The European influences that have shaped Potsdam are also reflected in its traditional Christmas markets. Where else can I find a Dutch Sinterklaas festival, a Bohemian Christmas market, and a Polish star market? And the list goes on. But my Advent stroll through Europe requires careful planning, as the numerous Christmas markets sometimes take place on different Advent weekends.

On November 25, 2024, at 16 p.m., Potsdam's Mayor Mike Schubert officially opened the "Blue Lights" Christmas market in Potsdam's city center with the traditional cutting of the Christmas stollen. An event I simply couldn't miss. And then, as is also tradition, I took a ride on the Ferris wheel in Bassinplatz. The Blue Lights illuminate Potsdam's historic city center – the view from above is incomparably beautiful.

For me, the first weekend of Advent is all about Eastern Europe. In the Kutschstallhof courtyard in front of the Brandenburg Museum and the historic vaulted hall, the Star Market and Star Festival are taking place again, offering a Polish Christmas atmosphere. You can dance to folk music, enjoy steaming pierogi, and discover a Christmas gift or two made by Polish artisans. Then it's on to the Bohemian Christmas Market on Weberplatz in Babelsberg, where Bohemian weavers settled over 270 years ago. This Christmas market has an almost mystical feel with its warming fire pits, the deep green of the many fir trees, the medieval-sounding Bohemian music, and the sparkle of the Bohemian Crystal Fairy. Glassblowers present their delicate works of art, and the blacksmith works the glowing metal on his anvil with his hammer. The aroma of freshly baked bread and many other delicacies fills the air. Outside Santa Claus's workshop, children wait patiently for Santa Claus to hand over their wishes on lovingly designed wish lists.

Along with many other visitors, both young and old, I waited for Sinterklaas and his helpers on the second weekend of Advent. He arrived in Potsdam by boat and then, traditionally, just like in the Netherlands, rode a white horse into the Dutch Quarter to open the Christmas market of the same name. Market stalls lined the streets in front of the red brick buildings with their typical Dutch-style gabled roofs, many offering Dutch handicrafts, from intricately carved clogs to the delicate embroideries of beadworkers. Basket makers demonstrated their work, and I was looking forward to a Kniepertjes, a honey waffle baked over an open fire. The lively melodies of the Pieten band created a cheerful Christmas atmosphere.

Besides the four large Christmas markets, Potsdam offers many smaller Christmas and Advent markets, from the Wine Night on the Royal Vineyard and the Winter Market at MINSK to the St. Nicholas Market at Lottenhof. You can find these and other Christmas markets, as well as Christmas carol singing and other Advent events, at [website address]. weihnachten-potsdam.de