by Stephanie Levy
Munich, like most German cities, is full of Christmas markets in December. Each neighborhood has its own outdoor Christmas market, where one can find seasonal culinary specialties ranging from freshly made crepes and waffles to hot mulled wine (called Gluehwein – “glow wine”) as well as tasty grilled sausages and hearty pastries. While munching on all of these treats, there is a huge selection of handmade crafts and holiday items to browse and purchase.
We’ve already been out visiting a few Christmas markets this month. Our first stop was a Middle Ages themed market, where the vendors sell their wares in costume and the little huts are all made of rustic wood.
The “Rahmfladen” (pastries topped with sour cream, onions, and ham, then baked in a wood-fired oven) looked too tasty to pass up, and we had our first taste of Gluehwein in a charming terra cotta cup.
The next stop was the Christmas market at the “Residence” – in the courtyard of the former palace of the Bavarian king. A modern day Santa Claus was playing music at the entrance, and there were stands selling beautiful starlit lamps and delicious crepes served with Nutella, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
Even the trash containers were all dressed up as gingerbread houses.
The largest Christmas market is at Marienplatz, the center of Munich with historic buildings, cobblestones, and shops galore. Upon arriving, we couldn’t pass up the “Zimtsterne” (cinnamon stars) – as you might have noticed, the Christmas season is not a good time to be on a diet in Germany – and I found lovely stands selling beeswax candles, honey, and handmade soaps.
More delightful craft items were everywhere, like these handmade ceramics, traditional straw, glass, and wooden Christmas ornaments, and hand-painted ceramic candleholders.
For anyone trying to win a sweetheart with sweets this Christmas, there was a huge, multi-lingual assortment of decorated gingerbread hearts.
We went home tired and happy and full of Christmas goodness – in body and in spirit!
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Editor's Note: Thanks Stephanie!
9 comments:
On Saturday, St. Nikolas Day, we went to the market in Trier, Germany. It was very similar to the one seen here. We're currently living in Luxembourg, transplants from Seattle.
Thanks for posting this Jan! I hope everyone enjoyed the visit :)
Wow - now that's what every market should look like!
Brings back memories of the Marche de Noel in Montreux, Switzerland a few years back--thanks for the beautiful pictures!
Wonderful posting! Like Emily, this brings back great memories for me of the Swiss and Austrian Christmas Markets I had the pleasure of experiencing a few years back.
Ah, steaming gluehwein to warm up with—nom! And all of the wondrous decorations and gifts...
I have a smile on my face seeing and remembering.
Thanks!
Wow, this looks spectacular!
Le Sigh...wish I were there. Thanks for sharing Stephanie! But is there Ever a good time for a diet in Germany? I wouldn't think so...too much good bread to be had!
Just missed the Christmas Markets in Germany this year. I returned to the states Thanksgiving week, I was taunted by the one being built in Cologne and the one in the small town I was staying in.
Thanks for posting your photos! Now I don't feel so deprived!
absolutely magical!!!
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