After a short walk to the train station, we took the U-Bahn to Rosenkavelier Platz. The market held there was described as having lots of decorated Christmas trees. And certainly, when we came up from the subway, the first thing we saw were Christmas trees.
And more trees in the interior.
It wasn't exactly what I expected, which would have been lots of trees with different themes... perhaps in contest with each other for "best in show". But they did lend a fairy-land atmosphere to what was more a cozy neighborhood street party than most markets.
There was a live band playing and people clustered around listening to the music while enjoying steaming mugs of Gluehwein.
We had decided in advance to have something for dinner at this market. Since it was small, our choices were limited, but we had delicious crepes with salami, ermenthaler cheese, tomatoes, and roasted onions. They were huge, filling, and delicicious. The booth was also a little unusual for Markts.
It's not obvious in the photo, but it's an Airstream-type trailer.
One corner of the market had several mounted deer heads. At fist I thought Santa might have trouble finding 8 reindeer this year. Then I spotted a vendor who was making faux trophies, such as this Bavarian reindeer.
It's certainly one of the more unique offerings I've seen in Christmas markets.
Nathan fulfilled his quest for a candle-powered carved windmill thingy, finally finding one that was hand-crafted rather than mass produced. It's a beautiful piece of work and also very unusual. The carver allowed me to take his photo, but I didn't mention the internet, so I've blurred his face.
We then re-boarded the U-Bahn to head for Wittlesbacher Platz where a medieval-themed market is held. This market was like attending a winter Renaissance Faire. People were wandering all over in costumes and the offerings were (as far as I could tell) entirely hand-made and sold from medeival-style booths.
The entertainment while we were there was a troop of jugglers who were playing with fire while drumming (possibly with the sticks they were juggling). My shots were all overhead, as I couldn't get anywhere close to the action.
I finally fulfilled my quest for a hat, purchasing a one-of-a-kind felted merino wool cap (which will make a brief appearance in a later photo). I spent way more than I've ever before spent for a hat, but I was so happy to find a hat that was large enough that I really don't care. (Hey... I'm worth it!) One I tried on was even too big. And with this purchase I shall avoid the wrath a of certain German "mother hen" (said with a smile).
Our final market was the Christkindlemarkt at Marienplatz to see it under more favorable conditions.
Our first stop was to get that cup of Gluehwein. We'd seen several booths offering Gluehwein weiss, so we wanted to give it a try.
The wattage being used to light the booths totally overwhelmed my camera. The merchandise is invisible beyond the glare.
In addition to the booths, some of the buildings on the square were also illuminated.
It was fantastic! Definitely worth a second visit.
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