There’s something magical about the Christmas markets in Germany. The twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the cheerful Christmas music create an enchanting atmosphere. Over the past two years, visiting Germany’s Christmas markets has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in the festive spirit each market exuded.
Each year, I start and end my journey in Munich, spending a few days there before exploring other markets around Germany. The efficient train system in Europe makes hopping from city to city incredibly easy and convenient. But of all the Christmas markets, I have a soft spot for the Munich Christmas markets.. Maybe it’s because it’s where I first experienced them, or maybe I love the city itself. For me, a Christmas in Munich means warming up with Glühwein, indulging in Spätzle and Raclette, and soaking in the wonderful ambiance.
Munich’s Christmas market scene is a true delight, with numerous options throughout the city. There are about ten different markets around the city, each offering something unique. No matter which market you visit, you can count on delicious food and beverages to enjoy.
And while I haven’t been to all the Christmas Markets in Munich yet (I’m hoping to cover them all this year), below are a few of my favorites. As a note, the 2024 Munich Christmas markets will open on November 25 and run until December 24.
Each December, the heart of Munich’s Old Town, Marienplatz Square, turns into a festive wonderland, hosting the city’s main Christmas market. The towering Christmas tree, decked out in thousands of sparkling lights, is stunning. The beautiful Neues Rathaus, with its ornate façade and famous clock tower, makes for a perfect festive backdrop.
Marienplatz’s Christkindlmarkt is a sensory delight. Stalls offering a variety of goods are decorated with twinkling lights and festive garlands. You can find everything from handmade ornaments and intricate wood carvings to traditional nutcrackers and delicious gingerbread. Warm up with drinks like spiced Glühwein and indulge in snacks such as roasted chestnuts and Bavarian pretzels.
One evening, a choir performed from the balcony of the Neues Rathaus. A soloist sang John Lennon’s “Imagine.” As the song played, snow began to fall, making the moment feel even more magical.
Munich’s Medieval Christmas Market was a fun surprise. The half-timbered stalls gave the market a charming, medieval feel. Vendors in period costumes sold handmade goods like leatherwork and pottery. The food was amazing, with traditional dishes like Spätzle and Schupfnudeln. Feuerzangenbowle, a mulled wine with a twist, is a must-try. It’s served in clay goblets, adding to the authentic medieval vibe. I loved its uniqueness and size, making the experience even more special.
For a quintessential Munich Christmas market experience, the Residenz Christmas Village is a must-visit. Nestled in the historic Residenz palace courtyard, this Munich Christmas market perfectly blends festive cheer with historical elegance. Twinkling lights, traditional decorations, and the irresistible scent of holiday treats enhance the atmosphere. Explore charming stalls featuring handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts while enjoying Bavarian favorites such as pretzels, sausages, sweets, and crispy French fries.
My top pick for a Glühwein is sold at the giant Christmas Pyramid near the entrance. Since the market is inside the Residenz, you can easily mix in a visit to the palace museum to check out its history and art. The Residenz Christmas Village is a lovely way to enjoy a traditional German Christmas market while taking in one of Munich’s key landmarks.
Munich’s Christmas markets are a food lover’s paradise. Here’s a taste of what you can find:
Kartoffelpuffer: One of the highlights of the market was discovering Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes. These golden brown delights were served with a choice of applesauce or sour cream. I chose applesauce, and the combination was satisfying and delicious.
Käsefondue: Next, I enjoyed a pot of Käsefondue. The rich, melted cheese was served with chunks of fresh bread for dipping. The cheese was well-seasoned, and the bread was perfect for dipping.
Raclette: I couldn’t resist trying Raclette, a traditional Swiss dish featuring melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. The cheese was rich and creamy, complementing the soft potatoes and crunchy pickles. I love this, and it’s such a treat for me.
Schupfnudeln: Another find was Schupfnudeln, thick, hand-rolled noodles made from potatoes and flour. At the market, they were often pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with either sauerkraut or bacon bits. I just had mine plain. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior made Schupfnudeln a hearty dish.
Spätzle: I also sampled Spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle popular in Germany. These noodles were served with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, capturing the essence of Bavarian comfort food.
Bratwurst: One of the most popular items at Christmas markets for meat eaters is Bratwurst. These German sausages are grilled to perfection and served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut.
Currywurst: Another favorite is Currywurst, which features sliced Bratwurst smothered in a tangy curry ketchup sauce. It’s often served with a side of fries.
