Christmas Wonderland: Munich, Germany

One of my favorite places in the world is Munich at Christmastime. Everyone is so kind (a lady gave me a free candy cane in the airport) and the place is so beautiful. The Christmas markets are amazing, they make mouth-watering crepes, and everything is so cheerful. Let's dive into Munich!

First are the Christmas markets in Marienplatz (link below). These are huge and beautiful and sell so many amazing Christmas decorations as well as some food stands that are SO GOOD. The place has a very homey vibe, making you instantly feel welcome. I recommend trying the crepes there. A dessert I tried for the first time and fell in love with is called a baumstriezel (or chimney Cake), and this drink is called a glühwein; it's amazing! Warm and perfect. 

Now for the things sold at the market, kids make sure you’ve saved up on pocket money, it's irresistible!!! Most of the stands sell these gingerbread decorations (not for eating sadly), different cookies and treats, and handmade wooden decorations like nutcrackers and ornaments for your Christmas tree. They sell snow globes, beautiful light-up paper stars, these cute little fairies of white cloth, and sometimes they have big displays of nature settings. 

Another attraction is the clock at Marienplatz. It is a huge beautiful decoration of jesters, clowns, a king and queen, musicians, and a golden bird up top. It doesn’t ring every hour but only at 11 am and 12 pm a day (additionally at 5 pm from March to October). When it rings the people move and perform creating a splendid scene to behold. 

Near the plaza is a perfect little shop (link below) for kids to enjoy. The shop isn’t one of those old cheap tourist shops but a real one with real wooden toys and dress-up outfits. It's two or three stories tall with craft projects, building projects, wooden toys, costumes, hair accessories, adorable kid's clothes, stuffed animals, candles, silks in every color, puzzles, dolls, activities to keep kids entertained, musical instruments, doll houses, little mini toy kitchens for toddlers to play in, books, jump ropes and so so much more. The people there are very friendly and helpful.

Wandering the streets is also fun, bundled up in coats and exploring is an exciting thing to do because there is so much to see. There are statues, musicians performing in malls, and treats almost everywhere you look. 

I went because I have family in Munich so me and my mom visited them just before Christmas and I have to say it was one of the best trips of my life. I have ZERO things I didn’t like about it. Near where they live is a small Christmas market but no less joyful. With a small concert, people dressed up, a beautiful church, a carousel, and games the place is perfect.

I really really hope you end up going because Munich during Christmas is the most amazing place ever.

Links

The Christmas markets and clock - Marienplatz

The Toy Store - Art and play

-- Sage Sedivec