Gluhwein

Santa's Helpers are handing out Gluhwein, a spiced hot red wine, from these copper pots. Gluhwein (with an umlaut over the u), I found can help you to get around to see all the Christmas Markt stalls (in Basel there were 280) because it is warming and mildly intoxicating. Gluhwein must be a big seller. I figure 1 of every 6 vendors at a markt sells gluhwein or its alternate the schnapped coffee. In the morning, when the markt is opening, the gluhwein stand is like a coffee shop. In the evening, there is an after-work crowd. One cool thing is many vendors use reusable porcelain mugs, made with the Christmas markt logo or theme. You pay a deposit and either bring the mug back or take it home.