With the debut of the first advent week I thought it might be a good idea to take you along a stroll through the festive city I live in, Munich. In Germany, the advent period is a festive and traditional one. Christmas markets pop up throughout the cities and the scents of mulled wine, gingerbread and caramelized almonds fill the air.
These images portray three Christmas markets in Munich: The central and most traditional one happens on the main square Marienplatz with wooden huts, local artisans exhibiting Christmas decoration and all this is set against a very picturesque background composed by the magnificent town hall and the towers of the landmark church Frauenkirche.
A few steps further the market gets smaller and less crowded. The intimate atmosphere is centered around a wooden stall and surrounded by many illuminated Christmas trees. The little square is named Rindermarkt, literally meaning 'cattle market' - its name stemming from its historical origins.
A 15 minutes walk further, in the hipster district of Glockenbach, the 'Pink Christmas' set another tone for the festive advent period. Nomen est omen - pink it is here with flashy pink Christmas trees, white booths, and Christmas songs entertaining the mixed crowd of hipster families, the gay community and local inhabitants.
So whether you like it traditional, intimate or glamy pink - Munich is the city to be during the advent period. Plus it's snowing right now! Happy first advent week, folks!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
