Rindermarkt Market

Just off of the main city square at Marienplatz, and on your way to Sendlinger Tor, there is a little market that is almost completely devoted to selling Nativity Scene characters and props.  People come with lists of what they need to complete their home Nativity Scene, or Krippe.

You need a Nativity lobster?  This is the place to go to buy it...

You can also sample some Gluehwein at a most unusual stand, which is modeled after what the Germans call a pyramid...you know, that thingy with the candles that the heat from the flame makes the propellers on top go around?  Here is a more than life sized version. That sells mulled wine.

I couldn't leave this market without sampling my favorite cherry concoction...

Which can be sampled by the open fire pit, if the alcohol doesn't do the trick in warming you up!

Springerle blocks

The other delicacy that they are known for in this market is the Feuerzangenbowle:  a powerful punch that is laced with the drippings of a sugar block that is soaked in rum, set ablaze and allowed to drip into the punch. 

Here is one of the people at the stand pouring the rum and keeping the sugar lit...this punch packs a powerful punch and is a favorite amongst the ex-pat community here in Munich!  One of these will absolutely keep you warm on a cold market day! Makes me wish that I liked rum....