In the heart of Bavaria, Ingolstadt Village is the ultimate Christmas market

The boutique, luxury retail destination will bring festive food and seasonal shopping to your winter

There’s a winter-spiced, candle-lit, sugar-dusted vision of Christmas to which we all ascribe. It’s a cosy idea of seasonal shopping, with Christmas trees, warm festive treats and traditional Bavarian decoration. It’s a vision that, for most of us, exists only on Christmas cards or biscuit tins.

But, sitting in the south of Germany between Munich and Nuremberg, is Ingolstadt Village — a boutique shopping experience that couldn’t be closer to the Bavarian Christmas ideal if it was made from gingerbread.

There are over 110 different brands to be found in Ingolstadt Village. If you’re on the hunt for a brand new Christmas jumper, why not head to N.Peal or Hackett? If it’s gloves and woolly hats you’re after, make for Napapijri or Superdry. Or, if you’re preparing for Christmas dinner already, Le Creuset is always worth a visit for the best in kitchenware.

But, under the icicle lights and between the baubled Christmas trees, Ingolstadt Village is also this year playing festive host to several seasonal pop-ups. Goodwill, a brand celebrating 30 years of selling Christmas inspiration and decorations, is back with a new collection fuelled by creativity.

Similarly, the Christmas market has brought its huts back to Bavaria, and they are waiting to welcome you with the sweet scent of sugary candied almonds and the warmth of mulled wine. It’s just one of the seasonal food offerings on show at the market, with artisanal sausages also flying the festive German flag.

Of course, after a long day soaking up the Christmas atmosphere at Ingolstadt Village, and exploring luxury brands including Bally, Escada and M Missoni, you can also refuel in the permanent cafés and restaurants. Chief among these for Christmas decadence is surely the Lindt Café — where you can enjoy a solid bar, or lose yourself in a sumptuous, velvety hot chocolate.

So, if you’re hoping to step into your own Christmas card scene this winter, where better to do so than the gift-wrapped, nut-cracked, wintry heart of Bavaria?

Staying a little closer to home? Why not check out the dining options at Bicester Village?

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