I love visiting Advent markets, somehow they always put me in the Christmas spirit. But I'm not a big fan of exaggerated glitz and sparkle. That's probably why the Altenmarkt Advent Market, with its traditional, cosy ambience has become my favorite advent market in recent years. Today, on the way there, I was curious what innovations awaited me this year. I knew about it as, not only the market, but the whole Advent tour including the Herzstück.Tenne- Barn of Delights was advertised In advance. Even Alexander, my five-year-old son, was already looking forward to the pre-Christmas events.
Before we entered through the Angel gates into the Christmas market, I noticed the new lighting on the marketplace. "It's getting prettier every year," I think, before trying to follow my excited son. He had already discovered the roasting chestnuts and of course there was no way to avoid them, too yummy! So we sit for a short time with chestnuts for the young man and mulled wine for mum at one of the open firepits and watch the action. I love the atmosphere on the market square, where the Christmas scents and the music give you a warm nostalgic feel and the visitors happily cruise between the Christmas trees, the candlesticks and the wonderful wooden market stalls.
Eventually I decided to explore the tour and so off we went, following the route that’s lit with lanterns, towards the Herzstück.Tenne – Barn of Delights. This is what the Dechantshof Barn, directly behind the Altenmarkt church, is called during Advent.
I was very curious how the theme of tradition meets shimmer was going to be manifested.But before I could take it all in, I was off once again chasing after my son. Of course, he had immediately discovered the crafts corner and wanted to mix with the children. The friendly helper took him around and patiently explained to him how he could make his Christmas tree from paper plates. While this was being completed, I used the time and look around the"Delights".
On ??the barn’s threshing floor, there is a Christmas tree decorated with gold and silver balls. All the decorative exhibits have room displays from dining rooms to bedroom settings and are just as glamorous and stylish as promised. You really notice the love of detail. I was particularly taken with extra touches, like the black and gold bowls in the dining and living room. In my mind, I was already writing my wish list to Santa. Can’t hurt!
In the meantime, the cardboard Christmas tree was finished and I showed Alexander the traditional part of the Barn of Delights. There, the the Good and Evil Perchten (mountain creatures) are exhibited, and he was suitably awed by them. He listened eagerly to the explanations of the Altenmarkt custodian, who stood there patiently and answered questions. In the end, of course, I could not resist a not so child-friendly question about how Krampus deals with bad children.
But I made up for it right away and invited the hungry little man to dinner in the Herzstück Stube. In the comfy corner of the barn, we perused the daily menu and tried the "Winter Journey". This is a very special and tasty burger, just right for the two of us. Finally it was time to head home and we strolled back following the lanterns and trees, back to the Christmas market. Once again, the market had its wonderful contemplative effect on us. Alexander was a bit disappointed that we didn’t take another ride in the horse-drawn carriage or visit the Grunder nativity scene in the local history museum again. It won’t be our last visit to the Advent market, so I can safely promise that we’ll be back soon.
Sat + Sun 23.11. - 21.12. + Thu 28.11.2024, 2.30 - 8 pm
All information about the Advent events in Altenmarkt can be found here.