♪ the evening is advancing ♪ and darker night is near. ♪ the bridegroom is arising ♪ and soon is drawing nigh. ♪ up, pray and watch and wrestle; ♪ ♪ at midnight comes the cry. ♪ ♪ ♪ our hope and expectation, ♪ o jesus, now appear; ♪ arise, o sun so longed for, ♪ o'er this benighted sphere. ♪ with hearts and hands uplifted, ♪

♪ we plead, o lord, to see ♪ the day of earth's redemption ♪ ♪ that sets your people free! ♪ ♪ ♪ amen! ♪ jesus your king is born, ♪ jesus is born, ♪ in excelsis gloria! ♪ 'twas in the moon of wintertime ♪ ♪ when all the birds had fled,

♪ the mighty gitchi manitou ♪ sent angel choirs instead; ♪ before their light the stars grew dim, ♪ ♪ and wand'ring hunters heard the hymn: ♪ ♪ jesus your king is born, jesus is born. ♪ ♪ jesus is born. ♪ in excelsis gloria! ♪ gloria! ♪ within a lodge of broken bark ♪ ♪ the tender babe was found; ♪ a ragged robe of rabbit skin ♪ ♪ enwrapped his beauty round; ♪

♪ but as the hunter braves drew nigh, ♪ ♪ the angel song rang loud and high: ♪ ♪ jesus your king is born! ♪ jesus is born. ♪ in excelsis gloria! ♪ in excelsis gloria! ♪ ♪ jesus is born. ♪ o children of the forest free, ♪ ♪ the angelsong is true; ♪ the holy child of earth and heav'n ♪ ♪ is born today for you. ♪ come kneel before the radiant boy, ♪ ♪ who brings you beauty, peace and joy. ♪ ♪ jesus your king is born, ♪ jesus your king is born. ♪

♪ jesus is born. ♪ jesus ♪ your king is born, ♪ gloria! ♪ jesus ♪ is born. ♪ today the virgin comes to the cave ♪ ♪ to give birth to the word eternal: ♪ ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪ ♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ mary my wife, o mary my wife! ♪ ♪ what do i see?

♪ i took you blameless before the lord ♪ ♪ from the priests of the temple♪ ♪ what do i see? ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪ ♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ joseph the bridegroom, ♪ o joseph the bridegroom! ♪ do not fear. ♪ god in his mercy has come down to earth, ♪ ♪ he takes flesh in my womb ♪ for all the world to see. ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪ ♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ mary, my bride, o mary my bride, ♪ ♪ what do i see? ♪ you, a virgin giving birth. ♪ strange mystery! ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪

♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ joseph the bridegroom, ♪ o joseph the bridegroom! do not fear. ♪ ♪ god in his mercy has come down to earth, ♪ ♪ he takes flesh in my womb ♪ for all the world to see. ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪ ♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ warned by the angel we believe ♪ ♪ that mary gives birth inexplicable ♪ ♪ to the infant, christ, our god. ♪ ♪ rejoice, o world! with the angels and the shepherds ♪ ♪ give glory to the child! ♪ alleluia! ♪ alleluia!

[playing solo] ♪ morning dawns, ♪ the moment of wonder, ♪ the threshold of darkness ♪ the threshold of darkness ♪ ♪ and light. ♪ the cardinals, ♪ the robins ask to live. ♪ god gives them breath and opens their eyes. ♪ ♪ god gives them breath and opens their eyes. ♪

♪ the birds begin ♪ to dance and sing. ♪ the birds begin ♪ to dance and sing. ♪ the birds begin to dance and sing. ♪ ♪ the birds begin ♪ to dance and sing. ♪ ♪ when gabriel told mary of god's plan, ♪ ♪ she was filled with doubt and fear. ♪ ♪ the angel assured her, ♪ "so it will be." ♪ "so it will be." ♪ she listened to ♪ her deepest heart.

