'I visited some of the world's oldest Christmas markets - it was magical'
If you want to get even more festive next year, you'll want to check out these European Christmas markets.
For one visitor, Jenna Campbell, this particular European city offered a huge amount in the way of atmosphere, reasonable prices, and Christmas spirit at their world-famous markets, and the wealth of activities and delicious treats is something they would highly recommend to anyone looking to elevate the cold winter months and feel as festive as possible.
Munich is internationally renowned for its Christmas markets, which have something to suit everyone, from the incredibly traditional options to those that have successfully incorporated a truly modern spin.
The best part is, they all offer the tastiest seasonal snacks and drinks imaginable, at low costs that are perfect for those working with a tighter budget. Read on below to hear What's On Editor at Manchester Evening News Jenna's full verdict on her magical Christmas experience.
Traditional market stalls, twinkling trees, handmade trinkets and plenty of gluhwein. There's something very alluring about hopping on a plane at this time of year to visit one of Europe's many Christmas markets. The choice is seemingly endless, with popular winter destinations on the continent including streets soundtracked by carols in Salzburg, postcard perfect nativity scenes in France's capital of Christmas Strasbourg and beautifully decorated stalls showcasing the very best of Austrian craftsmanship dotted around Vienna's historic palaces.
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Then there's Germany, a country that takes utmost pride in its Christmas traditions. From its famed markets (over 2,000 of them) set within large open plazas and squares, to its holiday baking sessions resulting in tins full of sugar-dusted biscuits, to its advent wreaths, there’s a reason it is such a popular winter break for those travelling from the UK.
At this time of year, nearly every German town puts on some type of Christmas Market, or Weihnachtsmarkt as they're known colloquially, while city's are packed to the rafters with visitors and locals alike as they soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy staples like bratwurst, candied nuts and traditional wines and beers.
Munich may be best known for its legendary Oktoberfest celebrations, but the city's Christmas markets are so big that visitors can book guides to show them around. On a recent visit to the Bavarian capital, a sudden and heavy snowfall extended my stay from two days into five, providing a unique opportunity to explore the markets - and the rest of Munich - in all its glory.
A base to explore is always a good place to start, and for this trip I was fortunate enough to be invited to stay at the recently unveiled Munich Marriott Hotel City West, a 398-key property situated in the bustling West End, just a short tram or S-Bahn journey from the centre. While its initial calling card appeared to be its subterranean conference centre complete with 20 innovative meeting and event spaces decked out with state-of-the-art technology, it soon became clear that there was a lot more to discover.
Designed by interior design studio, Studio Lux Berlin, the surrounding district's heritage, which encompasses one of the city's oldest breweries, is seamlessly woven into the hotel’s story in areas like the westhub bar and lobby through warm metals and bricks nodding to its industrial past and brewing roots. Softened by a rich and comforting colour scheme, there’s a distinct feeling of home throughout which extends to the bedrooms too.
Snacks and drinks at the markets are reasonable priced (MEN)
A stay at the Munich Marriott Hotel City West and Christmas markets reviewed (MEN)Feeling immediately settled, my Deluxe Room felt pared back but luxurious at the same time with locally inspired art on the walls, a chaise lounge-style sofa and a large double bed which meant I could instantly relax after battling the winter elements and also swot up on Munich's many different Christmas markets. A design quirk that I didn't initially spot was the small lion heads fixed to the walls which are inspired by the lions of The Residenz in central Munich - the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria - and are said to bring luck to guests who stroke them.
Quickly, because I don't usually labour on the bathrooms at hotels, but while it did feature something quite remarkable. Toto, an innovative Japanese toilet with a warm water cleansing, air purification and a heated seat became both a source of amusement ('how does one turn it off?') but also a further example of the hotel striving to make you feel as comfortable as possible. The brilliant walk-in shower, heated flooring and large illuminated mirror reinforced this.
The dining experience at their Assoluto Ristorante and Vineria, run by Italian chef Marco, was also a masterclass and offered a break from some of the more traditional food at the nearby beer hall and markets with light Italian-focused dishes designed to share. Likewise, the laid back bar menu in the westhub bar and lounge provided some much-needed comfort food when another flight was cancelled.
As our group quickly found out - on account of being hotel bound for a few hours due to the snow - the team at Marriott are also quick thinking, and kept us occupied with a pasta making class and a last-minute baking lesson where we were taught to make traditional German biscuits - a common pastime in Germany at this time of year. A local historian also paid us a visit in the private dining room surrounded by hundreds of premium bottles of wine and talked to us about Bavarian Christmas traditions like Krampus Night, advent wreaths and protocols around gift giving - it was a great immersion into southern Germany’s festive culture.
Munich's Christmas markets are 'magical' (MEN)While the hotel was within close proximity to a number of cultural sites - many of which you can see from the rooftop terrace - including the world-famous Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place, Bavariapark and many beautiful, green squares, we were also set on visiting the world-famous Christmas markets. It’s difficult to compare it to Manchester as it’s only a totally different scale, with at least eight different market areas spread across the city as well as ice skating and winter festivals taking place.
