
Germany: Munich opens the gates of Christmas wonderland
Germany: Munich opens the gates of Christmas wonderland
Locals and tourists alike celebrated the start of this year's holiday season at the annual Christmas Market "Christkindlmarkt" on crowded Marienplatz square in the German city of Munich on Monday.
The 25,000 square meter market features traditional German culinary treats such as "Gluehwein" (mulled wine) and fresh baked goods, entertainment in the form of a dirndl and lederhosen-clad live band, and various gifts such as ornaments and jewellry. This year, more than 170 vendors rented out stalls.
This year the traditional christmas tree, a 30-meter giant decorated with over 2,500 lights, was donated by the community of Bad Kohlgrub. A fortnight before the market opened, the city's fire department had the honour of raising the outsize shrub into pride of place above the market.

Germany: Munich opens the gates of Christmas wonderland
Locals and tourists alike celebrated the start of this year's holiday season at the annual Christmas Market "Christkindlmarkt" on crowded Marienplatz square in the German city of Munich on Monday.
The 25,000 square meter market features traditional German culinary treats such as "Gluehwein" (mulled wine) and fresh baked goods, entertainment in the form of a dirndl and lederhosen-clad live band, and various gifts such as ornaments and jewellry. This year, more than 170 vendors rented out stalls.
This year the traditional christmas tree, a 30-meter giant decorated with over 2,500 lights, was donated by the community of Bad Kohlgrub. A fortnight before the market opened, the city's fire department had the honour of raising the outsize shrub into pride of place above the market.