Munich
As the towering glockenspiel chimes the evening hour, crisp crackling sausages of all sorts scent the air of the Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. The festivity is infectious as holiday visitors and locals alike cozily crowd the maze of stalls. Hand-painted Christmas balls gently clink against one another, and carved wooden ornaments, clustered on their strings, tinkle together. Shoppers choose souvenirs to remember the magic and music of Munich.
A short stroll along a twinkle-light-filled passageway leads to the Kripperlmarkt, a market specializing in an astonishing array of everything needed to assemble a nativity display. Hands reach out to camels with exotic robes and fancy bejeweled Wisemen. Singing cherubs in every shape, size, and shade of glistening gold are irresistible to touch. The story is told far beyond the tiny figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child.
The medieval market nearby offers entertaining minstrels and traditional German folk singers amid the inviting aromas of artisan bread baking and pastries concocted from centuries-old recipes.
The sights, smells, and sounds of the markets are an integral part of Christmas in Germany. Christkindlmarkt continues to enchant visitors year after year.
Photography Kate Sears
Text and Development Brittany Williams
Find the full story featuring more of Germany’s historic shopping districts in the November/December 2008 issue of Victoria magazine.
