Munich, in the heart of Bavaria, celebrates Christmas in charming German style. Munich is located in beautiful surroundings. Munich is north of the Alps, where the famous fairytale castle Neuschwanstein is nestled among the mountains. Munich is one of the Bavarian cities on what is referred to as “The Romantic Road”, and is a romantic city.
The streets of Munich are populated with many historic buildings, which have been standing for centuries. During the month of December, traditionally during Advent, the historic streets bustle with festivities and Christmas markets.
HISTORY OF GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS, “CHRISTKINDLMARKTS
Christmas Markets are a centuries old tradition in Germany. Seasonal markets took place in Germany throughout the year. The Christmas Markets were a welcome, joyous occasion for villagers. The festivities added some light and gaiety to the cold, dark winter nights.
Each market was unique, because only local tradesmen sold their wares at the market. Food and products had true unique regional flavor. Tradesmen would line the streets with their unique wares, with distinctive regional characteristics.
The tradition of the German Christmas Market dates back as far as the 1400’s, and continues to this day. Today the tradesmen have charming, cozy huts, to shelter themselves and their wares. The markets serve as a festive meeting place for the local people, as they buy and sell their homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts. Handicrafts that may be found at a tradition German market include hand carved nutcrackers, smokers, wooden figures, and cuckoo clocks. Straw ornaments and blown glass ornaments are popular decorations that grace the markets.
Religious reformer Martin Luther instituted new customs for Christmas gift giving, probably making the Christmas Markets more popular. Before Luther, the exchanging of Christmas presents took place on the Saint Days of St.. Nicholas (December 6) or of St. Martin (November 11).
Martin Luther was the leader who suggested that children receive presents from “The Christ Child”. “The Christ Child” becomes Christkindlmarkt. Chriskindlmarkt is a popular name for the Christmas markets.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT IN MUNICH MARIENPLATZ
Munich is in the heart of Bavaria. The Christmas market in Munich is approximately as old as its local beer breweries, dating back to the 14th century. In 1642, the Christmas market was recorded as being held outside of the magnificent Frauenkirche, with it’s famous twin tower. The Frauenkirche still stands, in magnificent glory, to this day.
The most popular Christmas Market in Munich now is held in the Marienplatz, under the City Hall’s magnificent Glockenspiel ( town clock). The Marienplatz is filled with tradesmen in their charming huts, with pointed roofs. Wander through the street and view the unique hand made, high quality products. The hand carved wood nutcrackers, toys, figurines, and ornaments are fabulous decorations and gifts. Many beautiful laces and sweaters are displayed in the huts, and available for purchase. As you browse through the Marienplatz, sample the delicious food from the vendor’s booths. There are sausages, pretzels, pastries, cakes, cookies, nuts, and chocolates. Street vendors offer the popular holiday beverage, gluhwein, which is hot spiced wine. The gluhwein warms the hands and the body, keeping the winter chills at bay.
ADVENT MUSIC AT THE MARIENPLATZ
Every evening during Advent, at 5:30 PM local groups from the city of Munich and the Alpine foothills perform from the balcony of the Town Hall. Programs include Bavarian and multicultural music, including Alpine melodies, international folklore, choral music, and brass ensembles. Enjoy the Alpine charm of the music while enjoying the food and gluhwein and Famous German gemuehlichtkeit at the Christkindlmarket.
KRIPPENMUSEUM
Munich is home to one of Germany’s most expansive nativity museums. The Crib Museum is located in the Bayericsches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum). The extensive display of cribs emphasizes Alpine and Southern Italian crèches from the 18th century.
CRIB MARKET AT THE RINDERMIRKT
Visitors who want to recreate a perfect nativity at home can visit the Nativity Market, behind the City Hall. Artisans from the famed Obgammerau (Passion Play) give inspiration with wooden figures of the Holy Family, wise men, shepherds, oxen and donkeys. The figures on display are all hand carved figures from artisans from Bavaria, the Erzgebirge and South Tyrol. The Crib Market in Munich is the largest in Germany and has a long and rich tradition.
CHRISTMAS POST OFFICE
Just off of Marianplatz, inside the City Hall, is a CHRISTMAS POST OFFICE. The Christmas Post Office uses special Christmas stamps and Christkindl marking, making it a terrific stop for stamp collectors. You can mail a letter or card from The Christmas Post Office, with it’s unique postmark, to arrive in time for Christmas.
HEAVENLY WORKSHOP AND CHILD-MINDING
The Heavenly Workshop, for children between 6 and 12, offers creative activities free of charge during open hours. Professional artists and qualified instructors offer guidance while children paint, bake, do handicrafts, and transform themselves into fanciful angels. The work shop is free of charge and open daily between November 28 and December 17, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Child-Minding is available Saturdays during Advent. The child-minding center is at the Town hall canteen. The local Youth Red Cross provide day-care service for children between the ages of 4 and 14. For a small fee, the children can paint and do handicrafts while you enjoy the pleasure of Christmas shopping.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN MUNICH
The Christmas Market at the Marienplatz is the most popular and well attended Christmas Market in Munich. There are several other Christmas Markets located throughout the city. Christmas Market locations in Munich include:
* Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor Station.
* Christmas Market at the Chinesicher Turn (Chinese Tower).
* Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt ( Schwabing Christmas Market).
* Christmas Market at Munich Airport.
* Christmas Market at Heidhausen (Weissenburger Platz) www.haidhauser-Christmas Market.de.
* Medieval Christmas Market with gospel singing (Wittelsbacher Platz) . Unique Gothic stalls, a Celtic arcade and other historic wood replicas. www.miittelaltermarkt-muenchen.de.
* Tollwood Christmas Market, at the Theresienviese.
Celebrate the Christmas holiday season in Munich, Germany. The charming. romantic Bavarian city celebrates the holidays with traditions that have endured for centures. You may just feel like you have landed in a German fairytale, as you get swept away in the joyous holiday spirit.
