The Marktstrasse in Lahr During the Christmas Season

Today is Boxing Day; in Germany, it is called "Zweiter Weihnachtstag" (second Christmas Day).  No stores will be open today.  The Gasthauses will be busy and so will the country roads.  As it is a beautiful sunny day here, many German families will be out walking, after driving into the country, parking, and walking along the edge of the forests, down lanes or across the hills.  Nearly all will eventually stop at a Vesperstube, Cafe or Gasthaus for coffee and cake or a small meal.

This past Wednesday I was in downtown Lahr doing some Christmas shopping.  Lahr is 20 minutes north of us and has about 50,000 inhabitants.  We do much of our shopping there.  So today I thought I would show that area, known as the Marktstrasse (Market Street) and some of the Marktplatz (Market Square) during the festive season.  Christmas decorations will remain until January sometime, though New Year's decorations and store windows will change this coming week.



On the left is a view of the Marktstrasse with the old City Hall at the end of the street.


Below right shows an outdoor cafe with one lone man sitting outside.

Many enjoy just wandering down this pedestrian street, browsing and sometimes stopping for a Bratwurst or drink.

Below left is a bakery.

There are a couple cafes along this street and a Bratwurst Kiosk.  Of course, many stores can be found as well.  One I went into last week was the "candy" or "sweets" store, as Hans loves Marzipan and they sell one of the best.  I buy it here every year.    

See the window of the Tea, Coffee and Sweets store to the right. 

Another interesting store is the gift store, below left.

Just below on the left is a book store. To the right two beautiful buildings on one end of the Marktplatz.  Underneath, the square just before entering the Marktstrasse with the Kaufhaus Kraus department store on the corner. 

Finally, a small flower vendor. Happy Boxing Day!