During the holiday season, the Washington D.C. area has a wide variety of holiday themed markets. Most feature Christmas inspired cuisine and decorations. Generally, these markets open in early December and stay until the New Year. Christmas markets vary for each region, but the Washington D.C. area is fortunate to have European inspired markets.

In Europe, Christmas markets are engraved in the culture and are some of the largest venues during the year. I had the pleasure of attending the Dresden Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany which is  the oldest Christmas market in Europe. For the month of December, the air is filled with the scent of fresh cinnamon and cardamom, a spice similar to saffron and vanilla. The highlight of the festival is the Dresdener Stollen, a sweet bread containing dried fruit. For any tourists in Germany, the Striezelmarkt is an experience they will never forget.

In downtown Washington D.C., across from the Verizon Center, is the Penn Quarter Holiday Market, which sells a wide variety of snacks and sweets ranging from empanadas to s’mores. The market is one of the best for purchasing decorations: each vendor has a unique item or interesting antique. Another highlight of this market is the live Christmas music that always attracts a large crowd.

Many enjoy the German-themed Christmas markets and the German School always gathers a large crowd. The market shares much in common with the Dresden market, but is not nearly as intimidating in size. The school features authentic German food and “Glühwein” (mulled wine) as well as imported Saxon “Erzgebirge” (hand crafted goods). These goods include advents, and door wreaths, Christmas trees and knitted scarfs and hats.

The largest European-themed market is in Loudon County, Virginia. The market is organized by the Lovettsville German Society and is only around for two days, December third and fourth. This annual market features authentic cuisine like sausage, sauerkraut and bacon potato salad. In addition, families can get a photo with Saint Nicholas and Krampus, the infamous Christmas devil that haunts naughty children. The Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe in Arlington sends their beloved accordion player to Lovettsville to further enhance the German experience.

The residents of Washington D.C. are fortunate to be surrounded by extravagant holiday markets. Whether it is food or decorations, customers should return home more than satisfied. However, what makes these markets so unique is all the foreign influence and inspiration on their products.