It's been a little while since our last post. We've been busy getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the Christkindlmarkets that have opened up all over the city. These are street markets that are open annually during the four weeks of Advent. They are generally located in the main squares of the city and the nearby pedestrian-only areas. The market is composed of various open-air stalls, which sell food, drink, and seasonal items. There is also sometimes various types of entertainment, including singing, dancing, etc. They are always decorated festively with lots of lights, trees, wreaths, and more. It really gets you in the holiday spirit. All of the many markets are just a little bit different from each other. There is the largest one in the main square of the city, Marienplatz. This is where most of the tourists are found. It's definitely the most crowded. There's also one inside the Residenz (the former palace) courtyard which is very quaint and cute. They have a few displays with moving figurines in various holiday scenes, a la Disney World (think more like outdated "It's a Small World" figures and not the newer rides haha). Another interesting market is the Medieval-themed market near Odeonsplatz. This market is basically the same as the others, except everything is made to resemble the Medieval times. The workers are all dressed in "traditional" medieval clothes, the drinks are served in chalices (ceramic chalices, not wooden haha), etc. It's pretty interesting. There is also a more modern market near Matt's office, where craft items are sold. The food is a little different at that one, as well. You can get flatbread and even pasta instead of just traditional Wurst. No matter which market you pick to go to, you really can't go wrong.
I like to browse the stalls to see the various handmade items that are for sale. They have so many different things, from ornaments and figurines, to pottery, to soap, and even hand-knitted scarves, hats, and gloves. We never buy much, but it is always fun to look. They also sell elaborate Advent wreaths, which always remind me of Christmastime at our house growing up, when we lit a new candle before Sunday dinner during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Most locals don't go to the markets to shop, however. They go to eat and drink, of course! This is also Matt's favorite part of the markets. An actual quote from Saturday: "Kris, what is my budget today to spend on food?" haha What is there to eat you ask? Well, bratwurst and schweinwurst are always sold at every German festival, of course. But there are many other yummy things, as well. Fries, baked potatoes with toppings, Goulash soup, and potato pancakes are some of the other options. Additionally, you can smell the "Gebrannte Mandeln" (the sweet, candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as "Lebkuchen" and "Magenbrot" (both forms of soft gingerbread, often coated in chocolate!), fruits dipped in chocolate, strudel, and "Kaiserschmarrn" (light, caramelized pancake made from a sweet batter and usually topped with fruit). This year, we tried the "Dampfnudel," which is a sort of sweet roll served with a Vanilla-Bourbon sauce. It was delicious, but very rich! The highlight for most Bavarians, however, is the "Glühwein," hot, spiced wine. There are several variations, including ones with an additional shot of rum. There are also "tropical" flavors and different fruit flavors. Really, it's just cheap, bad wine with spices added and heated up. But the locals go crazy for it. Many of the markets don't even serve beer! Can you believe it? In Bavaria, a place where you can't get beer! Unbelievable haha. We also saw some groups of locals that bring their own personalized Glühwein mugs. Talk about dedication. As always in Germany, the drinks are served in real (aka not plastic) mugs. You pay a deposit up front and then you get it back when you return the glass. They are usually Christmas and holiday-themed mugs which are very cute. It's definitely a fun tradition.
Even though it was about 25 degrees F on Saturday, we had a really nice time visiting some of the markets throughout the city. We'll most likely visit a few more with friends over the next two weeks.
Here are a few photos from our day:
Hopefully, next year, some people will come over to visit us during this beautiful and unique time of the year in München!! Let us know if you'd like to make your reservations haha ;)
Cheers,
Kristin and Matt
