Kaiserslautern’s Christmas market was bustling on Nov. 23, 2024. (Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes)

Twinkling lights, sizzling sausages, mulled wine and cozy firepits return to downtown Kaiserslautern as the city’s annual Christmas Market opens at noon Monday near Stiftskirche and Schillerplatz.

The market runs through Dec. 23, with stalls open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. It will be closed Nov. 23 for Sunday of the Dead, a silent German holiday.

A separate Cultural Market opens Nov. 27 at the Fruchthalle, offering even more seasonal food, crafts and holiday cheer.