A world of tradition at German Christmas Markets
Munich & Nuremberg - Bavaria - Germany
Christmas Traditions in Bavaria, Germany
Christkindlmarkt Kaiserhof courtyard, Residenz Munich
German Christmas Markets – Weihnachtsmarkt oder Christkindlmarkt
Introduction to the markets in Munich
We were introduced to our first Christmas Market in Munich in a haze of jet lag. Fortunately we trawled with ease through one of the smaller markets. We were surprised to still be upright considering we’d not slept properly for more than 36 hours. Maybe it was the sugar high from the Gluhwein. That first evening in Germany though was a taste of what we could expect most nights until Christmas Eve.
Usually I’m one for quiet places and open spaces but I’d looked forward to experiencing a German Weihnachtsmarkt since we had planned this trip. I knew it would be packed with people, so I’d prepared myself for that. Some markets were densely packed though.
Christmas decorations and ornaments
How do you choose the best Christmas market to go to?
We left the choice of Christmas markets to our son who resides in Bavaria, Germany. His friends and colleagues would usually arrange to meet each other for a drink and sometimes a light meal at one of the markets. We tagged along or were dragged along.
Food stalls at the Christmas market in Nuremberg
The markets entice you with their tempting aromas. It appealed to most if not all of my senses. It even released my not so deeply hidden inner child.
The atmosphere at the markets is filled with the essence of Christmas. It has nothing to do with the glühwein, eierpunsch or feuerzangenbowle that they sell. Hmm, maybe just a little bit.
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People gathered at Christkindlmarkt in Kaiserhof courtyard, Residenz Munich
A world of tradition at German Christmas Markets in Munich.
Christmas Markets throughout the world are known for their tradition and a German one is definitely no exception.
It is an adventure wonderland - a place where children can fantasize. There are playgrounds where they can play. I’m not sure if it will tire out the kids, or if it hypes them up before bedtime. To calm them down, just slightly, you’ll be able to lure them with a promise of thousands of traditional wooden toys as well as classic electric or motorised toys. In my opinion though, I think it’s the dads (and mums) that would have the enjoyment of playing with some of those toys though.
Delightful reindeer toy at a Christmas market in Germany
Love the detail in this wooden toy
The beautifully handcrafted ornaments, Christmas decorations, crafts and gifts are worth looking at. Some of them are exquisite in their detail.
German Paper Stars or lanterns
If you happened to have left your warm winter woollies behind, there are scarves, beanies and house shoes or warm socks to ward off the winter chill.
Delightful Woollen house shoes
Cute woollen house shoes or slippers
If you’re tired of shopping, and your energy levels take a dive you can snack and drink at your leisure. You will always find bratwurst, beer and glühwein and a few other things to munch on. Stalls are overflowing in sweet & savoury treats such as Lebkuchen, Stollen, decorated biscuits and roasted or candied nuts.
All sorts of lebkuchen
Bavarian Christmas market stalls
Anyone for gluhwein or eierpunsch?
Various different Gluhwein stands at Christmas Markets in Munich Germany
Christmas markets don’t just consist of stalls to buy nick knacks. It’s also a place to socialize. Young and old gather together and have fun. It’s a family gathering filled with entertainment for the children, it’s a meeting point for the youth as well as young adults.
A place to socialize - Christkindlmarkt Kaiserhof courtyard, Residenz Munich
Traditional music is played on instruments, choirs sing, and you may even here some of the contemporary tunes too.
Christmas tree and a gathering of old and young at Chinesischer Turm, Englischer Garten
Whilst we meandered around the markets, I didn’t take many photos and some of these belong to my husband. I don’t know how other travel bloggers manage to get beautiful photographs with no-one in sight.
There were throngs of people and it was often impossible to squeeze past them, let alone to get a good shot. Usually as well, when we arrived at the markets I was told to stay put at a convenient spot. ‘Stay there, Mom! We’ll find you.’ The rest of the family would rush off, buy drinks or food and I would be the X marking the spot for the others to return to.
Occasionally I was relieved of my duties to browse around and buy a few things but I have a sneaky suspicion they didn’t want me to let me loose with a camera or play with the kiddies toys.
Chinese tower at the Christmas Market or Weihnachtsmarkt in the English Garden
Some of the Christmas Markets we visited.
To be honest, I cannot tell you about each and every Christmas Market we went to. Some were huge, filled with people and others were just small areas that we walked past but still buzzing with people. It seems though that we saw most of the renowned markets.
1. Munich Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz
2. Christmas Village Emperor's Court, Munich Residenz
3. Chinesische Turm at Englischer Garten
4. Mittelaltermarkt – Medieval or Middle Ages Market
5. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – we took a day trip to Nuremberg and spent some time there.
Nurnberger KinderWeihnacht
Which is the best Christmas market? I couldn’t choose. They each have their own appeal and are worth a visit. If you ever get to Germany during Christmas, it’s worth visiting them but I doubt you will stop at just one.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Christmas Market at the Chinese tower in the English Garden in Munich, Bavaria
A few short videos for you to enjoy
About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
Looking for travel inspiration when you visit the land down under? Or are you wanting an insight into some of the Australian culture? Think of Australia and you think of beaches, barbies and beers, right? A relaxed lifestyle thrown in with no worries. There’s that but there is more.