by Stephanie Levy
Munich, like most German cities, is full of Christmas markets in December. Each neighborhood has its own outdoor Christmas market, where one can find seasonal culinary specialties ranging from freshly made crepes and waffles to hot mulled wine (called Gluehwein – “glow wine”) as well as tasty grilled sausages and hearty pastries. While munching on all of these treats, there is a huge selection of handmade crafts and holiday items to browse and purchase.
We’ve already been out visiting a few Christmas markets this month. Our first stop was a Middle Ages themed market, where the vendors sell their wares in costume and the little huts are all made of rustic wood.
The “Rahmfladen” (pastries topped with sour cream, onions, and ham, then baked in a wood-fired oven) looked too tasty to pass up, and we had our first taste of Gluehwein in a charming terra cotta cup.
The next stop was the Christmas market at the “Residence” – in the courtyard of the former palace of the Bavarian king. A modern day Santa Claus was playing music at the entrance, and there were stands selling beautiful starlit lamps and delicious crepes served with Nutella, chocolate, or powdered sugar.
Even the trash containers were all dressed up as gingerbread houses.
The largest Christmas market is at Marienplatz, the center of Munich with historic buildings, cobblestones, and shops galore. Upon arriving, we couldn’t pass up the “Zimtsterne” (cinnamon stars) – as you might have noticed, the Christmas season is not a good time to be on a diet in Germany – and I found lovely stands selling beeswax candles, honey, and handmade soaps.
More delightful craft items were everywhere, like these handmade ceramics, traditional straw, glass, and wooden Christmas ornaments, and hand-painted ceramic candleholders.
For anyone trying to win a sweetheart with sweets this Christmas, there was a huge, multi-lingual assortment of decorated gingerbread hearts.
We went home tired and happy and full of Christmas goodness – in body and in spirit!
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Editor's Note: Thanks Stephanie!
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