For the first time ever, Ottawa has an outdoor Christmas market, modeled after the ones in Europe, which are a huge tourist attraction. I was excited when the market was announced.

Then I realized that this is a modest first year for the market. There are only about 20 vendors.

I guess that makes sense in a way, start small and see if the idea catches hold, then expand next year. Still, it seems a little strange that a city with a million people has a smaller market that Sulzburg with its 2,000 people, Mind you, Sulzburg’s is a one-day event, Ottawa’s lasts for a month.

I haven’t made it to the Ottawa Christmas Market yet – I’m hoping for next week perhaps. I probably won’t buy anything, which will make it just like a European market – all I ever buy at those are sausages.

Until I get there, here are some Christmas Market pictures from Sulzburg’s 2018 market to get you in the mood.