By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Boylston Schul-Verein (BSV) German-American social club held a festive and fun Weihnachtsmarkt 2023 (Christmas Market 2023) in Walpole on Saturday, December 2. People of all ages enjoyed shopping at merry market booths, eating delicious food and beverages, and listening to cheery Christmas music as they navigated around the market with smiles on their faces.
Vendors prepared and sold German food, such as bratwurst, currywurst, pork with sauerkraut, and potato dumplings to go along with the Glüwein which is a mulled cider, schnapps in several flavors, largers, pilsners, and Hefeweissbier, which is a wheat beer. Wonderful aromas filled the market.
Several market-goers wore German hats, Santa hats, beer stein mittens, and other celebratory attire while enjoying the day's activities. Children visited with Santa and ran from Krampus, who is a horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure of Europe, who scares naughty children. Attendees ate, drank, and socialized under the shelter of the large, decorated pavilion behind the main clubhouse.
A highlight of the day was the performance of Christmas carols by the club's own Sängerchor Boston. The chorus stood above the crowd on the main clubhouse's deck and proclaimed the glory of the season in German and English for all to hear.
Luckily, the rain held off and temperatures moderated to make for a fine day for the outdoor market. The crowd was comfortable strolling along the rows of market booths, and occasionally warming themselves by the numerous fires and heaters around the grounds. Children enjoyed the playground, while some adults ventured into the surrounding pine woods for a little space and quiet reflection. In all, the Weihnachtsmarkt 2023 was a great success!
