Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Courtesy photo
Medieval Christmas market in St. Wendel
Sankt Wendel holds its Christmas market combined with a medieval market Saturday to Dec. 13. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. A 12-meter-tall Christmas pyramid, life-sized nutcrackers, a miniature village with 200 dwarfs, a big nativity scene and tobbogan run are available. More than 140 little decorated Christmas booths offer arts and crafts, gift ideas and regional culinary specialties. A medieval market features vendors in historical costumes and craftsmen such as basket makers, lantern makers, blacksmiths, potters, turners and soap makers. Jugglers, dancers, singers, musicians and fire-eaters entertain in the streets and on stage. Sankt Wendel is north of Neunkirchen. Parking is available in City-Garage 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit www.sanktwendel.de.

Was ist Los? KMC Cultural Highlights – Dec. 4, 2015

by Petra Lessoing 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The following is a list of performances and events happening in the KMC and nearby locations. Dates are subject to change. Performing arts: Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern: • “Wer hat Angst vor Virginia Wolfe,” Who’s afraid of Virgina Wolfe, a play by Edward Albee, in German, 7:30 p.m. today and 3 p.m. […]

December 4, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

The Kaiserslautern Christmas market presents a nostalgic Ferris wheel next to Stiftskirche through Dec. 23.

Kaiserslautern Christmas market features vendors, musicians

by Petra Lessoing 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Through Dec. 23, the Christmas market in Kaiserslautern is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sundays. It is set up around Stiftskirche and on Schillerplatz. After the Christmas holidays, it will turn into a New Year’s market from Dec. 27 to 30. The market features more than 40 vendors, food and beverage booths, musical entertainment, a children’s program and various Christmas-related activities.

December 4, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of the City of Kaiserslautern
Santa Claus and one of his angels visit children and pass out goodies on Santa Claus Day at the Kaiserslautern Christmas market.

Santa Claus brings goodies Saturday night

by Petra Lessoing 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In Germany, it is a tradition for children to place their boots outside their rooms the night of Dec. 5 to have them filled by Santa Claus with candy, cookies, nuts, oranges and little gifts. The following day, Dec. 6, is “Nikolaustag,” or Santa Claus Day.

December 4, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Photos courtesy of TVB Paznaun — Ischgl

Ischgl set for a memorable skiing, ice display

by Thomas Warner Contributing writer

A few hours south of Ramstein at Ischgl, the stage is set for another awesome season of snow, ice and memories to be made. Ischgl, located in Austria, has great restaurants, many apres-ski bars and nightclubs, fabulous shopping and entertainment opportunities at your beck and call.

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Skiing with the KMC ski clubs

Courtesy of the Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club

For many folks, summer is the time to partake in fun outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, biking and barbecues. During the winter months, people can get wrapped up in spending their days bemoaning the cold and dreary winter months. However, wintertime doesn’t have to be this way — if you know where to look and where to go, the cold months in Europe can be just as recreational and exciting as summertime. Lucky for all of us, there are great ski and boarding clubs in the KMC that will help to ensure your winter is far from boring.

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Culture shock 101: Coping with a new life, environment

by Megan Finley Contributing writer

Many of us have heard of the term “culture shock.” Culture shock is the disorientation or unfamiliar feeling a person may have when trying to adjust to life in a new place. Symptoms include homesickness, feelings of helplessness or dependency; disorientation; depression or sadness; anger; eating or sleeping disturbances; or critical reactions to the new culture. Here are some helpful tips on how to overcome culture shock.

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Man on the street: What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

Man on the street: What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

 

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Snapping out of the winter blues

by Megan Finley Contributing writer

“Summer is a period of fruition, fulfillment, happiness or beauty. Winter is a period of time characterized by coldness, misery, barrenness or death.” — www.dictionary.com. Well unfortunately for many of us, that just about hits the nail on the head.

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

The Drink of the Season

by Krystal White Contributing writer

It is pronounced “Glue-vine,” and most people start sipping it mid-November. Nothing inspires the feeling of Christmas more than huddling together in the brisk winter air with a mug of steaming hot, sugared wine. There’s even a Christmas song devoted to its American relative; ever whistled the song “Here we go a Wassailing”? In high school, friends who were with me in the show choir would all gather one night during the holiday season and wander around the block singing to their neighbors. We would enjoy being together with cocoa or warm apple cider while the parents sang a little more boisterously, their sound pipes fueled by their cups of mulled wine.

November 27, 2015 ×

Lifestyle

Photo by melis/Shutterstock.com
Fireworks at the Tower Bridge crossing the River Thames in London, England.

Bring in the new year right

by Amie LaSalvia, Contributing writer

New Year’s is approaching quickly once again, which means it’s time to think about where the right place is for you, your family or friends to spend this wonderful time of year. There are many breathtaking places to go to bring in the new year while living in Germany, so why not see 2015 off with a bang in one of the world’s best cities? Here are top three cities and parties in Europe to go to on New Year’s Eve.

November 27, 2015 ×