The agony of choice plagues youngsters at a sweet stand at the Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
The agony of choice plagues youngsters at a sweet stand at the Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
Much of the art seen on the stalls at the Hamburger DOM depicts likenesses of icons of American pop culture. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
This attraction at the 2016 Hamburger DOM.peddles the art of illusion and beckons passerby to observe the image within the cat's face. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
Stuffed toys are waiting to be taken home by winners in a variety of games of chance at the 2016 Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
The swings are a nostalgic ride that have managed to remain popular throughout the decades at the Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
The Ferris wheel can be seen blocks away from the 2016 Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
Licorice is a treat that finds ever-more favor as one moves north through Europe. This was for sale at the 2016 Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
Passing through the entry of the Hamburger DOM is stepping into another world. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
A stand selling fish and seafood products hints at Hamburg's maritime heritage at the 2016 Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury/Stars and Stripes ()
Countless thrill rides beckon to those brave of heart at the 2016 Hamburger DOM. Photo by Karen Bradbury. ()
The large open space close to the Hamburg’s city center known as Heiligengeistfeld, or Field of the Holy Spirit, derives its name from a 15th-century hospital that one stood in the vicinity. Since 1893, the grounds have served as the site of the Hamburger DOM, a massive fun fair that takes place three times annually: March-April, July-August and November-December.
The Hamburger DOM’s winter edition wears a distinct Christmas coat and can make a welcome contrast from the almost too picture-perfect ambiance of more traditional Christmas markets. The largest fun fair in northern Germany boasts of rides for thrill seekers such as a free-fall tower and a double loop roller coaster, along with vintage carousels and a mini-coaster for the toddler set. Games of chance, raffles and a beer tent offer ample opportunity to part with one’s wages, and a glass of warm mulled wine is never too far from hand. New this year is the Winterland on Ice, a massive skating rink offering entertainment and a children’s disco on Wednesday evenings. Skate rental is available on-site.
Entry to the Hamburger DOM is free. A good day for families to visit is Wednesday, when prices on several attractions are discounted. Fireworks go off at 10:30 p.m. Friday evenings.
The 2016 edition of the Winter-DOM runs through Dec. 4. Learn more at http://english.hamburg.de/visitors/290760/hamburg-hamburgs-dom-english/
