Munich Christmas Market is easily one of the best in Germany. The main event is held on Marienplatz, but several others are around the historic city centre.
This guide provides unconfirmed 2024 dates, all location details, opening times and a list of local specialties.
Munich Christmas Market
As the most traditional, historical and beautiful, Marienplatz is hard to beat. The location is extraordinary, with the stunning neo-Gothic New Town Hall and the rest of the entire square decorated with lights and baubles.
The giant Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the Marienplatz market, surrounded by Bavarian chalets and festive scents.
Other popular events are at Odeonsplatz and the medieval Wittelsbacherplatz. The Tollwood Winter Festival, with themed tents and art performances, offers an alternative experience.
Full details of the other markets are listed further below.
1. Marienplatz
Munich dates: 25th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Marienplatz.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 10am to 8pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Karlsplatz-Stachus.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The largest Nativity scene in Germany, the 30-metre Christmas tree and the diversity of events.
Recommended tour: If this is your first time in Munich, take a guided city tour to get an overview of the city, including a visit to the famous Viktualienmarkt food market.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Munich is the gateway to Germany’s fairytale castle. This is the most popular day trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle. Highly recommended if you have time.
Specialities: Delicious pommes, Bavarian bratwurst, hot doughnuts, cake, beer and of course, mulled wine.
Where to stay: Beyond by Geisel is located directly on Marienplatz.
Convenient Hotels
I’ve been fortunate to have visited Munich on several occasions. I often stayed near the main train station, which has many hotels.
However, it’s a bit of a walk to the Old Town from there. In winter, I think it’s better to stay somewhere more central if you can.
I recommend Beyond by Geisel, which is located directly on Marienplatz. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a view of the New Town Hall from your room. It’s a great choice.
If that’s not right for you, read my Munich hotel guide, listing several other convenient choices.
Event Location
2. Residenz
The Residenz Christmas Village is an annual festival held in the grand courtyard of Residenz, Munich’s city palace.
Renowned for its impressive architectural design and historical significance, Residenz is a major attraction throughout the year.
However, over the holidays, it takes on a special transformation. Its usually expansive courtyard becomes a Bavarian village-style market, bringing regional traditions to the heart of the city.
Residenz dates: 21st November to 22nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Munich Residenz. Access via Odeonsplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Event Location
3. Medieval Wittelsbacherplatz
Wittelsbacherplatz is an exceptional destination that stands out due to its medieval-style half-timbered market stalls.
Wittelsbacherplatz is tucked away near Odeonplatz and the tranquil Hofgarten, serving as the perfect backdrop for this unique market.
The market also brings to life culinary traditions of the past with special foods such as tarte flambée, a dish akin to a thin-crust pizza topped with various ingredients, and wild drachenglut, a hot drink quite different from the usual fare.
Medieval dates: 25th November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Wittelsbacherplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Event Location
4. Tollwood Winter Festival
Tollwood is an alternative winter festival at the Theresienwiese fairground, bringing a unique spin on the celebrations in Munich.
A series of creatively curated tents, showcase an eclectic mix of music genres, theatrical performances and displays of alternative culture.
At Tollwood, the food offerings prioritise organic and vegan options, allowing you to explore sustainable and ethical culinary options.
Tollwood Market dates: 21st November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Winter Festival Dates: 21st November to 31st December (unconfirmed) including a New Year’s Eve party.
Location: Theresienwiese.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Admission: Free.
How to get there: Underground U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese.
Tollwood Events: Find out more.
Location of Tollwood
5. Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt
Winter magic at the Viktualienmarkt transforms this fresh food market into a festive spot full of seasonal specialties.
One particularly popular feature is the Nativity scene in the beer garden, which creatively depicts the bustling market activities in its design.
Winter Magic dates: 25th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Viktualienmarkt.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Event Location
6. Pink Christmas Market
Pink is a vibrant celebration marked by its iconic pink glow, honouring the LGBTQ+ community.
The small stage hosts a variety of performances, including drag shows and live music, featuring both up-and-coming singers and renowned artists.
Pink dates: 25th November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Stephansplatz.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 4pm to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 10pm.
Event Location
7. Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor
Sendlinger Tor dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Map of Sendlinger-Tor-Platz
8. Eiszauber Ice Rink
Eiszauber Ice Rink dates: 15th November 2024 to 12th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Karlsplatz/Stachus.
Opening times: 10:30am to 10pm.
Map of Karlsplatz/Stachus
What to Expect
Plan your holiday with my German Christmas Markets 2024 guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience German food, history and culture.
Food Specialties
Lebkuchen: These gingerbread-like treats are a classic. Historically, they were originally crafted by monks in Franconia, but today, they’ve become an essential part of celebrations throughout Bavaria, including Munich. You’ll find them decorated with almonds, coated with chocolate, or filled with apricot jam.
Stollen: Another essential Bavarian specialty is Stollen, a rich, fruit-studded bread. Its history can be traced back to Dresden in the 14th century, and it’s traditionally shaped to symbolise the infant Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. Each loaf is dusted with a liberal coating of icing sugar, providing a sweet contrast to the dense, fruity interior.
