A stroll through a German-inspired Christmas market (Includes interview and first-hand account)

German Christmas markets are not just for Germany. In recent years, in the U.K., sections of streets have been opened up to huts and chalets selling food and drink. The biggest by far is in Birmingham (the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market), with over 180 stalls selling gifts, jewelry, decorations, handmade toys; as well as food like pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and knoblauchbrot.

People making their way through into St. Albans Christmas market, 2015.

Tim Sandle

Other towns and cities have German-inspired markets too. On a smaller scale, with 50 or so stalls, is the one in St. Albans, located beneath the splendor of St. Albans Abbey. St. Albans Cathedral (dubbed ‘the Abbey’) is the oldest of any cathedral in England. A church on the spot dates back to the 4th century.

The Cathedral is named after a Christian martyr called Alban, who is believed to have been a Romano-British citizen of the third century in the Roman city of Verulamium, in the valley below the present Cathedral.

Tim Sandle

The St. Albans Christmas market has been running for only three years, although it has the basis for establishing itself as tradition for the city.

Crowds wander, food stalls to be seen, and the spectacular cathedral provides a splendid backdrop.

Tim Sandle

There are plenty of stalls.

A packed crowd wander through the St. Albans Christmas market, buying unusual crafts.

Tim Sandle

Lit walkways and several Christmas trees.

A pretty, lit walkway joins areas of the Christmas market together.

Tim Sandle

One of many Christmas trees at the St. Albans Christmas market.

Tim Sandle

As well as toys, gifts, wooden carvings to purchase, there are places to sip mulled wine and feast of bratwurst sausages.

Anyone for mulled wine? Mulled wine is a beverage usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins. It is served hot or warm.

Tim Sandle

A bratwurst stall at the St. Albans Christmas market. Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from veal, pork or beef. The name is derived from the Old High German Brätwurst, from brät-, finely chopped meat, and Wurst, sausage.

Tim Sandle

For children there is lot to see and do, such as making snowmen.

An arts and crafts tent at the St. Albans Christmas market, providing an opportunity for children to make Christmas related crafts.

Tim Sandle

Or joining the line to see Santa.

Children in a line, waiting for a chance to meet Father Christmas and request a special gift.

Tim Sandle

For adults and children there is musical entertainment, such as this folk music performer.

A folk musician entertains a man and his child with some Christmas tunes at the St. Albans Christmas market.

Tim Sandle

The market has been attracting around 90,000 visitors each day.

Wrap up warm! Crowds wandering through the various stalls at the St. Albans Christmas market.

Tim Sandle

Some days you can hear the Choral Society practicing their hymns and psalms.

An alternative view of the magnificent St. Albans cathedral.

Tim Sandle

The local council; has plans to make the market even bigger next year. Close by to the market are the charming shops of the Village Arcade, delightfully decorated for Christmas.

The Village Arcade in St. Albans, with lots of Christmas sparkle.

Tim Sandle

Being St. Albans there are plenty of inviting pubs to visit after a hard couple of hours strolling around the market.

A cosy pub with an inviting fireplace is perfect after trudging around in the cold air.

Tim Sandle

The market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, until Sunday December 20, 2015.

Advertising flyer for the 2015 St. Albans Christmas market.

Tim Sandle