Tucked away like a chipmunk in your inner coat pocket, I found this Weihnachtsmarkt quite accidentally one snowy December day. Oft had I bustled past the lions marking the half-secret entrance to this winter wonderland, unaware that instead of fighting the December wind coming off Leopoldstraße, I could step into this cozy den of warm Christmas spirit.
Nestled in a courtyard of the Residenz, the main residence in Munich of the royal family of Bavaria, this Weihnachtsmarkt is a true fantasyland. Where does one begin to describe such an experience? It stole my heart the first time I stepped through that portico to find the snow floating gingerly to seemingly pre-arranged places to create the perfect Christmas picture. This Weihnachtmarkt, tiny and picturesque as it is, has everything. Glühwein, mirth, the sparkling magic of Christmas lights, mittens and shawls, carved wood, toys, candles, soaps, baubles, curiosities, the softest blankets of snow in all Munich, Flammkuchen, a children's playland that beckons even to adults...
Also special about this Weinachtsmarkt is the opportunity to warm oneself with Glühbier! That's right - Glühbier. I'm not one usually for flavoured beers, but if it's good enough for the Bavarians - and this comes from the Giesinger Brauerei in the heart of Munich - then it should be good enough for anyone, especially when coupled with the cheer of the Christmas season. This Glühbier has a wonderfully round, Christmasy, berry-like flavour and is an excellent alternative if you find that fourth or fifth mug of Glühwein to be too acidic.
So if on some snowy December evening you find yourself wishing to be whisked away to the most perfect Christmas market, wish yourself no further than to the Weihnachtsmarkt in der Residenz. read more