This Airport Has A Christmas Market With Two Ice Rinks And 450 Real Trees

Spending extra hours at an airport during the holiday season sounds like a horrible idea… unless you’re in the Munich Airport in Germany. For the 19th year, the Christmas and Winter Market takes over the airport’s MAC Forum, a covered outdoor space between terminals and becomes a holiday destination on its own. This winter wonderland promises a feast for all the senses through Dec. 30.

The heart of the market is a 50-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 5,000 lights. Even more impressive might be the 450 additional pine trees scattered throughout the space. Amid this Christmastime forest are 45 stands selling food, drinks and handmade crafts. Traditional German treats include mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and biscuits. There’s even a “Kinderland” section where children can make their own gifts.

There are plenty of festive activities to fill even the longest layovers. First, there is a more than 6,000-square-foot ice-skating rink, where skates can be rented for a small fee. Local jazz, pop and rock artists take over the stage daily Tuesday through Sunday. Then on Thursdays, a DJ keeps ice skaters spinning.

This incredible Christmas and Winter Market is open to anyone, even without an airline ticket, because it’s open to both customers and visitors. It is conveniently located outside of the security and gate areas. Market visitors can even park for free for up to five hours.

Joyful Journeys

Munich Airport isn’t the only transit hub decking the halls for the holidays. Denver International Airport opened a seasonal rink with free skating, which is yours to skate on until Jan. 7:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcAWov5n7t6/?taken-by=denairport

Christmas trees brighten up Chicago O’Hare International Airport:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcSR1gvlQFU/?taken-by=flyohare

Changi International Airport in Singapore built a festive treehouse with Sanrio characters in holiday attire:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcPmrWvnrFw/?tagged=changimysticalgarden

Traveling during this hectic season will never be fun, exactly, but at least a bunch of airports are doing what they can to get people in the holiday spirit. (They might just even offset holiday travel stress!)