Christmas Market Time!

The Christmas markets are one of our favorite events of the year, and this year we saw two.

The Leeds German Christmas market started in early November. One day when all three kids were in school, Matt and I jumped on the train to check it out.

The first thing I noticed was that this market was much more spread out than the one in our town. There was loads of space to walk around, although there was only a fraction of the amount of vendors. 

We made one quick circle inside, then choose a food stall. Mulled wine and sausages for the win.

After lunch, we made another two or three trips around looking at things. There weren't many people selling gifts, which surprised me at a city market. 

Singing moose

Before we left, I stopped for a quick donut (which was delicious).

Custard filled, with chocolate icing and coconut

We walked slowly back to the train station, since we had plenty of time. I took pictures of anything that seemed interesting...

I'm glad we went, but I wouldn't feel compelled to go again.

Just a couple of weeks later, the Christmas market came to our town. I went alone on Friday while the kids were in school, and it was already super crowded during a weekday.

I walked around looking at the merchandise (and sampling some of the food and drinks) before grabbing some lunch.

That is a Yorkshire pudding wrap. It was filled with meat, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. I typically love a roast dinner, but this was just so-so. After lunch, I grabbed a drink and dessert and waited for Matt to show up with Clara.

Rudolph's Ruin, yum!

Sticky Toffee Pudding mini-loaf (it was phenomenal)

Clara rode on one ride and got a treat before we headed home to pick up the older children. It had been a foggy morning, and as the day went on it only got worse.

The next day the whole family went back so all of the kids could have fun. Because of the crowds in the shopping areas, Matt and I only browsed individually, which was probably better for everyone. The kids each rode several rides, and had a donut at the end.

I'm not a fan of crowds, yet I still get excited about the Christmas market every year. I'm hoping to visit a new one (or two) next year!