Christmas craziness in Germany is best accentuated by the countess Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets) that spread like tribbles in December. These outdoor markets are usually formed by long rows of stalls that sell candy, German crafts, and most importantly, hot, cinnamon-spiked wine that transforms shopping in the cold into a pleasant experience. Our city of Esslingen does something a bit different with their market. Part of it is very traditional, but the majority embraces a medieval theme. Hot mead is added to the menu, as well as smoked beer. Merchants offer traditional wares while roaming performers dressed in ye olde fashioned outfits help complete the illusion of living in the Middle Ages. It’s a bit like the Renaissance Festival meets Christmas. The video below begins in the standard Christmas market before moving on to the medieval section. Stayed tuned until the end to see one of the more impressive performances!