A few pictures of something quite popular across the whole of Germany at this time of year… It’s hard to believe that in just a few days, they will be packed away for yet another year, and I haven’t even given them a mention on the blog before now!
Before we moved here, I imagined that Munich would just have the one Christmas Market, albeit a very very big one, but there are in fact numerous markets dotted about the city, and of varying sizes and themes too. There are those that are easy to find such as the Marienplatz Weinachtsmarkt for example, focussing on decorations, gifts and food, and then there are those tucked away down side streets that you might stumble across if you are lucky, such as the Market in the Courtyard of the Residenz (which is great for children with it’s moving Christmas character displays – watch out for the wolf who bears an uncanny resembelance to Spit the Dog!), and the picturesque Haidhauser Market at Weisenburger Platz.
Then there are the markets that specialise in the alternative, such as the market towards Karlsplatz that purely sells tiny handcarved wooden nativity figures (a Kripperlmarkt in case you come across the term and wonder what on earth it is…), the Medieval Markt around the corner from Odeonsplatz, which is one of my favourites (especially at night), and the incredible arty Schwabing Weihnachtsmart… And I haven’t yet visited the ginormous and spectacular sounding Tollwood, oh well, maybe next Christmas?…
Then there are the markets in beautiful locations such as the market under the Chinesischen Turm in the Englisher Gartens, and the markets in unexpected locations such as the decent one at the airport (which even has free ice-skating if you bring your own skates!), and one of the oldest Christmas Markets, the small but perfectly formed Rindermarkt Weinachtsmarkt (which as well as specialising in Nativity figures, has excellent food stalls, including a brilliant smoked fish stall too!)…
Whichever market you visit, all of them have something in common – fantastic food, tempting drinks, twinkly lights and plenty of atmosphere to get you in the Christmas Spirit – although the Glühwein might have something to do with that (it’s German “central” heating – AND it de-ices your hands when it’s particularly parky!) oh, and you haven’t just been overcharged for your drink by the way, you are also paying a deposit – it’s up to you whether you keep the mug or get your money back!…
Do remember that they are not just held in Munich either. If you are visiting especially for the markets themselves, make sure you venture out of the city, each town usually has their own Weinachtsmarkt, and they are usually less crowded than those in Munich itself. One of my favourites is at Bad Tölz, a gorgeous alpine town. The market there snakes its way down through the high street directly opposite the snow capped mountains, which is the perfect backdrop and gives you something to look at while you tuck into the obligatory Christkindlmarkt gluhwein and bratwurst!
If you asked the advice of the Small People though, they would tell you to visit The Englisher Garten Weinachtsmarkt, as it’s their favourite – probably thanks to the huge Playmobil “shed” and the Oma and Opa Storytelling and Craft Workshops. The Five Year old even came face to face with Krampus there, and decided he wasn’t that bad after all when Krampus gave him some chocolate!
And if you’re really really lucky, you might even come across the big guy himself….
I’m so jealous. We’ve got a “German” Christmas Market in Bristol and it used to sell lovely stuff like those carved nativities, but now its just a market that sells stuff you could buy anywhere else. The only good thing is the bratwurst (I will be going several times, but just for the bratwurst)
Aw such a shame, but I can see that’s a good enough reason to go, especially if they serve gluhwein too? If not I think you should take some in a flask! :D Thank you Kath! :)
Just catching up with blog reading. This is brilliant – you could pitch it to a travel magazine.
Thank you Trishl that’s a huge compliment!… I have a lot of catching up to do too… :)
Wow, the markets look beautiful. I’d love to come and see them one day. I hope you are having a fabulous Christmas.
Mich x
Thank you Michelle, if you get the chance you should definitely try and come over! :) Hope you had a great Christmas! Emma :) x
Thanks for sharing. Love this post, especially the Santa photo! Fabulous! x
He was so funny bless him, the markets are worth a visit if you ever get the chance! Thank you xx
Fabulous! I’ve always wanted to visit the Christmas markets…. some day!
xx Jazzy
And you must! If you come to Munich, I am quite a good tour guide you know! :D xx
I do love Christmas markets! Both Leeds and Birmingham, where we used to live, had lovely, large German markets during Christmas, and they brought with them such an European feel. I miss that in Cambridge.
The photos capture them so well, Emma.
A merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you and your family, from me, D and Chotto-Ma. Hugs and love! x
Thanks Pia, I think it’s so nice they are in the UK now too. And a very merry Christmas to you all, have a fabulous time together! Emma xxx
What a magical place to be for Christmas! Great photographs.
Thank you very much :) x
This is definitely on my bucket list to visit. Wow. Just wow.
I would highly recommend it! :) Thank you!
SO jealous! I love a good Christmas Market. The stall in the first photo looks amazing. xx
Thank you lovely! xx
They sound fantastic – perfect way to bring on that festive feeling! Love the twinkly, sparkly stall in the first picture. Have you bought many things? My sister went to one in Vienna several weeks ago when she was visiting a friend. She said she really enjoyed it, but had a few too many gluhweins and ended up buying quite a lot of stuff!
Hope you have a lovely Christmas x
A few bits and pieces, mostly things to eat and drink strangely enough! :D And now, I know why they make the gluhwein so strong… Good plan! :D Thank you, you too! xx
oh wow thats a feast for the eye so festive, im getting so excited about Christmas
Thank you so much… Have a lovely Christmas! :) xx
Wow – they all look and sound fab. I think Munich might have just leaped to the top of my must-visit at Christmas list. (Ok, admittedly I didn’t have a must-visit at Christmas list before reading this…..but I do now!)
And you must, I think you would love it! Thank you for commenting! :) xx