The names in German for the Christmas markets are Weihnachtsmark and Chriskindlmarkt. The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe. As well as in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire, which includes many eastern regions of France. Early mentions of these “December markets” can be found in Munich in 1310.
The Krampus run
A Krampus is a horned figure described as “half-goat, half-demon.” This old tradition dates back 500 years and comes from the Alpine regions; nowadays, the run is made at the Christmas Markets near to Marienplatz, one of the Advent Sundays.
Some markets you can’t miss
All markets are very particular, we made a top 5 of the markets that you can not miss, in addition to the closest to you for a Glühwein after work.
Pink Christmas
This Christmas market takes place in the heart of the Glockenbach district. It makes the idyllic Stephansplatz an atmospheric, colorful highlight of the Munich Advent season. Initially, the market started as a proposal from the queer community. Nowadays, it is not only a meeting point for this community, but also for Christmas enthusiasts from all over the world, for neighbors and of course, the party souls of the Glockenbachviertel.
Medieval Christmas Markt
In the eleven years of its existence, the fair has developed into a popular meeting place. It is appreciated as one of its kind among Munich’s Christmas Markets. As the name says, everything is set as in the Middle Ages. The Mark is at Wittelsbacherplatz centrally located and very easy to reach with the Munich subway, stop Odeonsplatz.
Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt
Over 40 years, Haidhauser Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Munich. The idyllic and manageable area around the fountain still creates an authentic Christmas atmosphere. Ideal for the whole family. You reach it with the Sbahn, Stop Rosenheimerplatz.
Tollwood Winter Festival
It is often referred to as Munich’s “alternative Christmas market”. Here you can experience international Cirque productions, theatre as well as winter gastronomy in organic quality and arts and crafts from all over the world. Tollwood’s “Market of Ideas” stands for culinary delights of ecological quality and handicrafts from across the globe as well as for a cozy get-together before Christmas.
Last but not least: Weihnachtsmakt at Marienplatz
This is probably the oldest in Munich, and it’s a classic. It is also very visited by tourists due to its strategic location; however, it does not lose the local and traditional Munich vibes.
Survival Guide for the Christmas Markets
We have a summary of the most essential words in the Christmas markt.
Glühwein: the famous hot red wine with spices. Feuerzangebowle: Feuer: ‘fire’, Zange: ‘tweezers’, Bowle: ‘fruit drink’. Usually, rum is poured on a sugar cube that is lighted up. The sugar melts and drops into the cup with the wine and spices, giving it a special aroma and taste. Gebrannte Mandeln: sweetened almonds. Lebkuchen and Magenbrot : both forms of soft gingerbread. Eierpunsch: sweetened alcoholic, egg-based drink with sugar, white wine, and vanilla. Christstollen or Stollen, a sort of bread with candied fruit. Kinderpunsch: Non-alcoholic punch Hibiscus- Tee based with Appel juice, clove, etc.
We wish you a happy holiday and enjoy the Christmas markets and the Christmas traditions of Munich. Follow us on Facebook
Photos : Alicia Enciso
We published this article initially on December 20, 2019.
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