♪ "here i am, ♪ "here i am, ♪ the servant of the lord." ♪ "here i am, the servant of the lord." ♪ ♪ "here we are!" "here we are!" ♪ ♪ "here we are!" "here we are!" ♪ ♪ help us to see ♪ the sacred place in every heart, ♪ ♪ where god's truth and glory ♪ ♪ and glory ♪ meet our despair, ♪ where the angels say,

♪ the angels say, ♪ "do not be afraid," ♪ "do not be afraid," ♪ ♪ where god ♪ has planted ♪ has planted the seed of love. ♪ ♪ has planted the seed of love. ♪ ♪ god calls us ♪ calls us to open our eyes, ♪ to see the divine ♪ the divine in ourselves ♪ and each other, ♪ to welcome the stranger,

♪ say "yes" to the outcast. ♪ "yes" to the outcast. ♪ may the loneliness ♪ and the darkness of this life ♪ ♪ vanish ♪ in love's healing light. ♪ love's healing light. ♪ let us dance and sing ♪ with the first birds of morning, ♪ ♪ god is with us, god our hope. ♪ ♪ god our hope and god our light. ♪ ♪ god our hope and god our light. ♪

♪ god our hope and god our light. ♪ [playing a bright melody] ♪ going through the hills on a night all starry ♪ ♪ on the way to bethlehem, ♪ far away i heard a shepherd boy piping ♪ ♪ on the way to bethlehem. ♪ angels in the sky brought this message nigh: ♪ ♪ "dance and sing for joy that christ ♪ ♪ the newborn king is come to bring us peace on earth, ♪ ♪ and he's lying cradled there at bethlehem." ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ "tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily ♪ ♪ on the way to bethlehem,

♪ who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely ♪ ♪ on the way to bethlehem?" ♪ angels in the sky brought this message nigh: ♪ ♪ "dance and sing for joy that christ ♪ ♪ the newborn king is come to bring us peace on earth, ♪ ♪ and he's lying cradled there at bethlehem." ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ "where is this new king, shepherd boy piping merrily, ♪ ♪ is he there at bethlehem?" ♪ "i will find him soon by the star shining brightly ♪ ♪ in the sky o'er bethlehem." ♪ angels in the sky brought this message nigh: ♪ ♪ "dance and sing for joy that christ ♪ ♪ the newborn king is come to bring us peace on earth, ♪ ♪ and he's lying cradled there at bethlehem." ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ "may i come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily, ♪

♪ come with you to bethlehem? ♪ pay my homage too at the new king's cradle, ♪ ♪ is it far to bethlehem?" ♪ angels in the sky brought this message nigh: ♪ ♪ "dance and sing for joy that christ ♪ ♪ the infant king is born this night in ♪ ♪ lowly stable yonder, born for you at ♪ ♪ bethlehem." ♪ the tree of life ♪ my soul hath seen, ♪ laden with fruit and always green; ♪ ♪ the trees of nature

♪ fruitless be ♪ compared with christ the apple tree. ♪ ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo oo-oo-oo ♪ ♪ oo-oo ooo ♪ his beauty doth all things excel: ♪ ♪ by faith i know, but ne'er can tell, ♪ ♪ the glory which i now can see ♪ ♪ in jesus christ the apple tree. ♪

♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo oo-oo ♪ ♪ for happiness i long have sought, ♪ ♪ and pleasure dearly ♪ i have bought: ♪ i missed of all; but now i see ♪ ♪ 'tis found in christ the apple tree. ♪ ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo oo-oo-oo ♪ ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo oo-oo-oo ♪ ♪ oo-oo oo-oo-ooo oo-oo-oo oo-oo ♪ ♪ this fruit

♪ doth make my soul to thrive, ♪ ♪ it keeps my dying faith alive: ♪ ♪ which makes my soul in haste to be ♪ ♪ with jesus christ the apple tree. ♪ ♪ i'm weary with my former toil, ♪ ♪ here i will sit and rest a while; ♪ ♪ under the shadow ♪ i will be,

♪ of jesus christ ♪ the apple tree. [playing in caribbean rhythm] ♪ the virgin mary had a baby boy. ♪ ♪ the virgin mary had a baby boy. ♪ ♪ the virgin mary had a baby boy. ♪ ♪ and they said that his name was jesus. ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer!

♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ born in bethlehem! ♪ the angels sang when the baby was born ♪ ♪ the angels sang when the baby was born ♪ ♪ the angels sang when the baby was born ♪ ♪ and they said that his name was jesus. ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ born in bethlehem! ♪ ♪ ♪ wise men came from afar

♪ they came following that star ♪ ♪ they saw where the babe was born. ♪ ♪ and they said that his name was jesus. ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ he come down he come from the glory ♪ ♪ he come down, he come from the glorious kingdom ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ ♪ oh yes, believer! ♪ born in bethlehem! ♪ noel! ♪ noel! ♪ noel! ♪ noel!

♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! ♪ noel! ♪ noel! ♪ noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ a ma mai, a ma mai, a ma mai, a ma mai ♪ ♪ a ma mai, a ma mai ♪ ♪ a ma mai, a ma mai ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel!

♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ kana nge zola ku zaba mwana. ♪ ♪ nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama. ♪ kana nge zola ku zaba mwana. ♪ ♪ nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama. ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ [all exclaim joyously] ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪

♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ kana nge zola ku zaba mwana. ♪ ♪ nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama. ♪ kana nge zola ku zaba mwana. ♪ ♪ nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama. ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ ♪ noel! noel! ♪ jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto. ♪ [handbell choir and orchestra play]

[instruments only; no vocals]

[instruments only; no vocals]

[instruments only; no vocals]

♪ ♪ [resonant, sustained tone of the bells] [playing softly] ♪ o yule full of gladness ♪ and cheer and delight, ♪ we welcome you now ♪ with our singing. ♪ our hearts open wide ♪ to the brilliance of light ♪ from heaven to earth you are bringing. ♪ ♪ we merrily clap and sing, ♪ a happy welcome bring, ♪ so glad are we, so glad are we, ♪ ♪ for joy and love are born now ♪

♪ at christmas! ♪ ♪ ♪ when christmas morn is dawning, ♪ ♪ to bethlehem i go ♪ to see the savior lying ♪ within the manger low. ♪ within the manger low. ♪ ♪ to see the savior lying ♪ within the manger low. ♪ ♪ ♪ beautiful the sky so blue, ♪ stars above are shining through. ♪ ♪ how they twinkle softly beaming, ♪

♪ how they smile and beckon gleaming, ♪ ♪ while they draw our hearts to heav'n, ♪ ♪ while they draw our hearts to heav'n. ♪ [orchestra only] ♪ while angel voices rang above, ♪

♪ with tidings of god's gift of love, ♪ ♪ to shepherds in the silent field ♪ ♪ the one great shepherd ♪ was revealed. ♪ thy little ones, ♪ dear lord, are we ♪ and come thy lowly bed to see; ♪ ♪ enlighten every soul and mind, ♪ ♪ that we the way ♪ to thee may find.

♪ her kommer dine ♪ arme smaa. ♪ o jesus i din stal. [playing "i am so glad each christmas eve "] ♪ jeg er saa glad hver julekveld, ♪ ♪ ti da blev jesus foedt; ♪ da lyste stjernen som en sol, ♪ ♪ og engler sang saa soedt. ♪ ♪

♪ jeg er saa glad hver julekveld, ♪ ♪ ti da blev jesus foedt; ♪ da lyste stjernen som en sol, ♪ ♪ og engler sang saa soedt. ♪ ♪ ♪ i am so glad each christmas eve, ♪ ♪ the night of jesus' birth; ♪ the star shone radiant as the sun, ♪ ♪ and angels sang on earth ♪ ♪

[choirs hum the melody] ♪ mother her vigil is keeping, ♪ ♪ hush, little babe to her song; ♪ ♪ rest thee secure in thy sleeping, ♪ ♪ rest thee secure in thy sleeping, ♪ ♪ grow thee more stately and strong. ♪ ♪ slumber,

♪ slumber, ♪ gently thine eyelids close; ♪ ♪ slumber, ♪ slumber, ♪ cradled in sweet repose. ♪ slumber, ♪ slumber, [choirs hum] ♪ babe of my bosom, be winging ♪

♪ softly where dreamlands begin; ♪ ♪ christmas eve bells are a-ringing, ♪ ♪ christmas eve bells are a-ringing, ♪ ♪ festively calling thee in. ♪ ♪ kling-klang, ♪ kling-klang, ♪ dream of the child divine; ♪ kling-klang, ♪ kling-klang,

♪ dear little babe of mine. ♪ kling-klang, ♪ kling-klang, [choirs hum] ♪ dear little babe ♪ of mine. [choirs hum]

♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ glorifieth god, ♪ ♪ glorifieth god. ♪ ♪ glorifieth god ♪ who showed to all ♪ the salvation of our god. ♪ ♪ who showed to all ♪ the salvation of our god. ♪ ♪ glorifieth god ♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ glorifieth god ♪ glorifieth ♪ god ♪ glorifieth ♪ god ♪ glorifieth god

♪ who showed to all ♪ the salvation of our god. ♪ ♪ of our god. ♪ the salvation of our god. ♪ ♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ praise god from whom all blessings flow! ♪ ♪ praise god from whom all blessings flow! ♪ ♪ praise god all creatures here below! ♪ ♪ praise god above, ye heavenly host! ♪ ♪ praise father, son, and holy ghost! ♪ ♪ whoso offereth praise

♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ ♪ whoso offereth praise ♪ glorifieth god ♪ glorifieth god ♪ glorifieth ♪ glorifieth god! [playing softly] ♪ in the beginning ♪ was the word,

♪ and the word was with god, ♪ and the word was god. ♪ ♪ ♪ in the word was life ♪ and the life was ♪ the light of all. ♪ ♪ ♪ and the word ♪ was made flesh, ♪ and dwelt among us,

♪ full of grace and truth. ♪ ♪ ♪ emmanuel, ♪ ♪ ♪ emmanuel, ♪ ♪ ♪ god with us. [chimes ring as a bell] ♪ ♪ ♪ ring out, ye crystal spheres, ♪ ♪ once bless our human ears, ♪

♪ if ye have power ♪ to touch our senses so; ♪ ♪ ♪ and let your silver chime ♪ move in melodious time, ♪ and let the bass ♪ of heaven's deep organ blow, ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ and with your ninefold harmony, ♪ ♪ make up full consort ♪ to the angelic symphony. ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ such music, as 'tis said, ♪ ♪ before was never made, ♪ but when of old the sons of the morning sung, ♪ ♪ while the creator great ♪ his constellations set, ♪ and the well-balanced world on hinges hung; ♪ ♪ and cast ♪ the dark foundations deep, ♪ and bid the weltering waves their oozy channel keep. ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ yea, truth and justice then ♪ ♪ will down return to them, ♪ ♪ orbed in a rainbow; ♪ and like glories wearing, ♪ ♪ ♪ mercy will sit between, ♪ throned in celestial sheen, ♪ ♪ with radiant feet

♪ the tissued clouds down steering; ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ and heaven, as at some festival, ♪ ♪ will open wide ♪ will open wide ♪ the gates of her high ♪ ♪ palace hall. ♪ palace hall. [playing "rejoice, ye pure in heart]

♪ rejoice, ye pure in heart. ♪ rejoice, give thanks, ♪ and sing; ♪ ♪ your festal banner wave on high, ♪ ♪ the cross of christ your king. ♪ ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice, give thanks, and sing! ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ through all our passing years ♪ ♪ through all that yet shall be ♪ ♪ let songs of solemn joy and faith ♪

♪ rise up from hearts set free. ♪ ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice, give thanks, and sing! ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ with heart and soul and mind ♪ ♪ in full and glad accord, ♪ to god, our great immanuel, ♪ ♪ let love be now out-poured. ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice, give thanks, and sing! ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ praise god who reigns on high ♪ ♪ the lord whom we adore: ♪ the father, son, and spirit blest, ♪ ♪ one god forevermore. ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice! ♪ rejoice, give thanks, and sing! ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ beautiful savior, ♪ lord of the nations, ♪ son of god ♪ ♪ and son of man! ♪ glory and honor, ♪ praise, adoration, ♪ now and forevermore

♪ be thine! ♪ now and forevermore ♪ now and forevermore ♪ ♪ be thine! [loud applause]

cc--armour captioning & tpt [synthesizer fanfare] (woman) "christmas at st. olaf" is available on blu-ray, dvd, and on compact disc. to order call 1-800-363-5487.

