Going Global - France; Germany

Starting in December, the iconic châteaux dotted around the Loire Valley will be illuminated with elaborate Christmas decorations, making winter in France a magical time of year. “Christmas in the Land of Châteaux” will continue until January, with each castle decorated with a unique ambiance, and festive events taking place throughout the region. To kick off this year’s Christmas celebrations, the Château de Chenonceau (the famous château built overwater) will be adorned with floral table creations by designer Jean François Boucher, who is a “Meilleur ouvrier de France” (the prestigious delegation of the country’s top master craftspeople). Creations include a forest table adorned with mosses, mushrooms and foliage, as well as an “all chocolate” table set up in the kitchen. At the iconic Château de Chambord, guests will be able to enjoy their own personal fairytale; the walkway, gardens and interiors will be illuminated by thousands of lights. To offer a truly immersive experience, the château will host themed events over the weekends, including Renaissance music and dancing, Christmas shows, storytellers, nature-themed events, creative workshops and visits with Santa Claus. The Château de Villandry will create a festive atmosphere by building an “enchanted forest” in its attic, providing guests with a winter-wonderland made up of plants. At Château de Cheverny, Christmas decorations will take over each room and its gardens with a walkway of giant treats. This year, they will also display a unique collection of enormous cups located in the front of the Orangerie, reminding visitors of the house specialty: Cheverny’s hot chocolate. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau will feature original gourmet creations by artist Corinne Bernizet, inspired by art de vivre. The creations will be made from precious fabrics and old objects, such as cakes made of silk. The favorite residence of many of France’s Monarchs, Château Royal de Blois, will be paying homage to the women who changed history during the Renaissance by decorating the entire castle with glittering decorations, frills and lace. A mystery tour called “Nocturnal Whisperings” will allow visitors to explore the château after it closes, and watch the evening sound and light show on the château’s façade.

Christmas and winter market is now at Europe’s largest roofed outdoor forum. More than 40 booths offer Christmas treats, handicrafts and gifts. The market opens its doors daily at 11:00 a.m. from Saturday, November 19, to Monday, December 26, 2022. Surrounded by festively decorated Christmas trees, the over 40 booths offer handicrafts, clothing, jewelry and toys as well as culinary delights such as hot chestnuts, steamed dumplings or tarte flambée. Visitors can shop for Christmas gifts and warm up with a hot cup of mulled wine in a festive atmosphere. The three members of Munich Airport’s Executive Board, Jan-Henrik Andersson, Nathalie Leroy and Jost Lammers (photo from left), opened the Christmas and winter market with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. After a two-year break, Munich Airport is once again hosting its popular Christmas and winter market this year - traditionally in the München Airport Center (MAC) Forum, Europe’s largest roofed open-air space. A highlight is once again the large ice rink, which for the first time is not made of real ice, but of a special plastic. The ice rink opens every day from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Around the large ice rink, lots of culinary delicacies and plenty of good atmosphere await visitors from near and far. As every year, there is something for the ears: Live music – the right style of music for every taste. A wide program with live music from rock and pop to soul and funk to gospel tops off the program. For more information, visit https://www.munich-airport.com/christmas-and-winter-market-2022-14686056