Germany has a knack for hosting winner Christmas markets, and the giant hot pretzels are just the tip of the festive iceberg. So when the weather allows, Sydney attempts to emulate this traditionally frosty affair, complete with fake snow and creepy Christmas puppets.
At this year’s twilight markets at the German International School Sydney, pre-Christmas revellers can walk in the traditional lantern-lit parade around the grounds, before warming up at the well-tended bonfire while they devour hearty German fare. As you'd expect, bratwurst, sauerkraut and waffles will big hitters before the sticky mess of marshmallow roasting begins.
Once you’ve got the pink gue out of the kids’ hair and shoes, you can send them off to kiddie events in the playgrounds and classrooms. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a glass of Glühwein (German mulled wine) while you wander among the market stalls of jewellery, homewares, toys and festive decorations.
Every kid wants to do Christmas twice, so the markets will run for two evenings in August.