Hi was looking to see what was on in my area towards end of this month as I have visitors from 19 - 26 Nov, and came across this Vorweihnachtsmarkt doe anyone know what this is and if a public market is it worth going to?

Thanks

Not been to this specific one but have been to Weihnachtsmärkte around Zurich and up in Germany.

They vary but mainly they have stalls of traditional-type Christmassy goods. You can get decorations and handy-crafts, cards, candles and you also can buy foodstuffs like Lebkuchen and drink Gluhwein when it all gets a bit chilly...

I've bought some really nice and unusual tree decorations from these places. Some places offer candle dipping where you can make your own candles.

Sorry I'm not familiar with that market.

I guess from the description in the Aarau site that this will be a small scale event selling xmas type goodies. However, again a guess, I suspect for visitors it might be a little small scale.

If could also be like the regular town markets with a "christmassy" type feeling.

I doubt it will be like the "real" Weihnachtsmärkte in Basel, ZH, etc.

Still if it's on in the Town then that is a good site to see for visitors.

As far as I remember, the Vorweihnachtsmarkt in Aarau is for artists and handwerker (artisans, craftsmen). I suppose the correct term is Arts&Crafts market? Though I tend to find these sorts of markets a little pricey, you can pick up original gifts for Christmas.

List of all Christmas Markets
http://www.linker.ch/eigenlink/weihnachtsmarkt.htm

The one in Zurich Main Station
http://www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschla...ptbahnhof.html
They boast it is Europe's largest covered Xmas Market

These are a popular traditional social event .... the vibes are wonderful - especially if its snowing lightly!

The stalls are all decorated and look very festive. In my village there are always "Danish Candles" burning ...... very large upright tree trunks that are cut a certain way that the fire in the bottom keeps burning - to keep the Glüewein bubbling!.... and to warm your hands at.

I would say its a lovely Swissy event to take tourist to. Just make sure everyone is very warmly dressed!... and take umbrellas - just in case it also rains/snows.

All traditional foods are on sale, so its a good night not to cook at home. And there`s lots to drink!

Santa Clause and "Schmüetzli" do their rounds handing out little gifts to the children, and packets of nuts and fruits.

There is usually music - the local Brass Band plays. In my village we also have a lady "busker" who sings Christmas songs/carols.

The stalls are interesting, and there`s a large variety to find odd unusual type gifts.