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>> the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, so what do the people in many of the cities and towns of europe do? >> ♪ wassail, wassail ♪ all over the town >> they go out into the cold and have a big street party every day for four weeks, also known as the christmas markets. it is a time when the town center, market square, or the narrow cobblestone streets come alive in the dark of winter with festively decorated wooden stalls, offering hot wine, regional food, christmas decorations, sweet confections, baked goods, local crafts, and all other manner of gifts to purchase for the holidays. it is a time of community, conviviality, and color. >> ♪ the good dog of langport ♪ he burned his long tail ♪ and this is the night ♪ we go singing wassail ♪ o master and missus ♪ now we must be gone

♪ bless all in this house ♪ till we come again ♪ bless all in this house ♪ till we come again >> the christmas markets originated in the german-speaking part of europe in the late middle ages. documents have been found evidencing christmas markets as early as the 1300s. the christmas market tradition spread throughout europe. today, there are christmas markets in over 1,000 cities and towns. the christmas markets typically open on the friday before the first sunday of advent. the stalls, filled with colorful merchandise, are festooned with garlands, greenery, santa clauses, and other seasonal characters. so join us on a journey to a group of enchanting cities and towns in germany, france, and switzerland, from the medieval town of rothenburg to the alpine city of luzern. come with us as we share with you the splendid way that europe

celebrates the christmas holiday. >> ♪ glo-o-o-o-ria ♪ in excelsis deo ♪ >> in germany, the mosel river winding through the mosel valley in the western part of the country meanders by hillside villages and storybook towns. the mosel valley is the home of the mosel grape growing region, famous for its riesling grapevines growing on its slate slopes. we visit bernkastel, a colorful town founded over 700 years ago and full of half-timbered buildings dating from as far back as 1608. the town is tucked right into the vineyards, now sleeping for winter. the half-timbered slate roof buildings surround the marktplatz. here is st. michael's fountain,

which during the september wine festival actually flows with wine. but for december, the fountain becomes an advent wreath. the tiny town is beautifully decorated for the holidays. in europe, saint nicholas is not up on a housetop, but climbing in through the window. you will often be surprised to see the jolly figure scaling the walls of the buildings of the town. this historic building becomes an eagerly awaited advent calendar for the entire town, counting down the days to christmas. at every christmas market the beverage of choice is gluhwein, better known outside europe as mulled wine. it is a drink to keep you warm during the winter night, and its ingredients are heated red or white wine, blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, laurel leaves, sugar, and orange. enjoy your soul-warming gluhwein and visit the christmas market of bernkastel, snuggled into its narrow and charming cobblestone

streets. we now move from the mosel river to the city of nurnberg, located in the franconian region of bavaria in germany. it was established in 1050 and was considered a medieval wonder. in the middle ages, nurnberg was a stop on the key trade routes, and it was the center of the german renaissance in the 1500s. the magnificent imperial castle, a residence of kaisers and kings of the holy roman empire for hundreds of years, sits on a huge sandstone rock presiding over the old town below. the castle and the city were almost completely destroyed during world war ii, but with the help of many nations, the castle was restored to its medieval nobility.

today, the castle is not only a tourist destination, but a majestic place for a walk by man, woman, and dog. a stroll from the castle down steep and narrow streets takes you directly to the old town, the site of nurnberg's christmas market, called the christkindlesmarkt, or christ child market. it is one of the oldest and most popular of the christmas markets, and it is grand. the christmas market takes up the whole of the main market square, the hauptmarkt, set up in front of the imposing frauenkirche. although the actual date of origin of the nurnberg market is not known, it is said to have been in existence since at least 1628. the nurnberg market is famous for certain specialty items, such as figures in franconian dress made of prunes and nuts, and a nurnberg angel to decorate the tree. a visitor to the market can also

enjoy its unique food and drink items. nurnberg has been famous for its gingerbread, known as lebkuchen, since olden times. then the city was surrounded by forests, which served as a natural home for many bees, who in turn made lots of honey. with the local honey and the spices from the trade route, the bakers of the middle ages concocted this sweet and spicy treat, which tradition continues today. many visitors also marvel at the small size of nurnberg's delightful sausages, some no bigger than a finger. these are said to be the invention of an enterprising innkeeper who made the tiny treats small enough to push through a keyhole, so he could sell them to hungry customers after the inn had closed. nurnberg's christmas market today keeps to its early history. a horse-drawn mail coach takes a trip around the square past the traditional red and white stalls.

