This is mine and my family’s second Christmas in Holland and this year we wanted to explore the famous markets here and in Germany. Having consulted Manuela’s irc website, we decided to go to Kleve as it was quite close by and we had left it late in the day to make our decision!
As it turned out, early evening was the best time to go as the market is set out in a park and beautifully lit up when night approaches. There was a wonderful festive atmosphere helped along by the carol singers and many stalls selling gluhwein and other edible Christmas treats. William and James particularly enjoyed the candy floss and crepes with chocolate spread!
There were a lot of stalls with a good selection of things to buy including wooden toys, pottery, jewellery and crafts. Very useful when trying to buy presents for ‘difficult’ people! Although Kleve market was busy there was lots of space to wander around and some children’s swings in one corner.
I am so glad we were able to visit Kleve market as there is nothing like this back home in England. Even the boys, who are not easy to please, enjoyed the experience and had fun! It definitely got us in the mood for Christmas and will be remembered as another happy time we’ve had here.
Article by Clare Croft, teacher at the Primary International School Arnhem
