Munich Christmas Market

I've never been and was just wondering what to expect.  Experience at any Christmas Market would be appreciated. Thank you

Yes. I too am going to a Christmas market in Munich.  I've never been to a Christmas market and neither has my DH.  I don't know what to expect.

I've never been but sounds fun. Nice and shiksa! 

The one I went to in Munich was lovely.  They had loads of stands set up where you could look at the crafts and ornaments and bits.  There were also lots of food/drink places where you could get warm drinks and snacks.  I will post some photos in my gallery so you can get an idea of the atmosphere.   I can't wait to go back.

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=190

I've not been to the one in Munich, but last year we did go to the ones in Cologne and Dusseldorf. You will love it! Lots of little stands set up with all sorts of trinkets- I especially loved the traditional German Christmas ornaments, lace, wood carvings....and of course the food and gluhwein! It was just a really magical experience and got me super excited for the Christmas season! Have fun!

Thank you all!  I am so excited.  I loved Munich when I was there 10 years ago in the summer and can't wait to see it in the winter.

Geeta, I love your pictures, when did you go?  I love the Hopfbrauhaus, and the beer is amazing. (I don't usually like beer either) 

I went with two friends for my birthday weekend last year, so Dec 1-3.  I really wanted to go again this weekend but with the move, I'm not sure if we will get a chance!  It was so much fun though.  I bought loads of Christmas presents for my family in the US (mostly little things like ornaments and toys) and because it was my birthday I bought tons of things for myself too.   

I've been to the Christmas markets in Berlin, which I can imagine aren't TOO different than Munich.  The nicest ones charge admission (about a Euro, to be honest), but the stuff inside is really gorgeous!  The Christmas markets make a good day out, since you can enjoy mulled wine and hot food while you're there (or nicer meals if you prefer) and spend hours looking over the crafts.  Highly recommended!

Thank you!  So excited.  Hmm Maybe I can find something there for the In-laws, they love ornaments.

They are MAGIC. They make you feel like it is Yuletide season. I have been to many Kris Kringle marts and would like to go again. They are all good but I always thought Bavaria had the most ambience, given the mountains and forests and SNOW.

Only scrooge would not like the marts.

Stacey I think you will thoroughly enjoy it. I dislike yuletide for the most part but in Germany, it has a totally different feel, meanings and customs and you can sort of re-capture that magic you knew as a child.

Thank you Bob, that sounds great.

what kind of stuff do they sell on these stalls, though?  is it just christmas deccies and toys?

Are you taking the wee one with you? He'll love it too.

If you are, just prepare him that they don't do the Santa Claus thing, they use St Nick, no reindeer, no fat belly etc... St Nick doesn't bring the kids presents on Christmas like our Santa does. This is probably not an issue unless you were staying with some Germans.

They have St Nick's Day on Dec 6 where kids put their shoes outside the door and if they have been good they get gifts and things, if they were bad, they got switches and sticks.

We normally opened presents on Christmas Eve not Christmas morning.

Germany is the home of the Christmas tree and they are really amazingly stunning without the tackiness that is observered in the US and the UK (note I am not saying we are all tacky, just some are). Incidently the Germans worshipped trees long before the Tannenbaum came into being. Look at any house being built and you will notice there tradition of nailing a small tree to the top of the house while it is under construction.

It'll be fun.

No, it really is everything!  There's obviously quite a lot of Christmas-themed stuff, but it's also a wide range of goods.  I remember decorative house stuff (vases, furniture, the like), lots of clothes, hair accessories, toys, soaps, candles, etcetc.  It's like an average market, but with a lovely Christmas-y feel & flair.

Sounds good!