European festive season kicks off as Christmas markets continue for a whole month

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The month-long (November 24 to December 24) Christmas markets, held from Advent to Christmas Eve, are a major festive event in many European cities. Now, in Germany, both big cities and small towns have started holding Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) since the end of November, with some large cities even hosting several Christmas markets simultaneously. This year, Munich’s Marienplatz, next to the city hall, has been freshly decorated, adorned with Christmas ornaments and lined with rows of open-air stalls, exuding a wonderful festive atmosphere in the winter.

Christmas markets originated in medieval Europe, with the oldest one in Germany dating back to 1434 in Dresden. In Munich, the tradition began in 1642, and today the highlight of the Christmas markets is the 150 specialty stalls gathered around a brightly lit giant Christmas tree, selling various traditional handicrafts such as handmade children's toys, wood carvings, crystal ware, beeswax candles, and metal tree decorations. Additionally, during the cold winter nights of the holiday season, visitors can also enjoy exquisitely prepared Bavarian cuisine, sweet apple cider, and warm mulled wine.

Moreover, this is also the time when Munich’s Tollwood Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy music and theatrical performances. The winter edition of the Tollwood Festival kicks off on November 24 and runs until December 31. To attract tourists, local hotels are also offering special discounts, such as the early bird deal at Maritim Hotel München (requires booking 14 days in advance) starting from just TWD 3,568 per night; the Regent Hotel offers a 15% discount with standard rooms starting from TWD 2,699 per night; and guests staying four consecutive nights at a Munich hotel can enjoy a special rate starting from TWD 2,849 per night.

For more details, please visit the respective hotel websites:

1. Maritim Hotel München:

b2b.hotelclub.net/enter.asp?id=60039&lc=CN&ru=directhotel%2Easp%3Fid%3D2582

2. Regent Hotel:

b2b.hotelclub.net/enter.asp?id=60039&lc=CN&ru=directhotel%2Easp%3Fid%3D13212

3. Hotel München:

b2b.hotelclub.net/enter.asp?id=60039&lc=CN&ru=directhotel%2Easp%3Fid%3D9920