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 Glühwein (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 23° 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 23° 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.
🎅Happy Holidays, all!🎅
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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