Enchanting displays of Christmas lights. Wonderfully warming winter food. Cosy, festive atmospheres. Munich Christmas markets are the perfect places to enjoy holiday cheer and do your seasonal shopping.
With numerous Christmas markets in Munich popping up every year, you’ll have plenty of choice. Ready to plan your Munich winter break? Pack your hats, gloves and scarves, and get ready to discover the best winter markets in this stunning German city.
Winter Wonderland: the history of Munich Christmas Markets
Winter markets in Munich are not only delightful for shopping and snacking on festive food, they’re also part of a rich cultural tradition. In fact, the tradition of putting on Munich Christmas markets dates all the way back to the 14th century when the first winter market was held in the city’s main square.
These early medieval markets in Munich were places where local crafters, bakers and artisans could sell their wares. They were also where people could come together and celebrate Christian festivals during the dark winter months. Today, the modern Munich Christmas markets still feature stalls, crafts and plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry.
The best Munich Christmas Markets
Staying in Munich’s city centre for your next winter escape? You’ll be in the ideal location to enjoy some of Munich’s most spectacular Christmas markets. And if you’re keen to know which ones to add to your Christmas bucket list, here are some of KAYAK’s favourites:
- Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
- Christmas Village at the City Palace
- Viktulalienmarkt
- Medieval Christmas Market
- Tollwood Winter Festival
- Christmas Mulled Wine Festival in Bogenhausen
- Schwabing Christmas Market
- The Fairytale Bazaar at Olympiapark
- Moonlight Express, Bahnwarter Thiel
- Neuhauser Market
1. Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
Hosted in Munich’s main Marienplatz Square, the Marienplatz Christmas market is the city’s original winter festival. It has been held there since medieval times, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world!
The market is set up outside the incredible neo-Gothic town hall in the city centre, giving it an authentic and romantic feel. Adults can browse the many stalls selling carved pieces for nativity scenes. Meanwhile, children can enjoy the free crafts workshops hosted throughout the market.
The Marienplatz Christmas market also features live bands playing traditional folk music and Christmas songs. They perform from the town hall balcony throughout the season. The main square is easy to reach from different parts of the city, with an S-Bahn station and a metro station just a few minutes walk away.
- Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 München, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 24th of December
2. Christmas Village at the City Palace
The Christmas Village, outside the historic Kaiserhof Residenz City Palace, is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Munich. The historical location gives it an authentic medieval feel, while the puppet shows and fairy tale sets make it truly magical for kids. It’s also a great choice if you want to see artisans at work. The fair usually features a wide range of merchants who are more than happy to put on a show for their customers.
The market’s central location means it’s easily accessible, no matter where you’re staying in Munich. The Residenz is right next to Odeonsplatz Underground Station and also on several main bus routes. This Munich Christmas market’s dates generally run from mid-November, giving you heaps of time to enjoy all the fun.
- Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany
- Dates: 13th of November to 22nd of December
3. Viktulalienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is one of Munich’s best food markets and it really comes alive at Christmas time! During the festive season, visitors can enjoy delicious traditional snacks.
The market also offers a great spread of traditional beers and spicy mulled wine. For some added Christmas magic, the organisers also set up a Nativity Scene in the beer garden each year. It’s additionally decorated with some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in the city.
You can find Viktualienmarkt between the Residenz and Marienplatz, right beside the National Theatre. It’s near the central underground and bus stops, too. Although the food market is open all year round, most of its Christmas produce is available from early November until the first week of January.
- Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany
- Dates: 27th November to 24th December
4. Medieval Christmas Market
If you want to experience the unique flavours of historical tradition in Munich, don’t miss the Medieval Christmas Market. It’s hosted on Wittelsbacherplatz, near the Residenz Palace, and showcases a great range of traditional artisan stalls. The stallholders usually dress up in medieval clothing, adding to the festival’s otherworldly and authentic feel.
The Medieval Market is an incredible place for food lovers to visit as many stalls sell traditional German cuisine. Tuck into some traditional German baking that’s all prepared on-site or try some authentic grilled meats fresh from the fire. It’s also the perfect place to sip mulled wine or a traditional drink called Drachenglut (a type of mead).
- Address: Wittelsbacherplatz, Briennerstrasse 6-10
- Dates: 27th of November to 23rd of December
5. Tollwood Winter Festival
Are you looking for a Munich Christmas market with a bustling festival atmosphere? The Tollwood Winter Festival is one of the city’s most dynamic winter celebrations. It’s held in Theresienhohe and combines art, theatre and traditional food, plus an incredible New Year’s celebration. Get ready to enjoy live musical performances, participate in events related to nature and ecology, or simply marvel at the amazing light displays.
