photo: Munich Tourist Office

Living Tradition - History of Munich's Christmas Market

According to some sources, the Christmas Market dates back to the 14th century: town records first mention a "Nicholas Market" in the Kaufinger Strasse near the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) in 1642. "Goods from Oberammergau, Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), cotton childwear, manger figurines, and chimney sweeps made of plums and almonds" were among the wide range of traditional fare on display.
In 1806 the Nicholas Market changed its name to "Christkindlmarkt", but it wasn't until 1972 that – after several changes of location – the Munich Christmas Market found its permanent home in the heart of the city. The festive event is organized by the Munich Tourist Office.

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