Christkindlmarkt in Munich Germany
German Christmas Market Fills Town Square of Bavarian City
Dec 10, 2007
Munich is a great Bavarian city with arts, culture, museums and history that draws millions of visitors each year. Munich is the home of Oktoberfest, the festival famous for beer drinking. During the four weeks before Christmas, Munich hosts Christkindlmarkt in the city square.
While the exact year that the market was first held is unknown, it is believed that the market dates back to the 14th century, making it approximately as old as the local breweries. The market was first recorded in town records as a Nicolas Market. held in 1642. The Nicolas Market was held outside of the Frauenkirche, with the famous twin towers. The Frauenfirche still stands to this day. The Market changed its name to Christkindlmarkt in 1806.
There are several Christmas markets held in Munich. The largest market is held in Marienplatz. The City Hall on the square is famous for the town clock, or Glockenspiel. Beneath the Glockenspiel, the city square is filled with a bustling outdoor market.
Huts with pointed roofs fill the square. Tradesmen display their unique wares, many of which are handcrafted. The Christmas Market is a great place to purchase hand made gifts, such as toys, figurines, wood carvings, ornaments, decorations, nutcrackers, smokers and lace tablecloths.
The crisp air is filled with the smells of spices and hot mulled spiced wine, known as glogg or gluhwein. Vendors sell German sausages, gingerbread and treats that can be eaten while browsing through the market.
In addition to the traditional food, drink, fun and shopping, Christkindlmarkt in Munich has some special features:
- Musical programs are performed throughout the month, adding to the festive Christmas spirit.
- 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.
- Manger Market. Germany's largest nativity market can be found on the Rindermarkt, near the Marienplatz. Nativity scenes are a long time tradition in Munich. In 1597 the Jesuits set up a manger in St. Michael's church. At the manger market, exquisite woodcarvings from Oberrammergau, South Tyrol and Ezregebirge are on display and are ready for purchase.
- Christmas Post Office: Just off of Marianplatz, inside the City Hall, is a Christmas Post Office. The Christmas Post Office uses special Christmas stamps with a special postmark. Up until mid-December, all Christmas mail posted at the post office will be posted "Christkindl" and sent anywhere in the world. The postmark is a special treat for stamp collectors around the world.
- Heavenly Workshop in the Town Hall offers fun for children ages 6 to 12. Children can get creative with arts and crafts under the supervision of professional artists.
- Krampus Run The 500 year old custom brings the legend of bishop Saint Nicholas and his companion, Krampus, to life on specified dates.
Christmas Markets are held throughout Germany during the Advent season. Nuremberg also offers a famous Christkindlmarkt.
Resources:
munchen.de
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