Was ist los in Franken? Nov. 17, 2017

ANSBACH, Germany (Nov. 17, 2017) – “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout the Franconian region.

Stein castle in winter (Photo: Faber-Castell)

Winter Dreams at Faber-Castell Castle in Stein
A seasonal market with entertainment and winter themed activities takes place at the castle park in Stein Nov. 17 through 19. Gourmets can sample European delicatessen, a winter wonderland inspires decoration for the holidays. The Faber-Castell castle is located along B14 in Stein (entrance on Rednitzstraße 2a). Admission tickets range from 8 euros for adults to 1 euro for children under 12; parking is free and close by. To learn more, visit Winterträume.

Markt der Ideen in Fürth
The market of ideas Nov. 17 at Stadthalle (Rosenstrasse 50) gives artists and vendors the opportunity to show off their goods. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. visitors can find an assortment of handmade products, including decorative items for the home and garden, pictures, glass and Christmas decoration. To learn more, go to Markt der Ideen.

Adventsmarkt in Bad Windsheim
Bad Windsheim is hosting a pre-seasonal advent market in the Kur & Kongress-Center (KKC on Erkenbrechtallee 2, next to the spa) Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can find home-made seasonal products, Christmas decoration, jewelry, pottery, candles or wood carvings, and get in the mood for the holidays with seasonal music, St. Nikolaus and other entertainment. Admission for the market is 2 euros, children up to 12 years of age enter for free. To learn more, also go to www.kkc-tagen.de.

Musical Christmas in Rothenburg
The Reichsstadthalle in Rothenburg (Spitalhof 8) is site of a musical Christmas performance Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. The audience is treated to German and international seasonal songs and highlights from well-known musicals. To learn more, visit Musical Christmas

Adventsmarkt in Ansbach
The Kammerspiele in Ansbach (Maximilianstrasse 29) are hosting an Advent market on Sunday, Nov. 26, starting at 11 a.m. Artists and crafters present their crafts while shoppers can enjoy coffee and home-baked goods. Admission if free. To learn more, visit Kammerspiele Advent.

Kathreinmarkt in Herrieden
The Kathreinmarkt in Herrieden on Sunday, Nov. 26, offers seasonal crafts and products as well as regional food and beverages. The Herrieden stores will also be open from 1 through 6 p.m.

Adventsmarkt in Ansbach
The Kammerspiele in Ansbach (Maximilianstrasse 29) are hosting an Advent market on Sunday, Nov. 26, starting at 11 a.m. Artists and crafters present their crafts while shoppers can enjoy coffee and home-baked goods. Admission if free. To learn more, visit Adventsmarkt 2017

Holiday markets …

Franconian Christmas Market Ansbach
The traditional Franconian Ansbach Christmas market opens Thursday, Nov. 30 at Martin-Luther-Platz downtown.  A crafts exhibition in the Stadthaus (first floor, co-located with the tourist information office) features handmade Christmas decorations and much more.
The market is open daily until Dec. 24; opening hours are Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The market closes at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. For more details, including an event program and a site map, go to Weihnachtsmarkt

Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg
Every year, Germany’s most famous Christmas Market opens its stalls for visitors from all over the world, right in the middle of the city, on Nuremberg Main Market Square. Dec. 1 at 5.30 p.m. (the Friday before the first Advent Sunday), the Christkind opens her market, reciting the solemn prologue from the gallery of the Church of Our Lady. And as every year, by Christmas Eve, more than two million people from all over the world will have visited the Nürnberg Christmas Market.
About 180 wooden stalls, decorated with red-and-white cloth, hold the traditional goods: Nürnberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Früchtebrot (fruit loaves), bakery goods and sweets, typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, cribs, tree ornaments and candles, toys as well as arts and crafts products. The Zwetschgenmännla (plum people), little figures made from prunes, make a popular souvenir. Refreshments include, of course, Nürnberger Bratwurst and Glühwein (mugs of hot mulled wine).
Using public transportation is always recommended, especially on opening day. The market is about ten minutes by foot downhill from the Hauptbahnhof (main train station). It is open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., finally closing at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Detailed information in English can be found at www.christkindlesmarkt.de

Kinderweihnacht – Nürnberg
The Kinderweihnacht, a special Christmas market for children with historical carrousels, Ferris wheel, train, glass and candle workshops and Christmas bakery, is located on Hans-Sachs-Platz, right around the corner of the famous Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt. Opening times are daily 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Dec. 1 through 24 (closes at 2 p.m.). To learn more, go to www.christkindlesmarkt.de

The “Reiterlesmarkt” of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg is transformed into a winter wonderland during the annual Reiterlesmarkt; this wonderful Christmas market has been the highlight of the festive Christmas season in Rothenburg since the 15th century. Today the narrow and winding streets and the squares around the Town Hall, its archways and the market square are still lined with stalls where one can find almost anything associated with a German Christmas market: pastries, white mulled wine and handcrafted decorations.
Numerous cultural events are held in conjunction with the market. Daily events include a guided tour starting at 2 p.m. at the market square, and a visit by the Pelzmärtel (German Santa) at 4:30 p.m. Every day a new window of the “advent calendar” on the town hall is opened at 5 p.m.; a concert by a brass band follows at 5:30 p.m.
The Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt is open Dec. 1 through 23; opening hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. For further information about the Rothenburg market contact the Rothenburg Tourismus Service on Marktplatz 2 at 09861-404-800 or info@rothenburg.de, or visit the website at www.tourismus.rothenburg.de

The information on local host nation events is provided through the auspices of the USAG Ansbach Public Affairs Office (PAO). All details provided are for informational purposes only and are a representation of typical events conducted in the local community. The PAO grants no element of exclusivity to any outside agency or business and any reference to commercial or retail activities implies no endorsement or recommendation by the U. S. Army or its agencies. Participation in any event or activity described herein is strictly voluntary and should be done so only after careful advisement and consideration of the safety and security environment at each specific location.