Mannheim Christmas Market Viking Rhine River Cruise

After an early breakfast, we sat and drank coffee and enjoyed our morning.  

I'm checking out Mannheim which is our destination for today.

All those going for the tour of Mannheim are loaded on a bus. Today we will enjoy a tour and then shop at Christmas markets.  The first stop was the art museum but it is now The Mozart Concert Hall & Congress Center. 

Karl Benz was a German engine designer and automotive engineer.  He had a patent on his Benz motorcar from 1885.  He is considered the first modern automobile and the first car out into production!! His patent was approved in 1886, The same year he publicly drove the BENZ Motorwagon.

The market extends around the iconic Mannheim Water Tower. 

This market had a variety of traditional German treats.  The Mannheim Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany. This market had over 200 stalls. 

Enjoying some gluhwein and some of their famous foods like potato pancake topped with applesauce 🥰 I’m telling you it was so delicious 😋 I hope Marlon can make this for me at home.

I laugh every time I see their signs for the cost of products. Sounds like you are saying fart🤣

Mannheim’s traditional Christmas pyramid!

We have collected several mugs from sampling the gluhwein.  Gluhwein is a hot red or white wine with brandy & various spices. 

Just like how this tree looked!

Last year we bought a few of these wooden smokers that are actually made in Germany!  Added another one to the collection 🥰

Strolling around the markets shopping.

Time to look for something to eat for lunch. There are lots of different foods to choose from.

  

After much looking down the line of stalls we decided on their pizza. 

Marlon ordered us a pepper and goat cheese pizza.  It was very good. :-)

The pizza shop was next to a child's train ride. There was a group of musical carolers in the center of the train ride.  

Rhudsheim Viking River Cruise

Cold but a nice walk into town down a tree-lined path along the Rhine River.  We want to see the Christmas Markets here in Rhudsheim. It's not raining but we are taking an umbrella just in case. ☔ The trees looked spooky to me. How about you?

The market was lively with lots of people, Christmas lights, and music.

This market is very full of all kinds of things in the stalls to buy. :-) I did purchase some Christmas tablecloths made of linen. 

We walked down several streets with lots of things to look at and investigate.

Stopped in for a beer at a local brewery 🍺

It was very intriguing to listen to the alphorns playing Christmas music.  This instrument looks like it would take a lot of wind to play.

We are so happy to be out at this market enjoying the Christmas atmosphere of happiness.

Stopped at a local coffee place that made coffee using brandy, which reminded me of Irish coffee.  The cups have no handles and are porcelain.  Chocolate shavings were put on top!  Very delicious  I'm going to make this at home for my friends.

Me talking to Santa about how good I’ve been this year!!

Time to return back to the ship 🛳️ Its dark and a little scary walking back.