Munich Christmas Market During Record Snowstorm in Germany

Germany is home to some of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, with the first one opening in 1434 at the Frauenkirche church square in Dresden. Today, there are over 5,000 Christmas markets in Germany.

Located in southern Germany, about 600 km from the capital Berlin, Munich is the capital of the state of Bavaria. Munich has more than 1,400 churches throughout the city and has been hosting Christmas markets for about 600 years.

Christmas markets in Germany often open early in large squares or city centers, becoming favorite destinations for tourists to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

The Munich Christmas Market in the central square Marienplatz is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Marienplatz (Mary Mary Square) is the heart of Munich, the intersection of major roads.

Next to the square is the Brunnen Rindermarkt side market and the Altstadt old town, famous for its shops selling traditional Bavarian costumes along both sides of the street for visitors to combine sightseeing.

In early December, Munich was hit by a record-breaking snowstorm. Local broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk reported that more than 40 cm of snow fell in Munich on December 2, the heaviest snowfall recorded in the Bavarian capital in December since 1933.

Heavy snowfall, covering all the roads and temperatures of -12 degrees Celsius have paralyzed traffic and trading activities and somewhat affected the Christmas markets here.

"Snowfall during Christmas brings a poetic scene when the whole city is covered in white snow and becomes sparkling when the lights are turned on," said Ms. Pham Bich Ngoc, 33 years old, who came to Munich with her husband on December 2.

The market in the central Marienplatz square has nearly 200 stalls set up in the grounds next to Munich's largest church. Many stalls sell Christmas decorations such as handcrafted wooden models, Christmas trees or Santa Claus figures, glass snow globes and scented candles.

During Christmas in Germany, the outdoor temperature is often below 0 degrees Celsius, the food stalls at the market are mainly fried and grilled foods, prepared and served right at the counter. Visitors can easily find traditional, popular German Christmas dishes such as white sausages, cheese, chocolate, sugar-coated almonds, and roasted chestnuts.

The golden light of the Christmas pyramid stands out under the snow, adding to the sparkle of the market, attracting many tourists to take pictures.

During the planned 3-week trip to explore Christmas markets in Europe, after Hungary and Austria, Germany was the third country Ngoc and her husband set foot in.

Mr. Trinh Nam Thai, Ms. Ngoc's husband, said he likes the Christmas atmosphere in Germany because it has a classic feel because it is a traditional market, and is crowded and bustling but not too chaotic. "The Christmas market in Munich during the early stages of this year's snowstorm gave me the feeling of an old Christmas," he said.

Coming to the market at Christmas time, visitors can enjoy a special wine that is only available at the market at this time, which is Glühwein. The wine has anise flavor, has a unique flavor, and gives off a fragrant aroma. What is more special, while regular wine is not heated before drinking because it will ruin the original flavor of the wine, Glühwein must be heated before drinking to bring out its unique flavor.

Visitors can enjoy Glühwein hot wine at stalls or restaurants and cafes in the market.

Since 1972, the square has been closed to all vehicles, including bicycles. Therefore, visitors can freely stroll around without worrying about the risk of accidents.

Not only famous for its Christmas markets, Munich is also a cultural city with a series of museums, theaters and long-standing stages. Some other famous places here that visitors can visit are the Frauenkirche church, the Residenzschloss palace, and the Asamkirche church.