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These two castle markets take place for one weekend only, so add them to your calendar for Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
Although Saarbrücken's downtown Christmas market is quite enticing, visiting the Old Saarbrücken Christmas Market during the first advent weekend is a special trip. Held at the beautiful Saarbrücker Schloss, the market isn't tiny. With more than 200 decorated stalls, vendors offer both special culinary and finely crafted gifts set apart from the downtown market. Many of the booth operators donate their proceeds to non-profit organizations.
The Medieval Weihnachtsmarkt at Burg Lichtenberg takes place from 12 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Booths offer traditional fares, such as mulled wines, ciders, roasted meats and Hungarian chimney cakes. Musical performances and handicraft demonstrations take place in a heated festival tent. Games for children include bow and crossbow target shooting and fairy-tale reading. Make sure you climb up the old castle tower for views of the market and surrounding hills. Stay for a lovely dinner at the castle restaurant, but make advance reservations. The market and parking are free; there's a small fee for entrance to the castle's musician museum.
