Schloss Guteneck Christmas Market: Meeting Krampus!

Today we visited probably our last Christmas market while living here in Germany. We have heard nothing but rave reviews for the Schloss Guteneck Christmas Market, which is only 45 minutes away from us, so we decided to spend the evening enjoying the festivities there.

One of the first things we saw/smelled was pork being roasted on a spit.

There were several "petting zoos" around the grounds.

I tried apple gluhwein, which I think I like more than the traditional red wine gluhwein.

 Part of the market was under a canopy of trees....this made it seem even more magical!

The sun was setting and the fog started rolling in. What a view!

The actual schloss (castle) was up on a hill above us.

 There was one little ride for the kids to enjoy.

We walked through the castle gate to explore the stands within the castle.

A stand selling roasted nuts

A magician was putting on a little show for the kids. They could not figure out how he was making a ball disappear and then reappear!

 We split a sausage on a stick wrapped in pastry with a cream sauce on top.

Inside a big room a band was playing some festive music for the guests. We decided this was a good spot to take a break and enjoy some beer.

The most unusual thing we saw at this Christmas market was a Krampus fire show. Krampus is a horned figure in Bavarian folklore who punishes children who have misbehaved. He is the counterpart to St. Nicholas, who brings presents to the good children on Dec. 6.

We were in the back of the audience and the narration was in German of course, but we definitely understood that Krampus was feared among all the children. They were shrieking and a few even crying, even though they weren't anywhere near the demonic creatures.

 After the show, we were able to approach the Krampus creatures for a good photo op.

Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a greeting from Krampus!

I took a picture with Krampus. I must have been good this year because he just "smiled" in the photo with me.

Chris, on the other hand, must have been a little naughty this year! When he went to take a picture with Krampus, Krampus started to try to choke Chris!

After being frightened by Krampus, I found St. Nicholas who was much more pleasant!

Dinner at German markets is always a treat. There are so many choices, and they all look delicious! I decided on a cheese spaetzle topped with fresh mushrooms.

Germany is the birthplace of the modern Christmas traditions. There is no better place to spend the holidays than at a German Christmas market!