One of the first signs of Winter in Germany are the open air market stalls serving hot spiced wine. For an Australian, it would be a bit shocking to see alcohol sold on the street and drunk openly! Glühwein is particularly popular at a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market). The markets open in mid-December and sell ornaments, advent calendars, springerle moulds and other Christmas items. Every city and town has a Weinachtsmarkt; the Stuttgart Market is open every evening, but a smaller city like Nürtingen has a Market only on weekends and long Thursdays. Many European traditions include hot spiced wine.