I’ve heard of Christmas Markets in Germany, but I somehow missed that they were a European thing, generally. Until we were walking back from dinner one night and spotted some lights, and the next thing I knew, we were buying cocoa and wine and €40 worth of chocolate and cheese from adorable little booths with twinkly lights.
I will say this, having gotten a little taste of Euro Christmas, I really want the full experience. Someday, I would like to spend the entirety of Advent, through and including Epiphany, in a European city. These folks know how to do the thing. There were carolers on the streets, lights everywhere, so much food!
One thing I spotted there, which was similar to what we saw in the Cathedral, was a nativity scene that looked, topographically, very much like Lisbon itself. I love the tradition in art of re-imagining Biblical events as if they happened in the artists’ own present time and place.
Vendors had crafts, as well—you could get started on your holiday shopping. Emily bought a bracelet and some earrings. A few vendors had cork products (Portugal is known for cork, fun fact, and they make all kinds of things, from cutting boards to purses, out of it).
Some people were shopping, and but mostly, they were doing what we were doing—strolling around, looking at the lights, eating. Being out in the dark night with so many people felt cheerful and magical.
Is it all very kitchy? Yes. Is that a feature, not a bug? Also yes.
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