If you are spending the holiday season in Germany, you must spend few day during Christmas time in Munich. Atmospheric weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) spring up all over Munich’s Old Town, churches and cathedrals are filled with holiday singing and organ recitals, and Munich’s shopping streets are decked out in sparkling lights. And all that with the romantic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Munich’s famous Münchner Christkindlmarkt rund um den Marienplatz (Christmas Market on Marienplatz) dates back to 1642. It is celebrated in the heart of the altstadt (Old Town) with a 100-feet high Christmas tree that towers over traditionally decorated booths.
Kripperlmarkt is Munich’s manager market and focuses on the holiday’s religious roots. It is walking distance to the city’s central christkindlmarkt and dates back to 1757.
The market is devoted to the biblical manger and nativity figures made in Germany. From baby Jesus and the Christmas angel, to animals, lanterns for the barn, and the gifts of the three Magi, the manger market offers wonderful souvenirs and everything you’ll need to create your own nativity scene. Don’t forget the Munich Christmas market tour.
Munich Christmas Market list:
– Old Town: 21 November to 24 December
– Glockenbachviertel and Ludwigsvorstadt: 24 November to 31 December
– Neuhausen-Nymphenburg: 21 November to 23 December
– Haidhausen and Bogenhausen: 22 November to 24 December
– Schwabing: 25 November to 24 December
– Olympiapark: 24 November to 29 December
– Werksviertel: 2 to 11 December
– Schlachthofviertel: 23 November to 23 December
– Giesing and Sendling: 23 November to 23 December
In the center of Munich’s grandiose Royal Residence, you’ll find a quaint Christmas village. Small wooden huts are dwarfed by the palace, complete with a little chapel and a life-seized nativity scene.
Watch traditional toy makers, goldsmiths, wood carvers, glassblowers, and knife grinders at work, while the kids take a ride on historic carousels or meet Nikolaus, the German Santa Claus. There is also a stage with daily live music and entertainment.
CHRISTMAS MARKET FOOD
You can warm your hands and your heart with mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Don’t forget to buy your mug during the visit, I collect them are very beautiful.
ACTIVITIES
The Tollwood Winter Festival is held on the same fairgrounds as Oktoberfest and feature an international Christmas market. Here you can hunt for treasures from around the world and sample organic ethnic food. Locals love this festival for its colorful cultural program, which is famous for its world music, art workshops, plus theater and circus performances.
The market is held from late November til end of December. Entrance is free, but some performances require tickets. If you arrive after Christmas, take part in the legendary Silvester (New Year’s Eve) party.
Munich has several ice skating rinks to choose from, but the best is Munich’s largest open-air ice-skating rink, Muenchner Eizsauber (Munich Ice Magic). Entrance costs 5 – 8.50 euros (depending on time of day; discounts for children) and skates are available for rental.
Munich: the capital of south Germany