a local band in regional costumes serenades the shoppers as they make their way through the brightly decorated displays, enjoying the sights, sounds, and aromas of nurnberg's legendary christmas market. [brass band playing] one of the most charming and most visited towns in germany is rothenburg ob der tauber. rothenburg is a beautifully preserved medieval gem. located in the franconian region of bavaria, rothenburg was the site of a castle in 1070, and the city was founded in 1170. the city became entirely surrounded by walls with many towers in the 13th century. rothenburg stands today much as it did in the 13th century. horses pull a cart of spectators along the cobblestone streets and past one of the most

photographed and painted scenes in rothenburg. as you look at these beautiful scenes, do you think you are in disneyland? the city was the inspiration for the village in the movie pinocchio. you can walk all the way around the old town wall or climb to the top of the town hall tower and look down upon the red roofs of rothenburg. a visit to rothenburg is a visit to centuries gone by. rothenburg is now a year-round christmas town because of the success of kathe wohlfahrt christmas stores and the family's inspiring success story that has been instrumental in spreading traditional german crafts as christmas traditions throughout the world. we visit with the founder's son. >> translator: my parents were refugees. they fled east germany in 1956. they had a music box with them. it was a nice music box that played silent night, holy night. our american friends saw the box in our living room and were

so enthusiastic about it that we tried to get another one from the erzgebirge mountain region to give to them. my parents them sold these and other items at u.s. army base weekend bazaars. then we came to rothenburg and opened the store in 1977. >> the wooden figures made by the craftsmen of germany have become treasured keepsakes. the most popular are the nutcrackers, the pyramids, and the smokers. >> [speaking german] >> translator: the nutcrackers are a tradition from the erzgebirge and thuringian, a nearby region. first, the woodcarvers used the ruling class and the authorities as inspiration to poke fun at them as a hard nut to crack. >> the store in rothenburg, the largest christmas store in the world, is a stunning re-creation of a franconian village on a snowy christmas day and is filled with beautiful decorations to grace your home and decorate your tree for the

holidays. >> ♪ sleep in heavenly peace >> at christmas, rothenburg has its own charming christmas market, known as the reiterlesmarkt. the market gets its name from an old teutonic legend from pre-christian times of a horse rider who took care of the souls of the dead. in the middle ages, the rider became known as a friendly messenger who brought gifts to all men on earth and who, in modern times, comes alive when the christmas market opens with a candlelit march by the children throughout the city. [piano playing the first noel] ♪ here, as is modern tradition, the local schoolchildren decorate the christmas trees in front of the town hall that hosts the market in its town square. the lighting of the tree in the center of the square marks the

beginning of the season. enjoy the sights and sounds of rothenburg at christmastime. ♪ we now go in search of a bit of refreshment for the weary traveler in the wine town of rudesheim, located in the heart of the rheingau wine region. the vineyards around the town are many centuries old and go all the way back to the roman emperor probus. it is a compact town built into the hills with twisting, picturesque lanes and many old wine taverns. rudesheim's christmas market is squeezed into the narrow streets and alleys of this hilly town. the residents and visitors to rudesheim at christmas carefully make their way over the old cobblestones, sampling each of the many different gluhweins offered at the market. many of the local vintners produce their own special blend of gluhwein, and these delightful nectars add a

special festive touch to the local christmas markets. with regret, we leave the snowy hills of rudesheim and travel on to other christmas market celebrations. >> ♪ the white snows of winter ♪ fall into the quiet town ♪ the town lies a-sleeping ♪ a-sleeping beneath the down ♪ it soon will be christmas ♪ bells will be ringing ♪ bring us another round ♪ for here in the white ♪ of a warm winter night ♪ my love ♪ at last i've found ♪

