Munich Christmas Markets
This blog post is for those clinging to Christmas, like me. Our Christmas tree is still up and will likely stay that way for another few weeks. But as I tuck away the stockings and other holiday paraphernalia, my thoughts wander back a few weeks to our quick jaunt to Germany to enjoy the Christmas markets in Munich. I am a massive fan of Christmas markets and have been to several European cities over the years in search of the very best. So far, I have done Vienna, Copenhagen, Sweden, Finland, and Budapest. However, Germany is unique because it is allegedly the birthplace of the Christmas market, dating back to 1434 in Dresden. These markets offer handicraft stalls, food, and glühwein (mulled wine), but my favorite feature is the atmosphere. From the simple white lights strung along the wooden stalls, laughter ringing through the air, and revelers bundled up in their winter attire – these markets look, smell, and feel like the holiday season. Our recent move to Egypt had me longing for some holiday cheer, and a direct Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Munich felt like the best remedy for the winter blues.
I had been tracking the weather all week in anticipation of our Thursday departure and was really hoping for some snow. When I saw a “winter weather warning” alert flash on my screen Wednesday evening, I could not help but grin. (Sorry to those who were impacted by the inclement conditions, as we later learned it wreaked havoc at the airport on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning). As we descended into Munich, we were greeted by a winter wonderland. The ground was covered in a dazzling blanket of white. I immediately felt a wave of Christmas cheer wash over me. After landing, we went through the traveler’s cadence of passport control, baggage claim, and taxi stand.
(*Travel Tip: The taxis from Munich airport to the city center are expensive (our ride was 95 euro). Truth be told, I did not research alternative transportation options ahead of time, but considering our hotel was right outside of the train station, we could have easily taken public transport for much cheaper. I have linked transportation options here.)
We stayed at the Le Meridian Munich, which I would HIGHLY recommend. The location is perfect for getting around the city and within walking distance of my favorite stretch of Christmas market stalls, the Marienplatz. If you are traveling with kids, this hotel also can coordinate babysitting services. We utilized a babysitter for a date night, a restaurant across town and on the Michelin Watch List, La Bohème. The hotel was also near a fantastic German restaurant, Munchner Stubn. (The potato salad is to die for).
Over our two-day sprint through the city, we visited three markets, and each of them had their own unique characteristics.
Marienplatz Christmas Market – Said to be the oldest market in Munich, dating back to 1310 boasts more than 140 stalls. Set in the center of a bustling pedestrian shopping street with the backdrop of the Old Town Hall, this market gave me all the holly jollies. In my opinion, Marienplatz had it all, with plenty of food stands including pretzels, sausage, and sauerkraut, flanked by handicraft stalls selling handmade ornaments, wooden Christmas decorations, children’s toys, and jewelry. The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as we passed mulled wine stalls where tourists and Germans alike enjoyed a cup of cheer. For those who have never had this seasonal delight, mulled wine is a spiced red wine, typically with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and star anise, and served piping hot. The perfect drink to warm you inside and out against a cold winters night. The stalls serve the wine in commemorative cups that cost 5 euro. However, you can return the mug for a refund, though most tourists elect to keep this little souvenir.
Medieval Market – Suppose you want to step back in time to a market celebrating the Middle Ages? In that case, the Medieval market is a truly unique experience offering period wooden huts and tradesmen and women in medieval costumes selling artisan crafts. There are several beer and food huts but only a few stands offering handicrafts and gifts. This market is also relatively small, and we were able to enjoy everything in under 30 minutes including fresh Nutella churros, not exactly medieval but delicious.
Munich Residenz (City-Palace) – For those traveling with kids, this is the market for you. Enclosed in a large courtyard of Munich’s city palace, The Residenz Christmas market is very intimate and has all the trappings of a Bavarian Village. Food stalls, drink stalls, and handicraft workshops were in no shortage, but what makes this market special is the children’s puppets show corner, where no less than five booths of animatronic puppet displays sang and danced to the all the little kids delight. Our daughter’s favorite was a booth was a giant talking Moose and other woodland creatures singing “Oh Tannenbaum.” There were also a few photo opportunities inside the children’s village, including a sleigh pulled by life-size, albeit fake, reindeer. This market also lacked several handicraft stalls, except one or two, but if you have kiddos, it is a fun place to stop. The mulled wine here was also 10/10.
Christmas may be another 351 days away but it is never too early to start planning for your next winter adventure. The Munich Christmas Markets run from the 20th of November until the 24th of December. More information on the various markets in Munich can be found here.
xo,
SinS