St. Paul's European Christmas Market
"The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is a free event based on the traditional, charming, and festive open-air Christkindlmarkts that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other countries during the Advent season.
Shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations from local vendors, drink GlĆ¼hwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European inspired food and delicacies during the first two weekends in December." -- St Paul Christmas Market
I have lived in or near St Paul, MN for a good number of years now, but I had never visited the Christmas Market down at Union Depot in the Lowertown neighborhood of the city. This year, I decided to remedy that.
I was not expecting the crowds.
From inside Union Depot, the Christmas Market looked like a packed can of sardines - wall to wall people - all cramming together between each stand to shop and eat. They shuffled forward slowly, like zombies, not generating nearly enough body heat to ward off the 23Ā° F temperature.
And for some reason, I decided to join them down there.
I'll preface, just in case this isn't immediately obvious, but I don't do crowds. I get kind of anxious and irritable. My senses become overstimulated and all the noise and movement overwhelms me....and I shut down.
Homegirl needed a break and some real food. So we walked a few blocks over and had some beer and appetizers at World of Beer.
Afterwards, I returned to the Market to grab a few more photos before leaving when an older man stopped me and asked if I'd be willing to take a few photos of him and his family. His name was Jack and they were trying to get some cute, festive photos for their holiday card. Cutting it a bit close, they acknowledged, but thankfully the postal system is pretty good and can you get us in frame with the lights behind us?
Sure thing, Jack. Have a happy holiday, Jack.
In conclusion, do I recommend visiting a European Christmas Market? Yes, if the cold, crowds, and way too many baby strollers don't bother you. Do I recommend spending money at one? Not really, unless you're looking for something very specifically Christmas-y.
I was not expecting the crowds.
From inside Union Depot, the Christmas Market looked like a packed can of sardines - wall to wall people - all cramming together between each stand to shop and eat. They shuffled forward slowly, like zombies, not generating nearly enough body heat to ward off the 23Ā° F temperature.
And for some reason, I decided to join them down there.
I'll preface, just in case this isn't immediately obvious, but I don't do crowds. I get kind of anxious and irritable. My senses become overstimulated and all the noise and movement overwhelms me....and I shut down.
Homegirl needed a break and some real food. So we walked a few blocks over and had some beer and appetizers at World of Beer.
Surly Furious w/ Boneless Wings and Gochujang Sauce
Afterwards, I returned to the Market to grab a few more photos before leaving when an older man stopped me and asked if I'd be willing to take a few photos of him and his family. His name was Jack and they were trying to get some cute, festive photos for their holiday card. Cutting it a bit close, they acknowledged, but thankfully the postal system is pretty good and can you get us in frame with the lights behind us?
Sure thing, Jack. Have a happy holiday, Jack.
In conclusion, do I recommend visiting a European Christmas Market? Yes, if the cold, crowds, and way too many baby strollers don't bother you. Do I recommend spending money at one? Not really, unless you're looking for something very specifically Christmas-y.
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Happy Holidays, all!š
This was my experience at a local Christmas market as well. They do seem like they would be fun if not for the huge crows though.
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