Christkindlmarkt

Also known as the Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Weihnachtsmarkt, and the Christ Child Market.  It's a  huge market that occupies several streets in downtown Innsbruck.  It usually lasts through the four weeks of advent (yes, I am getting this off Wikipedia).  It's basically a giant Christmas craft fair with individual vendors that sell anything/everything related to Christmas and winter.   There is street entertainment, puppet plays, pony rides,  and even a petting zoo.  They also sell the delicious treats such as...cream horns, chestnuts, crepes, waffles covered in Nutella, schneebälle  candied almonds, and this fried dough thing thats out of this world.  For the adults there is the heaven sent Gluhwein  (ill be bringing some back for the xmas keg).

Streets were packed during the Christmas tree lighting

One of the street entertainers...she stands there on that pillar and doesnt move not even to blink.  That is a little dog in front of her.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Schneeballe (snowball): pastry crust with powdered sugar

That dough thing with cranberry jam...tasted like a huge jelly doughnut

Glühwein- mulled red or white wine  long with various spices and served hot or warm

How it works is you borrow one of these cups with
a 2 euro deposit and you can keep refilling and then return when done!

All through town are 3D Children story characters...
this one reminded me of my mom because of the blonde afro

Here is the Christmas Market Video I made:

Martha: Last week we had our first holiday party my contribution was broccoli casserole.  It turned out alright but let me tell you these other ladies put my cooking to shame...the dinner was unbelievable!

Craig made some mash potatoes... 

One of my favorite meals so far...greek salad (minus feta) with garlic broccoli and chicken (all paleo)

AND I have been skiing and its amazing here...I also had someone join me on the slopes today (blog to follow)