The Munich Christmas Market or Christkindlmarkt, as
it is called in Munich, lasts from 25 November until 24 December.
On 25 November at 5.00pm Munich’s Lord Mayor formally opens the market.
The festive tradition of a Christmas Market dates back to the 14th
century. The town’s annals first mention the market as Nicholas Market
near the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) in 1642. In 1806 the Nicholas
Market altered its name and found finally its home in the city centre on
the Marienplatz.
More than 140 stalls are built up on this site
which are selling interesting things such as arts and crafts, Christmas
tree decorations, sweets, Glühwein (mulled wine). A big attraction is also the
about 25-metre-high Christmas tree lit up by 2,000 electric candles.
During a stroll through the market you
can feel the spirit of Christmas. Going from stall to stall you will
find a rich array of Christmas tree-balls and stars, candles, ceramic
and toys made of tin or wood. You will also find a lot of unusual
products such as manger figurines, chimney sweepers made from plums, angel
hair. Don't forget to taste the typical culinary delights: Lebkuchen
(ginger bread), baked apples and roasted almonds. If you are freezing,
warm yourself up by a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine). The aroma of
Glühwein is everywhere in the air.
The historical city manger is set up in the Court of the City Hall.
At St.Peter's Church, just a few steps away from Marienplatz, the "Kripperlmarkt" (nativity scenes market) is situated. It is the largest in Germany with a long and rich tradition. You will find here everything you need to make a real native scene.
On the Wittelsbacher Platz you can enjoy a medieval Christmas Market and in the Emperor's Court (Kaiserhof) of the Residence the imitation of a Bavarian village ("Weihnachtsdorf").
Every evening at 5.30pm Christmas
carols can be heared from the balcony of the Town Hall. In addition Bavarian
music ensembles present an eventful programme:
folklore, choral and brass music.
Opening hours of the Christmas
Market:
Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 9.00pm
Sunday 10.00am - 8.00pm
24th December 10.00am - 2.00pm