The festival generally takes place until late December, with rides and events continuing until the amazing New Year’s Eve party. Tollwood also offers tons of free events for kids and is close to several U-Bahn (underground) stations.
- Address: Theresienwiese, München, Germany
- Dates: 23rd of November to 21st of December
6. Christmas Mulled Wine Festival in Bogenhausen
Mulled wine is essential if you want to truly experience a traditional German Christmas. Held in the forest of Bogenhausen on the northeast outskirts of Munich, the Mulled Wine Festival is the perfect place to sample spiced wines and other tasty Christmas drinks.
Visitors to the festival can sip on a variety of beverages and tuck into delicious and authentic festive snacks. This includes plenty of traditional Christmas treats like marzipan, gingerbread and stollen. The festival also hosts free activities for kids such as carousel rides, puppet shows and storytelling events.
This festive event takes place at the Cosmibad festival grounds and is easily accessible via tram lines 16 and 37. You can also reach the grounds via U-Bahn (underground) line U4.
- Address: Cosimastraße 5, München, Germany
- Dates: November 16 to December 30
7. Schwabing Christmas Market
If you love arts and crafts, Schwabing Christmas Market should be on your radar. This Munich Christmas market is home to a famous annual sculpture trail and an art tent where you can peruse local artists’ work. It also hosts unique art installations each year and offers lots of free workshops and various live performances.
The Schwabing Market takes place near Tivoli and is on a major tram line. The market is also near the Bonner Platz Underground Station, making connecting to the city centre very easy.
- Address: Forum Münchner Freiheit, München, Germany
- Dates: 1st of December to 24th of December
8. The Fairytale Bazaar at Olympiapark
If you want to capture the enchantment of Christmas in a cosy, outdoor setting, you must visit the Fairy-tale Bazaar Christmas market at Olympiapark. The market features a range of stalls selling artisanal crafts, jewellery and classic Bavarian delicacies. There are also lots of entertaining workshops and play areas for kids.
One of the best things about the Fairy-tale Bazaar is the snug bar right in the heart of the festival where you can enjoy a glass (or two) of mulled wine. This Munich Christmas market is an ideal day out for anyone who loves to get outside and explore natural surroundings.
- Address: Olymiapark, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 100, München, Germany
- Dates: 23rd of November to 29th of December
9. Moonlight Express, Bahnwarter Thiel
The Moonlight Express Christmas market is a truly unique experience for visitors in Munich, combining an industrial location with a cosy Christmas feel. This Christmas market sees the disused train tracks and the surrounding area transformed into a festive grotto, with arts and crafts stalls, live music, and cabaret performances.
It’s a great place to spend a fun, romantic evening or grab a glass of mulled wine and catch up with friends. Of course, there’s also a vibrant market with all kinds of wares on sale. You’ll find the Moonlight Express market close to multiple underground stations too, making it easy to reach from the city centre.
- Address: Bahnwärter Thiel, Tumblingerstrasse 45, Atelierpark, München, Germany
- Dates: 23rd of November to 23rd of December
10. Neuhauser Market
Neuhauser Market is an excellent place to pick up some handmade Christmas decorations or buy some Christmas gifts. This Munich Christmas market specialises in crafts like candles, soaps and decorative items. It’s also generally a lovely, relaxing place to spend time.
Feeling lucky? The market has a raffle that visitors can participate in, plus regular live music performances. You can find the Neuhauser Market near Rotkreuzplatz Square. The square handily has tram stops, an underground station and is on several bus lines.
- Address: Rotkreuzplatz, München, Germany
- Dates: TBC
FAQs
When do Munich’s Christmas markets start?
You can expect the Christmas markets in Munich in 2023 to kick off in late November. They usually stay open right up until Christmas Day (sometimes even longer). This gives you over a month to soak up all their festive delights.
Are Munich’s Christmas markets worth visiting?
Absolutely! Munich’s Christmas markets are among some of the oldest in the world and are bound to get you in the festive spirit. The atmosphere at them is always joyful, plus there’s no shortage of traditional treats to try. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or want to experience local traditions, they’re well worth travelling for.
Where should I stay in Munich for Christmas markets?
Munich’s Christmas markets are scattered all over the city, so it doesn’t really matter where you book to stay. For easy access to big hitters like the Marienplatz Christkindlmart, book a Munich hotel in the heart of the city centre.
Not ready to end your festive journey? Head north to discover Berlin’s best Christmas markets, check out the best UK Christmas Markets or take a peek at the most atmosphere Christmas holiday destinations.