>> as a special treat, we visit the ancient town of michelstadt, a hidden christmas treasure. it is extraordinarily charming, with its timber-frame houses, its cobblestones, and a special grace created by the passage of centuries. the town hall, built in the late gothic style in 1484, is located on the market square, which is considered one of the prettiest in germany and appears on one of its postage stamps. in michelstadt, the christmas market fits perfectly with its historic surroundings and fills up the narrow streets with its treasures. and, of course, let's not forget our mug of gluhwein. scattered around the market, we find life-sized figurines such as this choir in front of the town hall. now we come across a nutcracker

and a very large pyramid, picturesquely placed in front of a half-timbered building. and here are the three kings. of course, a modern christmas is not christmas without santa and his reindeer. michelstadt has a beautifully carved manger scene. the manger scene is a christmas market tradition with live animals or carefully crafted figures to celebrate the story of the birth of the baby jesus. >> ♪ thus every beast ♪ by some good spell ♪ in stable dark ♪ was glad to tell ♪ the gift he gave emmanuel ♪ the gift he gave emmanuel ♪ >> we now arrive in strasbourg in the alsace-lorraine region of france, to see how the

french celebrate the christmas market tradition, and you will be delighted. like so many towns along the rhine, strasbourg began as a roman military outpost, and it has been continuously inhabited since 12 b.c. strasbourg derives its name from strateburgem, meaning "the fortified town on the roads." strasbourg is full of beautiful historic buildings and settings, from the soaring cathedral of notre dame, with its romanesque and gothic style, to the many burgerhauses in the old town, to the half-timbered quaint houses in the la petite france section of the city, with its canals and locks. there are numerous locations for the christmas markets in strasbourg. one market sits under the single-spired cathedral, completed in 1439 in beautiful reddish-brown sandstone.

in this teeming market, the shopper can find some roasted chestnuts from this little cart, or enjoy a group of santas playing a holiday tune. [piano playing we three kings] ♪ a second market specializing in products from the region is located a few blocks away. here a local craftsman works right in his market booth. ♪ in the markets, you can pick out your perfect christmas tree, buy your decorations and gifts, and feast in the many stalls filled with food and sweets. ♪ to wash it all down, of course, there is the local gluhwein made from the wines of the

alsatian region of france. a special treat in strasbourg is to behold the fantastic way the shop owners decorate for the season. >> ♪ deck the halls ♪ with boughs of holly ♪ fa-la-la-la-la ♪ la-la-la-la ♪ 'tis the season to be jolly ♪ fa-la-la-la-la ♪ la-la-la-la ♪ don we now our gay apparel ♪ fa-la-la la-la-la ♪ la la la ♪ troll the ancient yuletide carol ♪ ♪ fa-la-la-la-la ♪ la-la-la-la ♪ fa-la-la-la-la ♪ la-la-la-la >> here we are in switzerland and the german-speaking city of basel, located at the three corners of switzerland, france, and germany. basel was originally a celtic settlement, then a roman fort, then the site if a roman castle. in 1356, an earthquake destroyed much of the city and the castles

nearby. but the town was rebuilt, and basel joined the swiss confederation in 1501 and grew into a center of science and learning. the inner city is dominated by the gothic rathaus, or town hall, built from the red sandstone of the region. in front of the town hall is the market square, which we are fortunate to visit on the day of farmers market. the market has a wide selection of local produce, but it's also filled with natural decorations for the home, like floral arrangements, evergreens, and local mistletoe. and, of course, we know we're in switzerland just as soon as we see all the cheeses from the local farmers. >> ♪ christmas is coming ♪ the goose is getting fat ♪ please put a penny ♪ in the old man's hat ♪ if you haven't got a penny ♪ then a ha'penny will do ♪ if you haven't ♪ got a ha'penny ♪ then god bless you

♪ please put a penny ♪ in the old man's hat ♪ if you haven't got a penny ♪ then a ha'penny will do ♪ if you haven't ♪ got a ha'penny ♪ then god bless you ♪ if you haven't ♪ got a ha'penny ♪ then god bless you >> steps from the market square is basel's thriving christmas market, meandering through the old town. we enjoy a mug of the tasty local gluhwein, as we take in the sights of the market. [guitar and banjo playing carol the bells] ♪ the market stalls are filled with the local crafts, and the hanging decorations are particularly eye-catching. ♪ as we leave the market, we see that even the angels of basel celebrate the holiday season

with food and wine. as we enjoyed the evening in basel, we had a surprise encounter with over two dozen harley-davidsons elaborately decorated by the riders as santa's sleigh. jolly old saint nick has come a long way if his reindeer are being replaced by a hog. >> ♪ fum fum fum >> no holiday visit to switzerland would be complete without a stop in the alps. and so here we are in the mountain city of luzern. the city is located on the shore of lake luzern and developed due to its strategic location as a gateway to italy. we find ourselves in another storybook town with cobblestone streets, covered bridges, and frescoed houses, all surrounded by the mountains, capped

