Düsseldorf: NFL & Weihnachtsmarkt – A Winning Combination!
Hey football fans and Christmas lovers! Let me tell you, Düsseldorf in December is amazing. I mean, seriously, who knew you could combine the thrill of the NFL season with the magic of a German Christmas market? It's a combo I never thought of until I actually did it last year. Talk about a surprise!
My Düsseldorf NFL Adventure: A Total Score!
So, picture this: it's late November, the air is crisp, and I'm huddled in a gemütlich (cozy!) pub in Düsseldorf, watching the Dallas Cowboys absolutely nail it against their rivals (I won't say who to avoid starting a fight!). But here's the thing – I'm not watching this game alone in my basement, surrounded by pizza boxes. Nope. I'm surrounded by other crazy football fans, all cheering in a language I don't understand, but somehow, it all makes perfect sense.
This whole experience started because my friend, a total Düsseldorf expert (much smarter than me!), convinced me to check out the city during football season. Turns out, many pubs in the Altstadt (Old Town) are totally NFL-friendly. They've got massive screens, the good beer flows freely, and the atmosphere is electric. Finding a place to watch the game wasn't hard at all; the challenge was actually choosing one from the awesome options. Seriously, there were tons of great sports bars to choose from.
Game Day Grub & Great German Beer
Let's be real, game day is all about the food and drinks, right? Well, Düsseldorf didn't disappoint. I tried some amazing things I can't even pronounce. Plus, the beer—oh my god, the beer! It was so good, I could have chugged it all night. Remember to take your time and really savor the taste though; otherwise, you’ll miss the game entirely!
I learned a valuable lesson on my first game day there. I got there super late, thinking it would be easy to find a spot. Wrong. The popular pubs were jam-packed. Pro Tip: If you’re planning to watch a game in Düsseldorf, get there early, especially for popular matchups. It’s a good idea to reserve a table, especially if you're going with a large group. You don't want to miss a single touchdown because you're waiting to get in!
Düsseldorf Weihnachtsmarkt: A Magical Experience
Okay, so the NFL games were epic, but the real highlight was the Weihnachtsmarkt. I'd seen Christmas markets in other places, but Düsseldorf's was on another level. It was way bigger than I expected! The sheer scale and beauty of it all – seriously, it left me speechless.
Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and More!
I spent hours wandering through the market, mesmerized by the twinkling lights, the aroma of Glühwein (mulled wine – you HAVE to try it!), and the delicious smell of Lebkuchen (gingerbread). I indulged in some ridiculously delicious food and drank more Glühwein than I care to admit. I even bought some crazy-cute handmade ornaments for my niece and nephew. It was so fun!
Combining NFL & Weihnachtsmarkt
This is why I think it's the perfect combination: after cheering on your favorite NFL team, you can stroll through the magical Weihnachtsmarkt, enjoying the festive atmosphere. What a way to wind down after a thrilling game! It’s a completely unforgettable experience, especially if you’re traveling with friends.
Key Takeaways:
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season (around the holidays). This is super important because flights and hotels fill up fast!
- Check the NFL schedule and plan your trip around your favorite team's games.
- Make reservations for the sports bars to guarantee a spot.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the massive Christmas market!
- Pace yourself with the Glühwein – it's easy to drink too much too quickly!
So, what are you waiting for? Düsseldorf in December is calling your name! It's a total touchdown of festive fun. Let me know in the comments if you've been and what your experiences were!