Brezenknödel: These bread dumplings, made from the region’s iconic pretzels, offer a comforting, hearty vegetarian option.
Marzipankartoffeln: Particularly popular in Munich are Marzipankartoffeln or marzipan potatoes. They are small, potato-shaped sweets made from marzipan, dusted with cocoa powder to resemble soil, and usually presented in a small sack or bucket to further the illusion of freshly dug potatoes.
At the Market Stalls
Münchner Weißwurst: The Munich white sausage, is a Bavarian speciality made from minced veal and pork bacon. It’s traditionally flavoured with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger and cardamom. The sausages are served in a hot water bowl with sweet mustard and freshly baked pretzels.
Glühbier: For those who prefer a pint over a glass of wine, look out for glühbier or hot beer. This drink is a unique take on traditional mulled wine, made with local beer and various spices.
Reiberdatschi: These are potato pancakes fried until golden brown and crisp, usually served hot with applesauce on the side.
Feuerzangenbowle: As for drinks, don’t miss out on the feuerzangenbowle, a fiery alcoholic drink where a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set alight and drips into mulled wine. It’s interesting to watch and fun to drink, warming you from the inside out.
Käsespätzle: Another popular dish in Bavaria, käsespätzle is a comfort food made from spätzle pasta, covered with sharp, melted cheese and topped with crispy onions. Find it at various stalls or at Viktualienmarkt.
Baumkuchen: Known as “tree cake”, baumkuchen is a traditional German cake renowned for its characteristic rings that resemble tree rings. It’s made by painting layers of batter onto a spit, which is then rotated over a grill. When cut, the cake displays multiple thin layers resembling the rings of a tree.
Nürnberger Bratwurst: Take the opportunity to try the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, a protected German sausage. These slender sausages are a local favourite, usually grilled and served three in a roll with mustard.
Flammkuchen: Take a bite of the flammkuchen, a crisp, thin-crust pizza-like snack from the Alsace region. It’s commonly topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons.
Gebrannte Mandeln: Sweet lovers should head for the stalls selling gebrannte mandeln, or sugar-roasted almonds.
Gifts and Souvenirs
Bavarian Beer Steins: In Bavaria, beer is more than just a drink; it’s part of the culture. Traditional Bavarian beer steins, often beautifully hand-painted and made from pewter or stoneware, make for fantastic gifts.
Wooden Nutcrackers: These traditional figures are a German classic and can be found in various sizes, colours and styles. Originating from the Erzgebirge region, these handcrafted wooden nutcrackers are a popular gift item.
Ornaments: Munich’s markets are a great place to pick up unique ornaments. Glass baubles, often hand-painted with motifs such as lederhosen, pretzels and beer steins, are a memorable addition to any decorated tree.
Lebkuchen: A Bavarian gingerbread speciality, lebkuchen is often found beautifully packed in decorative tins or boxes. Different types include Nürnberger Lebkuchen, Elisenlebkuchen, and Lebkuchenherz, the latter often iced with sweet messages.
Bavarian Clothing: Traditional clothing like dirndls and lederhosen are available throughout the year, but you can also find miniature versions as Christmas tree decorations or even doll clothing.
Manger Figures: Munich is famous for its Manger figures. Hand-carved and often passed down through generations, these figures would be a unique souvenir.
Cookbooks: If you’ve fallen in love with Bavarian cuisine during your visit, a local cookbook could be the perfect gift. These often include both traditional recipes and modern variations, allowing you to recreate your favourite dishes at home.
Visit Munich is an excellent resource and the official website for visitors. They have an especially useful series that covers the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. It’s well worth getting outside of the Altstadt (Old Town) to experience a different side of Munich.
Responsible Travel Tips
Green Energy: Munich’s city government is committed to green energy and has various initiatives in place. As a visitor, you can play your part by choosing accommodations that use renewable energy sources.
Food Waste Reduction: In an effort to combat food waste, you can make a conscious choice only to purchase what you’ll eat. Munich has a thriving “free fridge” (Fair-Teiler) movement where you can donate unneeded food rather than throw it away.
Ethical Consumption: When shopping, opt for regional products. Tollwood emphasises ethical consumption and provides a platform for vendors selling eco-friendly products.
Sustainable Diets: A visit to Viktualienmarkt allows you to indulge in locally sourced and organic meals and ingredients, supporting local producers. Choosing plant-based options is also beneficial.
Public Transportation: Munich’s public transport system is efficient and extensive. Choosing to use it over taxis or car rentals reduces your carbon footprint.
Please comment below if you want to leave a review.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
Jackie
I want to go to Munich on Christmas Eve for a couple of days but it seems the markets all finish on 23/24 December. Can you tell me if it’s going to be worth going?
Andrea Anastasakis
Traditional German Christmas markets typically only run during Advent, which ends on the 24 December. The main market closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve.