Munich Christkindlmarkt

Muenchener Christkindlmarkt

Munich

After our visit to the Garmisch market, we head north on the autobahn to Munich. We secure a handicapped parking space close to the market and we make our way through the market straight to McCafe for a hot cappuccino and kuchen.  It is windy and cold outside and we need to warm up before strolling the market.  

Back down at the market we continue our search for that special ornament of the Neuschwanstein Castle.  As we are listening to the choir and the brass band perform from the balcony of the Altes Rathaus in the Marienplatz, I spot a castle ornament at the stall next to me. As I purchase that special ornament, I think about how beautiful it will look hanging on my tree.  I have visited Neuschwanstein on many different occasions and this ornament will bring back a lot of memories while I decorate my tree.     

Neuschwanstein Castle Ornament

Choirs and Brass Band in Rathaus

The brass band, the all male choir and the women's choir with a guitar was a wonderful treat.  The brass band had a hard time keeping in tune and holding onto their music because of the wind.  The large Christmas tree next to the performers was swaying back and forth.  However, the music and the lights on the tree added to the ambiance of the market.  It's a market with a wide variety of traditional decorations along with lots of food, candy and, of course, gluhwein.  It was not a craftsman, handmade wares type of market.  It encompasses the entire pedestrian zone--very long with lots of walking.  Many of Germany's favorite stores line this car-free street. 

At the far end of the market, the Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest in Germany, specializes in cribs and other Nativity accessories.  It has been part of this market since the mid-18th century.  

The Kripperlmarkt has everything you need to start, or add, to your own authentic manger.  Each booth has their own Italian carvers and, therefore, the figurines are depicted and painted differently.

We are now on our way north on the A9 autobahn towards Nuremburg.  We have decided to visit the Ingolstadt Market.