year-round with snow. among its famous landmarks are the chapel bridge, a wooden bridge first built in the 14th century. as we wandered through luzern's merrily decorated streets, a cacophony of noise echoed around us. we were soon met by a parade of men ringing giant cowbells. it turned out that we were in luzern on saint nicholas day. this parade is a swiss tradition. men dressed in white farmer shirts carry the huge cowbells on heavy straps, ringing their way through the town. the tradition dates back to pre-christian times when loud noise was used to banish darkness and evil. in a more melodious style, a school band plays in a town square, delighting the child in all of us. [playing o come, all ye faithful] [singing in german] everybody celebrates christmas

in luzern. later, saint nicholas himself makes and appearance with schmutzli, a swiss traditional figure holding a sack of gifts for the good children and a switch for the naughty children. the christmas market in luzern is small, but the lights and decorations of the town stand out beautifully against the snowy peaks that surround the city. the lights of luzern remind us of the displays of lights we saw throughout our visits. [the kingston trio performing sleep my child and peace attend thee] ♪ >> ♪ sleep, my child ♪ and peace attend thee ♪ all through the night ♪ guardian angels ♪ god has sent thee ♪ all through the night

♪ through your dreams ♪ you're swiftly stealing ♪ visions of delight ♪ revealing ♪ christmastime is ♪ so appealing ♪ all through the night ♪ ♪ christmas should be ♪ softly spoken ♪ all ♪ through ♪ the night

[the kingston trio performing we wish you a merry christmas] ♪ >> ♪ once in a year ♪ is not far amiss ♪ to visit our neighbors ♪ and sing out like this ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ and a happy new year >> our trip to the christmas markets, for this year at least, is complete. we hope you enjoyed the magic and enchantment of the markets and the old world charm of the medieval and castle towns we visited. merry christmas. >> ♪ we won't go ♪ until we get some ♪ so bring it out here ♪ of friendship and love ♪ good neighbors abound ♪ and peace and goodwill ♪ the whole year around

♪ why can't we have christmas ♪ the whole year around ♪ why can't we have christmas ♪ the whole year around ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ and a happy new year ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ we wish you ♪ a merry christmas ♪ and a happy new year

and what have we got inside? these two trays. - yes. - they for sandwiches, do you think? i would think they are for sandwiches to put the tea on to serve.

and then two cups and saucers. two cups and saucers. bee's knees. here i assume we've got the kettle. - that is the kettle. - oh, it's heavy. because it has things inside it? oh, right. that's why it's so heavy. oh, is that for the milk? no, that's for the sugar and the tea. there's the stand for the teapot. so you put one on the bottom of that, - and one in the top. - that's right. - and this chuck goes on here. - that goes on there. - and-- - that's the lid. that is then the teapot which also has the milk and sugar inside it. i'm enjoying myself here. we're gonna have a good picnic, aren't we? this is what i presume you would bring the milk in. and here, which is a bit difficult to get out, is the little burner. that goes onto the--

which goes underneath there. good, what we need now is a match and we're away. i've never seen such an exquisitely-made picnic set. it's by royal worcester. it's got the 20 dots on it, which dates it to precisely 1911. and that was a time when people were taking motor cars out into the countryside. and i would have thought that this could have been for a very smart car. and we would have gone out into the countryside and we would have had this charming tea together with the chauffer, who would have acted as butler. - that's right. - a really first-class piece. what's the history behind it? it belonged to my husband's parents. and i know that my mother-in-law-- she was a great lady, a very clever lady-- visiting many antique sales in the early days. and this is one of the things she bought. she gave it to us about 40 years ago. you've used it?

no, we don't have the rolls-royce. - ( both laugh ) - no, we haven't. i've had it open on display. but for a while it's just been closed up. well, i think for somebody who is a motoring enthusiast, if you've got the ultimate car, this is the ultimate picnic set to go with it. and therefore, i wouldn't be surprised, with all the quality we've got here, that a collector would pay maybe as much as £1,200 to 1,500-- - really? - --just to acquire a picnic set of this quality. - a cup of tea? - thank you very much.