Schweinshaxe: roasted pork knuckle and a Bavarian specialty that’s often found at Christmas markets. The pork knuckle is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy. It’s typically served with sauerkraut or potatoes.
Rostbratwurst: Rostbratwurst is a variation of Bratwurst that’s typically longer and thinner. These sausages are grilled and served in a bun, often with mustard, ketchup, or both.
For those with a sweet tooth, Munich’s Christmas markets offer:
Stollen: A festive bread-like cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a holiday staple in Germany.
Marzipan: Sweet almond paste shaped into various forms, from fruits and animals to more intricate designs. It’s a popular treat and is often sold as small, individually wrapped pieces.
Spekulatius: Spiced cookies, often shaped like traditional Christmas figures. They have a distinct flavor of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Schneeballen: Also called “snowballs,” these are deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. They can also be coated in chocolate or filled with various creams—I prefer the ones dipped in dark chocolate.
Magenbrot: A type of German gingerbread, often softer and less sweet than other varieties, usually covered in a thin sugar glaze—yum.
Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds roasted in a sugar and cinnamon coating, providing a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for snacking.
Apfelkrapfen: Deep-fried apple fritters sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. They are warm, sweet, and perfect for cold winter days.
Donuts: Also known as “Krapfen” in German, these simple yet delicious treats are deep-fried to a
Chocolate-covered fruits: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries dipped in rich chocolate, often on skewers for easy eating.
Crêpes: Delicate, thin pancakes filled with various toppings. I opted for a classic combination of dark chocolate and whipped cream, which was perfectly delicious.
Warm up with these festive drinks:
Glühwein: My first stop was a Glühwein stall, where the warm, spiced wine is a staple at German Christmas markets and perfect for warding off the winter chill. I opted for the traditional red Glühwein, served in a festive mug. The Glühwein costs about 5 euros, with an additional 5 euro deposit for the mug. If you return the empty mug, you get your deposit back; otherwise, you can keep it as a souvenir. The blend of spices and sweetness was perfect. As I wandered through the market, the Glühwein kept me warm and added to the festive cheer.
The market offered several variations of Glühwein. I tried a Weißer Glühwein (white Glühwein) later in the evening, which had a slightly different flavor profile. The white wine base gave it a lighter, crisper taste, while the spices added warmth and depth.
Feuerzangenbowle: This translates to “fire-tongs punch,” and is a traditional German Christmas drink that brings warmth and a sense of ceremony to holiday gatherings. This unique beverage is a blend of mulled wine and rum-soaked sugar, ignited to create a captivating visual spectacle.:
Apfelwein: Another favorite was Apfelwein, a warm spiced apple wine. This drink was a fantastic alternative for those who preferred something fruitier. The apple wine was infused with cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of citrus, creating a fragrant and soothing beverage. It was less intense than Glühwein but equally enjoyable.
Hot Chocolate with Amaretto: For those who wanted a non-wine option but still craved something warm and festive, there was hot chocolate with a twist. Many stalls offered rich, creamy hot chocolate spiked with Amaretto or other liqueurs. The combination of the smooth chocolate and the sweet almond flavor of Amaretto was delicious. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa, it was a treat to enjoy while exploring the market.
Christmas Style Beer: the Christmas market also offered special beer drinks. One popular option was Christmas Bock, a strong, dark beer brewed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a festive twist. Another favorite was the Winter Weizen, a wheat beer with hints of cloves and oranges, providing a refreshing yet warming experience. For those looking for something truly unique, there was the Dunkelbier, a dark lager infused with holiday spices with a rich and malty flavor. These special beers added to the festive atmosphere, making the market a delightful place to explore seasonal flavors.
Between eating, drinking, people-watching, and caroling, you can also get some of your holiday shopping done at the Munich Christmas markets. These markets offer a variety of items for sale—you’ll find handmade Teddy Bears, scented candles, and cozy knit hats and scarves, perfect for staying warm in the winter. Patterned rolling pins make a fun and useful gift for those who love baking. And there’s no shortage of Christmas ornaments, either. You can even find sheepskin products, like slippers and rugs.
Traveling to Munich’s Christmas markets is straightforward—no guides or group travel is needed. Just decide where you want to go, book your airfare, and find a hotel close to the main market. If you wish to visit other cities or villages, the excellent train system in Europe makes it easy. It’s always a fun adventure.
Copyright-2024 | All rights reserved.