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We were advised that most visitors do not get a chance to make it around all the markets due to the size so many will focus on two or three - advice we gladly took whilst making our way around the snow-covered streets of Munich's centre. Whether you’re after the traditional flagship markets in Munich's Marienplatz Square, or the stalls half-hidden under chestnut trees in the English garden by the Chinese Tower, there’s plenty to soak up, and there’s even a Medieval experience too.
Whilst there is tradition to be enjoyed and plenty of souvenir opportunities, Munich's markets are also forward-thinking and inclusive. At the Tollwood Winter Festival, an alternative market blends organic Christmas treats, arts and crafts and the 'Market of Ideas', a festival programme encompassing music, art and environmental activities. Meanwhile, Pink Christmas, a Queer Christmas Market sees the small Stephansplatz square in the heart of Munich's Glockenbachviertel turn pink, while visitors sip on mulled wine, pick up delicious treats and enjoy performances from drag artists and up-and-coming acts.
Its most traditional market dates back to the 14th century and is considered to be Munich's best. Set against a backdrop of the neo-Gothic town hall on Marienplatz, thousands of twinkling lights adorn the Christmas tree that towers over the pedestrianised square and the hub of stalls, while brass bands and choirs provide the soundtrack to what is a rather magical experience. If you pop into the town hall you can also have your letters marked with a special Christmas stamp - something I really think we should lobby for in Manchester. And for a magical view taking in all of the square, you can climb up to St Peter's Church Tower.
A wooden Christmas carousel at a Christmas market in Munich (Getty Images/iStockphoto)I wouldn't mind if we adopted some of their food and drink prices as well, with XXL bratwurst setting you back just seven euros at some stalls - around six pounds and a far cry from the dawn of our £8 sausages at this year's Manchester markets. Similarly, treats like deep-fried apple, weisswurst - white sausage traditionally eaten without the skin - and Lebkuchen - German gingerbread and Speculaas - a German cookie - are all reasonably priced.
Just as cost-effective, their winter punch comes in at under five euros, as do some stalls for mulled wine, and there's a number of different mugs available including a large terracotta chalice, which we discovered at the Medieval Christmas Markets just a 10-minute walk from Marienplatz. Like stepping back in time, these markets were rather special with dozens of handcrafted wooden stalls bringing the atmosphere of the Middle Ages back to life.
Merchants in historical attire presented their wares, harpists provided the musical backdrop, and artisans demonstrated their ancient crafts like metalwork. And the culinary offerings of the Middle Ages were brought back to life as well as cooks prepared traditional tarte flambee and sausages sizzled on open fires. Similarly, drinks such as ‘fire-tongs’ punch are served from huge cauldrons with a blue wreath of flames, and you can also pick up boozy concoctions like hot apple juice with a shot of your choice.
And while I also enjoyed watching handicraft workshops in the Christmas Village in the courtyard of Munich's city palace, the Residenz, and exploring the adjacent gardens, there's also plenty of food and drink spots and shopping opportunities all across the city. As well as a stop-off at the legendary Cafe Luitpold, a historic coffee house which serves up a jaw-dropping variety of fresh pastries, cakes and desserts, we also escaped the lunchtime rush to visit Munich’s original brewing halls of the famed "Hacker" brewery, which now homes The Prinz Myshkin, the city's original vegetarian and vegan restaurant, and tried dishes like tagliatelle with truffle cream and buckwheat crepes with spinach ricotta filling.
Shopping wise, even if it’s just to look, a trip to Munich's answer to Fortnum & Mason is also a must. Dallmayr's roots trace back all the way to the 1700s and the beautiful store features a number of specialty food departments, as well as Europe’s largest delicatessen. I headed straight to its coffee counter where you can enjoy the aromas of the beans as they’re weighed out on old scales and sealed into a bag right in front of you.
Munich Marriott Hotel City West Factfile:
Prices start from €250 per night, including breakfast. The entry level category is an Executive Room / Deluxe Room
The M Club on the 7th floor will be opening in mid-January 2024
Food and drink options at Munich Marriott Hotel City West include Assoluto Ristorante and Vineria (also a cafe, market place and takeaway by day), westhub Bar & Lounge, and the Wine Room
Facilities include a gym area with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, ten electrical car charging hubs and underground parking
Services include mobile check-in, 24/7 in-room dining, concierge, laundry service, and a mini market
There are 20 event spaces with a total of 2,440 sqm. meeting and event space on two floors with state-of-the-art built-in AV equipment
Public transport can be found in front of the hotel and it is roughly 12 minutes by tram the city centre and 35 minutes to the airport by car
There are around ten flights a day between Manchester Airport and Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Intl, and around 20 airlines cover the route and return prices start from £91
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