The Christmas Market in Stuttgart

The Christmas Market in Stuttgart is special, albeit it slightly unusual.  It's special because Stuttgart is home to one of the largest Christmas Markets in Germany, attracting weekend visitors from all over Europe and has been around for 300 years.  The Christmas Market in Stuttgart is nestled between the market square and the old castle and new castle creating a historical atmosphere.  But what really makes the Christmas Market in Stuttgart unusual is the decorating contest.  This isn't any old tree decorating contest, but a wooden roof decorating contest in which each of the 200 vendors decorates their roofs.  You be the judge:

Not surprising at a Christmas Market, Santa Claus was a common theme among many of the competitors

And of course Santa's reindeer 

Several polar bears also made appearances.  Perhaps because they also live at the North Pole with Santa Claus?

This sausage stand included some very clever advertising, which made me laugh out loud when I saw the giant sausage.  

But it wasn't all about Santa Claus and his reindeer.  Manger scenes were also common.

And then there were the rest!

I kept choosing a new "winner" in my head every time I walked pass a new booth.  But in the end, I think my favorite is the first image with Santa Claus and his sleigh and because the white things (which you can't see very well in the photo) are polar bears and being from Canada...well, I just couldn't help it.  Which one would you pick?  I will announce the "real" winner once it has been announced!

More on German Christmas Markets:

 German Christmas Markets for Children

 5 Tips for Going to a German Christmas Market

German Christmas Markets:  Ludwigsburg Christmas Market

What Does Hiking in Germany Have in Common With German Christmas Markets?

You may also be interested in:

5 Facts About Christmas in Germany

 Other Things To Do in Stuttgart