A medieval Christmas fair

The first timeMunichwas historically mentioned was in 1158 as “Munichen”.  Already in medieval times the name “munich/münich” was deduced from “monk”. A City seal dated 1239 depicts a monk’s head with a jelly bag cap.  Illustrations of the monk were mistakenly interpreted as a child and so the Monk on the City Logo got the nickname “Münchner Kindl”.

Christmas Fairs inMunichgo back to late medieval times.  A “St. Nicholas Fair” was already mentioned in 1410. The medieval fair at Wittelsbacherplatz (near Odeonsplatz) demonstrates how it could have been in those times.  It ties in with an old Bavarian tradition and is known, due to its historical character, to have a special atmosphere.

In the five years of its existence, the fair has developed into a popular meeting place and is appreciated as one of its kind amongMunich’s Christmas Markets.

Increasingly, visitors come from various countries to enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places inMunich. We welcome everyone and wish them a wonderful Advent and Merry Christmas.

On Advent weekends

Medieval entertainment and a variety of colourful and amusing events await visitors:  Celtic harps and singing, Irish fiddles, Bavarian hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes and jugglers with music of the 11^th to the 16^th century are offered.

ESTAMPIE, theMunichensemble for medieval music, the Aeternum ensemble, the Kel Amrun band, Scarazula, Tibertrea, and many other musicians and artists will perform.

Also offered are dance performances by “Moriskentänzer” (under the direction of Dr. Krombholz), and “Vivunto Saltatores” (under the direction of Mrs. Brigitte Liebhard).

Every Sunday Lady Ettard of Avalon, riding on her horse will visit the fair.

The evenings end with a brilliant fire show.

During the week

Medieval, authentic merchants present beautiful, high-quality goods for sale. Various craftsmen exhibit their handicrafts: scribes demonstrate the art of calligraphy, a silversmith and a goldsmith show how the old handicraft was practised, a glassblower displays her craft, and a potter turns his wheel.

St. Nicholas

On the 5^th and 6^th of December the bearded holy man will share little surprises with our visitors, especially the young ones.

Extra for kids

Especially for the youngsters:  jugglers, wonder doctors, wizards and artists. Stiltwalkers perform in the fair; fascinates their audience with ball acrobatics; the acrobat Walter von der Heiden, performs up-side-down; Magicus al Pacone and Magicus Trutwin are both brilliant magicians; the groups Entr’Act, and Traumtänzer are humorous and entertaining; bards and storytellers do their best.

The Knight of the Hawk tells and demonstrates how difficult it is to put on his armour and the meals. historia-perita explains all about medieval weapons and shows them.

The Heavenly Workshop: The “Heavenly Workshop” in the town hall welcomes children between the ages of 6 and 12 to enjoy themselves with crafts and games or with baking cookies.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 18, 2011 in the “Ratstrinkstube” (pub) of the town hall. Daily at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm, duration
about 1.5 hours (please be on time!) Meeting place: Town hall gate adjacent to the “Fish Fountain” of the city.

The ”Krampus Run”: The 500-year old tradition of the “Krampus Run” dates back to the Christian mythological character of Bishop Saint Nicholas and his companion, “Krampus”. The members of “Sparifankerl Pass”, Munich‘s first “Krampus group”, dress up in archaic costumes, take a thrilling run across the Christmas Market and show up in the most unlikely places.
Sun, Dec. 11, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm & Sun, Dec. 18, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., www.sparifankerl-pass.de

Santa visits the Munich Christmas Market Every afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Santa wanders around the Christmas Market, chats with grown-ups and children alike and loves to have his picture taken in remembrance of an unforgettable visit to the Christmas market.

Tollwood – The Winterfestival
25.11.2011- 24.12.2011
Theresienwiese
Monday to Friday from 14.00 to 24.00
Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 24.00

Blutenburger Weihnacht-Christmas Blutenburg
01.12.2011-04.12.2011
Castle Blutenburg
Wednesday from 16.00 to 19.30
Friday from 14.00 to 19.30
Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 19.30

Sternenplatzl at Rindermarkt

A homey atmosphere lingers amidst the booths with their display of traditional arts and crafts, Bavarian specialties, nostalgic toys and home-made delicacies, incense, Feuerzangenbowle and fried sausages. Come and
relive your childhood memories here.

Manger Visits
Nov. 25, 2011 – Feb. 2, 2012, round trip of the mangers in the churches downtown

The Manger Marketlocated in Neuhauser Strasse
In Neuhauser Strasse, only a few steps from Marienplatz square, you will find what probably is Germany’s largest manger market. From the lantern for the manger and fodder for ox and donkey to the gifts of the three Magi – the market supplies all you need to create an authentic nativity scene.
Christmas mangers have had a long tradition inMunich. In 1757, the first independent manger market took place from the 1st day of Advent to Epiphany.

Festive live music from the balcony of the town hall
Bavarian small string groups, wind players, singers and choirs will get you in a Christmas mood.
Daily 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., December 24: noon

Bavarian Singing Lesson: Joint singing of Christmas carols for children and adults
In cooperation with the Department of Culture of the City of Munich.
Admission is free, no advance registrationrequired.
On Sundays, Dec. 4 and 18, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, in the lower foyer of the Altes Rathaus (old town hall).

Munich Christmas Market Tours
Official Munich tour guides provide cultural and historical facts as well as culinary information during their tours “about Kletznbrot and Fatschnkindl” and the tasting tour “Baked Apple, Fatschnkindl and Stories”.
Tours can be booked for groups only at the Tourist Office: gf.tam@muenchen.de, facsimile +49 (0) 89 233 – 30 337
Information: Phone +49 (0) 89 233 – 30 234 or – 30 204

by Plane

-MunichInternationalAirport, ( FranzJosefStraussInternationalAirporto Flughafen München Franz Josef Strauß)

For all info on European Airports see: Airports inEurope

 by car

To enter the city of Munichbycar it is necessary to purchase a mark, the Feinstaubplakette”, to be exhibited on the windshield.

Further information on the driving mark, as well as a list of locations where it is required can be found on the following webpage : www.umwelt-plakette.de

by train

Munichcentral station (Hauptbahnhof) is situated in the city centre, only2 kmaway from the main square Marienplatz.

Arrival by means of public transport:

S1–S8, U3, U6, bus lines 52 and 131 to Marienplatz, tram 19 to Theatinerstrasse. There are no parking facilities in the area of Marienplatz square.