German festivities at Turn Verein

Every December, Christmas-themed street markets pop up throughout much of Europe—a picturesque scene in a beautiful, historic plaza, with vendors touting handmade ornaments, freshly carved nutcrackers and hot mulled wine. They originated in Germany and surrounding, German-speaking areas, probably in the 1300s, and continue to be a beloved tradition that draws millions of tourists to cities like Nuremberg, Dresden and Munich each year. Sacramento’s Turn Verein (3349 J Street) will host its own Christkindlmarkt Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4, with 28 booths selling items prime for holiday shopping and festive eating. Wash down a bratwurst dinner with glühwein, the German style of spiced, warm wine. And pick up some edible gifts, such as gebrannte mandeln, burnt sugar almonds; stollen, a fruit-studded bread; and magenbrot or lebkuchen, two cookies similar to gingerbread. Admission is $3 or free with a donation of a coat. More at http://sacramentoturnverein.com.