It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 🎄✨
If you love fairy lights, cozy vibes, and a good mug of mulled wine, there’s no better place to celebrate Christmas than at a Munich Christmas Market! These festive markets have been part of the city’s traditions since the 14th century, and today, they’re a must-visit for anyone spending winter in Germany.
We deep dive into the best markets to explore, what delicious food to try, and how to make the most of your trip below, so keep reading for more.
When are the Munich Christmas Markets in 2025?
Marienplatz, the main Christmas market in Munich, Photo Credits: Munich City Official Website
The Munich Christmas Market dates for 2025 are expected to be from November 25 to December 24, though some smaller markets may open earlier or extend beyond Christmas. The main markets typically run daily from morning until around 9:00 PM.
Klook Tip: Dress in layers, bring gloves and a hat, and carry cash as not all stalls accept cards.
Where to find the best Munich Christmas Markets
Christmas at the Marienplatz Plaza, Photo Credits: Turbopass
1. Marienplatz Christmas Market
The Marienplatz Christmas Market (known locally as the Münchner Christkindlmarkt) is the oldest, biggest, and most iconic Christmas market in Munich. If you want to make the most out of your day, start here. Spend the morning exploring the main market, where you can find an assortment of handmade toys and trinkets — and of course, food (more on that later 😉)
The Glockenspiel clock tower is also located at the Marienplatz Christmas Market, Photo Credit: French Moments
At 11AM and 12PM, you can catch the Glockenspiel show here. Life-sized figures enact historical events at the Glockenspiel clock tower, so don’t miss out on this experience. Grab a Lebkuchen (spiced cookie) and coffee and climb the St. Peter's Church tower for a panoramic view. Afterwards, you can browse the nearby Kripperlmarkt for traditional nativity scenes.
Photo Credit: Klook User BJ *
If you plan to explore more of the city after eating your fill (and trust us, there is plenty), you can opt for a hop-on hop-off city tour. You get access to the city’s iconic landmarks via open-top bus, and you can explore each area at your own pace. 1-day and 2-day passes are available, so it’s a great way to keep your itinerary flexible without compromising on price.
Handmade trinkets you can expect at the market, Photo Credits: cmophoto on Unsplash
Marienplatz is also Munich’s city center, so getting an accommodation in this area would be a very convenient base! If you're arriving from the airport, you can get here quickly through the Lufthansa Express Bus.
2. Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
After Marienplatz, you can take a stroll to the nearby Residenz Christmas Village for artisan crafts and fairy tale displays. It’s just a 7-minute walk away. Here, you’ll take a step back in time with stalls resembling medieval huts and vendors in costume. You'll find artisan leather goods, handmade swords, and traditional mulled wine served in clay mugs. Plus, street performers, minstrels, and flaming Feuerzangenbowle rituals bring the market to life.
3. Residenz Christmas Village
If you’re visiting with the family and want a quieter Christmas market vibe, it’s also worth considering the Residenz Christmas Village. Tucked inside the Munich Residenz courtyard, this market offers an intimate setting with fairy tale displays, handcrafted ornaments, and artisan demonstrations like glassblowing.
Klook Tip: Plan your trip midweek to avoid the largest crowds, especially at the Marienplatz market.
4. Karlsplatz-Stachus Ice Rink
The Karlsplatz rink is open until evening, Photo Credit: The West Australian
Now, if you're feeling active or are looking to take a break from sightseeing, lace up your skates at the massive Karlsplatz rink, an outdoor ice-skating rink that usually opens around the end of November. With festive lights overhead and snack stalls nearby, it's a winter wonderland for all ages. Operating hours are until the evening, so you can cap off your day here!
For the exact opening and closing times, you can check out their official website closer to when you’ll be in Munich.
5. Schwabing Christmas Market
Located in the bohemian Schwabing district, this artsy market features contemporary crafts, handmade ceramics, and live performances. It's a great place to meet local artists and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. This area has plenty of chic and unique stores, so spend some time wandering around.
Public Wi-Fi can be spotty (or non-existent), so consider getting a Europe eSIM before you go so you can check market hours, navigate, and share your holiday snaps.
6. Pink Christmas Market, Stephansplatz
A different kind of Christmas light display at the Pink Christmas Market, Photo Credit: Munich Business School
This LGBTQ+-friendly market sparkles with pink lights and fabulous energy. This particular market is perfect for those looking for a vibrant atmosphere perfect for an evening out. If you're looking for Christmas themes beyond the usual green and red colors, this may be for you.
7. Märchenbazar at Olympiapark South
Munich Christmas markets usually look straight out of a postcard, but this is another option if you’re looking for something a bit more out of the box. It’s a circus-themed market with food options like vegan döner, craft cocktails, and a mix of live music and art installations. It's another lively option to the traditional markets.
What to eat at the Munich Christmas Market
Two words when you’re going to a Munich Xmas Market for the first time: Come hungry. If not for the festive spirit of these events, Munich Christmas Market food is reason enough to visit. Here’s what you shouldn't miss:
- Bratwurst: Fresh off the grill, served in a crusty roll.
- Lebkuchen: Spiced gingerbread cookies, some heart-shaped with sweet messages.
- Reiberdatschi: Bavarian-style potato pancakes, often with applesauce.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds that fill the air with sweet scents.
- Glühwine: Mulled wine, either red or white, spiced and steaming.
- Feuerzangenbowle: A dramatic mulled wine with a flaming sugar cube on top.
Klook Tip: Some stalls offer a deposit system for their ceramic mugs, so don’t be surprised by the price! You can either return the mugs and get your deposit back, or keep one as a souvenir. We recommend the latter, at least just once! 👀
Special Christmas experiences around Munich
Apart from the Christmas markets, there are still other holiday festivities to check out in the city!
Take a ride around Munich’s landmarks onboard the Christmas Tram
Krampus Parade Munich
The characters of the Krampus Parade in St. Johann
The Krampus Parade Munich is a highlight of the Advent season in Munich. If you’re expecting Santa Clauses and reindeers, think again. In this parade, you’ll find eerie figures in horned masks and fur cloaks marching through the streets, rattling chains and spooking onlookers. It usually happens in early December around Sendlinger Tor and Marienplatz.
Advent Concerts
Don’t miss the free open-air concerts at Marienplatz. Choirs and brass bands fill the city’s central square with festive music in the evenings, so you have some local entertainment to watch while you enjoy the market’s delicacies.
Christmas Tram
Board the vintage Christmas Tram for a loop around the city center. You get to see the city from a different perspective surrounded by festive Christmas decorations. It’s only open on Fridays and the weekends, during the Christmas season so plan accordingly.
The Munich Christmas Market scene is all parts festive fun, historic charm, and delicious local eats. Whether you’re here for the classic Marienplatz stalls, the wild Krampus Parade Munich, or just to sip your way through the Glühwine stands, you’re sure to feel the holiday spirit.
There are plenty of Christmas markets all around Germany, and each have their own charm. If you’re planning to explore beyond Munich, a German Rail Pass makes it easy to visit nearby Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg, or Salzburg.
FAQs
Does Munich have a good Christmas market?
Absolutely! Munich’s Christmas markets are among the best in Germany. From the historic Marienplatz to creative markets like Sternenflotte and Pink Christmas, there’s something for everyone.
Is Munich worth visiting in Christmas?
Definitely. Munich transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets, special events like the Krampus Parade, and cozy spots to enjoy Bavarian cuisine and mulled wine.
What dates are Christmas markets on in Munich?
Most Munich Christmas Markets run from late November to December 24. For 2025, expect the main markets to open from November 25 to December 24.
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