It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
When I was young, I couldn’t wait for the Christmas season to begin. When it started to snow in Munich and I was immersed in the competing scents of ‘gebrannte Mandeln’ (candied almonds), ‘heisse Maroni; (hot chestnuts), ‘Lebkuchen’ (gingerbread), and ‘Glühwein’ (mulled wine) when crossing the Christkindel market on my way home from school, I knew, Heilig Abend (Christmas eve) was near.
If you follow German news, you might have seen that Munich had the most stunning start to the month of December ever, with over half a meter of snow in just one day. Needless to say, it is a winter wonderland at the moment, and (aside from having stopped public transportation over the weekend) I can only imagine how children are rejoicing in taking their sled for a ride. If you want to take a glimpse of how it looks in Munich right now, check out these beautiful pictures in the Südeutsche Zeitung here.
Events in California to get you in the Christmas Spirit
Christkindel Market – German Holiday Market
Weihachtsmarkt in Mountain View ( One day only)
The German Holiday Market (Weihnachtsmarkt), a family-friendly and free holiday tradition, returns to its original location at Mountain View City Hall Plaza. Student, teacher, and parent volunteers from the German International School of Silicon Valley transform into elves to bring the jovial atmosphere of a traditional open-air, European-style winter market in downtown Mountain View. Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts from Germany and local artisans: Wood ornaments and nutcrackers from Germany, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen, toys, ceramics, and other gifts. Taste traditional German sausages and pretzels and warm up with a mug of Glühwein (warm mulled wine), the hallmark of these winter markets. The German Holiday Market offers plenty of activities for the entire family, including live performances, carnival games, arts and crafts and a petting zoo.
You are invited to step into Germany for a day, come enjoy this seasonal celebration!
WHEN : Saturday, December 9th, 11 am – 9 pm.
WHERE : Mountain View City Hall Plaza, 500 Castro Street
Christmette – Wiehnachstgottesdienst – Christmas Service
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in La Mesa
As every year, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in La Mesa is having its German Christmas Carol Service to celebrate the festive season. Please join the holiday celebration. All are invited.
WHEN : Sunday, 17 December 2023 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 5150 Wilson Street, La Mesa, CA 92942, www.st-lukes-la-mesa.org. Please find a map at the the link: How to get to St. Luke’s Lutheran .
German Church San Diego – Deutsche Kirche San Diego
Join the Deutsche Kirche San Diego for a German Christmas Eve Service. Part of the ceremony will also be the Choir of the House of Germany. You can get more information at the church’s newsletter here https://www.deutschekirchesandiego.com/202311-Nov-letter-p.pdf
WHEN : December 24th – 1:30pm (Heiligabend)
WHERE : First Lutheran Church, 1420 3rd Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, USA
