{"id":3929,"date":"2012-12-20T06:47:40","date_gmt":"2012-12-20T06:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/?p=3929"},"modified":"2018-11-29T22:27:25","modified_gmt":"2018-11-29T22:27:25","slug":"seasonal-shopping-munichs-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/seasonal-shopping-munichs-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Seasonal Shopping – Munich’s Christmas Markets…"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IMG_8593\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_8521\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_8005\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 There are those that are easy to find such as the Marienplatz Weinachtsmarkt<\/a> 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 <\/a>(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 <\/a>at Weisenburger Platz.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> in case you come across the term and wonder what on earth it is…), the Medieval Markt<\/a> around the corner from Odeonsplatz, which is one of my favourites (especially at night), and the incredible arty Schwabing Weihnachtsmart<\/a>… \u00a0 And I haven’t yet visited the ginormous and spectacular sounding Tollwood, <\/a>oh well, maybe next Christmas?…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_8019\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Then there are the markets in beautiful locations such as the market under the Chinesischen Turm<\/a> in the Englisher Gartens,\u00a0 and the markets in unexpected locations such as the decent one at the airport<\/a> (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!)…<\/p>\n

Whichever market you visit, all of them have something in common – fantastic food,\u00a0 tempting drinks, twinkly lights and plenty of atmosphere to get you in the Christmas Spirit – although the\u00a0Gl\u00fchwein might have something to do with that (it’s German “central” heating –\u00a0 AND it de-ices your hands when it’s particularly parky!)\u00a0 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!…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_7739\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_8455\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Do remember that they are not just held in Munich either.\u00a0 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. \u00a0 One of my favourites is at Bad T\u00f6lz,<\/a> a gorgeous alpine town.\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Five Year old even came face to face with Krampus<\/a> there, and decided he wasn’t that bad after all when Krampus gave him some chocolate!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_7839\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And if you’re really really lucky, you might even come across the big guy himself….<\/p>\n

\"IMG_8596\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Share me:<\/h3>