Munster Christmas Market

The real magic of the traditional German Christmas markets is in the air or in the atmosphere to be precise. The contrast of the short, grey days with the nights lit up by the warm golden glow of festive lights and trimmings, the cold air heavy with scents of gingerbread, mulled wine and punch, roasting chestnuts and almonds, gives people something to look forward to as the sky fades from grey to black. Munster’s church spired skyline adds to this picture of the perfect winter festival, and its main market, set up in the Westfalischer Frieden, the courtyard of the town hall, takes full advantage of this, allowing people to stroll and shop in what appears to be Santa’s village. About 120 stalls or booths, decked out with traditional lights and decorations, will sell you everything you expect to be able to find at a traditional Christmas market. Munster’s other markets are all within five minutes walking distance, crowding the city centre with the smell of gluhwein, sausages and frites─it makes it easy to see them all without getting too chilly wandering between. The local tourist office runs Christmas market walking tours and publishes an Advent Guide with all the listings and maps, not that you’ll need one.