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Enjoying the Christmas markets of Germany
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Enjoying the Christmas markets of Germany

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Yasmine Hidalgo-Giovannoli, PR manager of Lobster Experience Germany, has been living in Frankfurt since 2019.

“Here in Germany, the festive season kicks off with the first Advent and the opening of the Christmas markets, a beloved age-old tradition. It’s a wonderful time to meet friends, even those from other cities, and soak in the holiday spirit.”

She’s made it a tradition to visit a different Christmas market in a new city. “Each one has its own unique charm! One year, I even got to explore the famous Christmas market in Vienna. It’s become my way of celebrating the season while discovering new places.“

This year, she plans to explore more. “I’m planning to fully immerse myself in the Christmas markets. There’s so much to enjoy—from the traditional sausages and potato dishes to international specialties like Hungarian lángos (a kind of fried pizza), gingerbread cookies, caramelized nuts, chocolates, crepes, and, of course, mulled wine and craft beers. And let’s not forget the artisanal gifts!”

She’s also embraced the joys of Advent calendars. “Each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve, you open a little box filled with chocolates or small surprises—it’s such a simple yet delightful way to build excitement for the big day.”

Yasmine Hidalgo-Giovannoli at a European Christmas market. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

She’s also made it a point to bring a taste of the Philippines to those around her. “I love sharing a piece of home by bringing Pinoy sweets to the office! It’s a small way to spread the warmth and flavors of Filipino Christmas.”

She added, “Gift-giving in Germany is more intimate and typically limited to close family, but I’ve made it a point to give small gifts from the Philippines to my colleagues and friends. I also write Christmas cards to let people know I’m thinking of them and a handwritten note is more personal.”

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While she’s been enjoying Christmas in Germany, Hidalgo-Giovannoli said,

“No matter how wonderful the festivities here are, nothing beats Christmas at home. Home is where the heart is, and I’ll definitely be heading back to Manila to celebrate with my loved ones.”

There are many things she loves about Christmas in the Philippines. “It’s that unmistakable festive feeling that starts as early as September and stretches well into January! The preparations are magical—decorating the house and putting up the Christmas tree, attending Christmas tree lighting of hotels, going to all the tiangges, indulging in all the Christmas food with your friends and family. And, of course, there’s the joy of gathering for Christmas Eve and the Simbang Gabi, which are so uniquely Filipino and something you just don’t experience abroad.”


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