Christmas in Berlin

I had a fantastic Christmas up in Berlin staying with Claudia's parents.  Only the snow was missing.  Even though it has been warm lately I was still expecting all of the snow we had there back in 2009.

On the 24th, Santa Claus came and brought Tünde a bag full of presents.  It was nice getting to be a spectator and not trying to dress up like der Weihnachtsmann.

On the 25th, we went to see a Christmas pageant at one of the local churches.

Later we went to see the Nutcracker at the Berlin Opera House.  Well we tried to see the Nutcracker.  Unfortunately, a pipe burst the night before and the stage was flooded.

So instead we headed over to the Gendarmenmarkt.  This is one of the few Christmas markets that stays open until New Year's.  All the rest normally shut down on the 23rd.