Every November the market squares of Dresden and Nuremberg fill with timber huts, and this one is ours. It has log walls, a snow-capped roof over a dark wooden eave with red and white beads, gingerbread hearts on a bar over the counter and a vendor in her apron pouring Glühwein. Next to it stands a three-tier Christmas pyramid with candles and a vane wheel, and its carousel turns on a real turntable.
Germany's Christmas markets grew out of medieval winter markets where townspeople stocked up for the cold season. Dresden's Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, is among the oldest, and Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is known around the world. From late November through Advent, rows of wooden huts fill the old squares, selling ornaments, roasted almonds and Glühwein: red wine warmed with cinnamon, cloves, orange and sugar, served in mugs that many visitors take home as souvenirs.
Above many counters hang Lebkuchen hearts, iced gingerbread decorated with sweet messages. Nearby there is often a Christmas pyramid, a tradition from the Ore Mountains of Saxony, where the rising heat of candles turns a vane wheel at the top and slowly spins tiers of carved figures below. This brick model gathers those details onto one snowy cobbled corner, with a log-walled stall, hanging hearts, a vendor pouring Glühwein and a three-tier pyramid whose carousel really turns.
How many pieces does the Glühwein Hut have and how big is it?
The model uses 712 pieces in 126 different part types, built over 91 illustrated steps. Finished, it measures about 16 × 20 × 16 cm (length × width × height).
How do I get the bricks for this Christmas market model?
Bricks are not included; you receive the PDF instructions plus a parts list as a CSV file and as a BrickLink wanted list (XML), so you can order every part in one go. Expect the parts to cost about $55–100 on BrickLink, not including shipping.
Does this design work with LEGO® bricks?
Yes. It is a fan-made design, not an official LEGO set, and it uses standard parts compatible with LEGO® bricks.
Digital download. Bricks not included. Fan designs, not affiliated with the LEGO Group. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this site.
