying to get out of Karlsruhe for awhile now and even though I'd mentioned the possibility of a getaway to The Husband, I didn't think he'd actually be up for it considering all the driving/traveling we'd be doing from Christmas Day to the New Year.

A sleepy baby on the drive there

Checking out his surroundings at Hotel Lucas

Nevertheless, who am I to argue with a surprise trip planned for me by my wonderful husband? And so I did what the card told me to and packed my bag. It took a little longer than anticipated as we had to get the baby's things ready too. Ordinarily I would have packed days in advance, but as this was a birthday surprise, we got ourselves organized as quick as possible after a lovely home cooked breakfast of grilled mushrooms, bacon and eggs, before heading out the door.

The view of Nuremberg from our hotel window

A rainy evening in Nuremberg

I had no idea where we were going, although The Husband had hinted that we were driving about three hours east. However, my knowledge of German geography is admittedly a little lacking, and that hint didn't help me at all. But I was excited. I love the unknown. And I knew whatever my husband had planned would be amazing. Even if it was just a quiet retreat in the countryside where we didn't see another soul.

Schöner Brunnen fountain in the Hauptmarkt

Loving my birthday surprise!

Christmas lights adorning the streets

However, my heart did a little jig of delight when I noticed more and more of the road signs leading us to Nürnberg (Nuremberg, in English). About two hours into our journey, The Husband finally gave in and admitted that was where we were going. Knowing how in love I was with German Christmas markets, he'd decided to take me to one of the most popular and beautiful Christkindlemarkt in Germany, visited by more than two million people each year!

An old-fashioned carriage

Nuremberg Christmas market at the Hauptmarkt

We checked into Hotel Lucas, a lovely boutique hotel located right in the old quarter and a short walk away from the markets. A short rest later and we bundled the baby up in his stroller and headed out the door. Unfortunately, it was raining the whole afternoon and evening, and we got rather wet exploring the markets, but it certainly didn't stop us (and a whole lot of other people it seems) from enjoying the city and the festivities!

View of the church beyond the Christmas markets

The most amazing Christmas shop ever!

Quite possibly my favorite Christmas market so far, I immediately fell in love with the medieval charm of the buildings and churches surrounding the rows and rows of wooden stalls right at the heart of the city, all festooned with red and white striped cloths and steeped in more than 400 years of tradition!

Hardcore Christmas market visitors!

Pretty decorations on the bridge

A quick google later informed me that there were nearly 200 stalls in the city, including the Nuremberg Kinderweihnacht, which is a market especially for the little ones, boasting an amazing old-fashioned carousel, Ferris wheel and steam train. There is also a small district of stalls made up of the many partner cities and associated regions of Nuremberg, ranging from China to the United States, which was rather interesting to look at.

Pretty homemade ornaments

A children's choir in front of the church

The Nuremberg Christmas market is known for its Nuremberg grilled sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste), which are small thumb-sized sausages made out of minced pork and grilled crunchy on the griddle, and also its Heidelbeer Gluhwein, which was sold on practically every stand. There were also plenty of spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, baked goods, sweets and typical Christmas decoration such as  Christmas tree ornaments, candles, toys as well as many arts and craft products to be found.

View of Nuremberg at night

Having a blast

Nuremberg markets are known for its Zwetschgenmännla (little Prune People)

An interesting souvenir from the Nuremberg markets has to be the Zwetschgemannla, otherwise known as the little Prune People, which are small doll-like creations made of dried plums, nuts, raisons and figs. Not really edible, however, the Nuremberg prune people are one of the most popular souvenirs at the Christkindlesmarkt. The dried fruit used to create them is beaded onto wires with figs making up the bodies, painted walnuts the heads, and dried prunes the arms and legs. It's not unusual to see plenty of tourists crowding around these stalls.

Liam, taking a break from the festivities

We visited every row and stall of the Christmas market, ate and drank plenty and walked until the rain finally got to us. We went back to the hotel more than slightly drenched, a little tipsy from too much gluhwein, but very happy indeed. The next day, we walked around a little more and explored more of the beautiful Old Town and the Kinderweihnacht, (Children's Christmas market), before buying ourselves some last-minute souvenirs and making the drive home.

Ferris Wheel at the Children's market

Candy store for the little ones

Happy baby going home

It was a wonderful 30th birthday spent in a beautiful city at one of Germany's most romantic Christmas markets. I couldn't think of a better way to start my fourth decade of life! Here's a big THANK YOU to the man in my life for planning such a wonderful surprise.