The team was spreading its Festival of Friendship to the millions of holiday season visitors expected to flock to the Bavarian capital over the next month.

Chair of the bid committee Katarina Witt was as excited as anyone to be experiencing the magic of Munich in wintertime, she claimed.

"We are delighted to be welcoming the world to Bavaria this festive season," said the double Olympic skating champion.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to share our wonderfully diverse traditions and to embrace cultures from all over the world.

"Our international guests are enjoying the friendly, carnival atmosphere that is synonymous with the city and its people.

"Bavaria's proud heritage of warmth and hospitality would provide an unforgettable backdrop for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2018."



Twenty Christmas markets around the city will be offering food, drink and festive spirit, and Munich's world-famous Tollwood Festival will be a particular draw.

The festival celebrates tolerance, multiculturalism and openness through cultural events including concerts and drama.

Ecology is another major theme, with prominent guests leading environmental debates and market stalls selling exclusively hand-crafted products.

As well as once again proving itself a world-leader in staging safe and friendly multicultural festivals, Munich's host city credentials will be further bolstered by the latest improvement to its already world-class transport infrastructure.

Munich 2018 was present at the official opening of the Moosach U-Bahn (underground) station.

Situated just outside the Munich Olympic Park, the new station will shorten the journey time between the international airport and the proposed venue for Munich 2018's Ice Park.


Related stories
December 2010: Wulff and Merkel back Munich's bid for 2018 Winter Olympics
December 2010: Munich 2018 claim farmers threats will not affect Olympic bid
December 2010: Munich 2018 showcases credentials at start of German winter sports season
December 2010: Völkl heads cast of businesses signing up as friends of Munich 2018
November 2010: Munich aims to show its class at hosting world class winter events