Top 10 Christmas Markets to Visit in Munich

Magical Christmas light displays. Delightfully comforting winter treats. Warm and festive atmospheres. Munich's Christmas markets are ideal for soaking up holiday spirit and seasonal shopping.

With many Christmas markets in Munich appearing each year, the options are plentiful. Ready to organize your winter getaway? Don your hats, gloves, and scarves, and prepare to explore the finest winter markets in this beautiful German city.

Winter Wonderland: A Journey Through the History of Munich's Christmas Markets

Winter markets in Munich are steeped in a rich cultural heritage. The tradition of hosting Munich Christmas Markets dates back to the 14th century, beginning with the first winter market in the city's main square.

These early medieval markets served as venues for local artisans, bakers, and craftsmen to showcase their goods. They also provided a space for communities to gather and celebrate Christian festivals during the winter in Germany. Today, modern Munich Christmas markets continue to offer stalls, crafts, and numerous opportunities to eat, drink, and enjoy the festivities.

Top 10 Christmas Markets in Munich

Planning to stay in Munich’s city center for your winter getaway? You'll be perfectly situated to explore some of the city's most stunning Christmas markets. If you’re eager to discover which ones to include in your Christmas itinerary, here are some of my top picks:

1. Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
2. Christmas Village at the City Palace
3. Viktualienmarkt
4. Medieval Christmas Market
5. Tollwood Winter Festival
6. Christmas Mulled Wine Festival in Bogenhausen
7. Schwabing Christmas Market
8. The Fairytale Bazaar at Olympiapark
9. Moonlight Express, Bahnwarter Thiel
10. Neuhauser Market

1. Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt

• Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 München
• Dates: November 25 to December 24, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Located in Munich’s central Marienplatz Square, the Marienplatz Christmas market is the city’s original winter celebration. This market has been a cherished tradition since medieval times, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets worldwide.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning neo-Gothic town hall, the market exudes an authentic and romantic atmosphere. Adults can explore various stalls offering intricately carved nativity scene pieces, while children can partake in complimentary craft workshops held throughout the market.

The Marienplatz Christmas market also showcases live bands performing traditional folk tunes and festive carols. These performances take place from the town hall balcony throughout the season. The main square is conveniently accessible from various parts of the city, with an S-Bahn and metro station just a short walk away.

2. Christmas Village at the City Palace

• Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
• Dates: November 18 to December 22, 2024
• Opening hours: information for 2024 TBD

The Christmas Village, set outside the historic Kaiserhof Residenz City Palace, is one of Munich's most enchanting Christmas markets. Its historic setting provides an authentic medieval ambiance, while puppet shows and fairy tale displays create a magical experience for children. It's also an excellent option for those looking to witness artisans at work. The market typically features a variety of vendors eager to entertain their customers.

The market’s prime location ensures it’s easily reachable, regardless of where you're staying in Munich. The Residenz is adjacent to Odeonsplatz Underground Station and conveniently situated along several major bus routes. Typically, this Munich Christmas market runs from mid-November, allowing plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere.

3. Viktualienmarkt

• Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München
• Dates: information for 2024 TBD
• Opening hours: information for 2024 TBD

Viktualienmarkt is among Munich’s finest food markets, truly coming to life during the festive season. The market boasts a delightful array of traditional snacks, beers, and spicy mulled wine. For an extra touch of holiday charm, a Nativity Scene is set up in the beer garden each year, beautifully illuminated with some of the most stunning Christmas lights in the city.

Viktualienmarkt is located between the Residenz and Marienplatz, right next to the National Theatre. It’s also close to central underground and bus stops. While the food market operates year-round, most of its Christmas offerings are available from early November until the first week of January.

4. Medieval Christmas Market

• Address: Wittelsbacherplatz, Briennerstrasse 6-10, 80333 München
• Dates: November 25 to December 23, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For a taste of historical tradition in Munich, be sure to visit the Medieval Christmas Market. Situated on Wittelsbacherplatz near the Residenz Palace, it features a wide variety of traditional artisan stalls. The vendors often dress in medieval attire, enhancing the festival's enchanting and authentic atmosphere.

The Medieval Market is an amazing destination for food enthusiasts, with many stalls offering traditional German dishes. Indulge in freshly baked German treats made on-site or savor authentic grilled meats cooked over an open flame. It’s also the ideal spot to enjoy mulled wine or a unique beverage called Drachenglut (a type of mead).

5. Tollwood Winter Festival

• Address: Theresienwiese, München
• Dates: November 26 to December 31, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.

If you’re seeking a Munich Christmas market with a vibrant festival vibe, the Tollwood Winter Festival is one of the city’s most exciting winter events. Located in Theresienhohe, it blends art, theatre, and traditional cuisine, culminating in an extraordinary New Year’s celebration. Prepare to enjoy live music performances, engage in nature and ecology-themed activities, or simply admire the stunning light displays.

The festival typically runs until late December, with rides and events extending through the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. Tollwood also features plenty of free activities for kids and is conveniently located near several U-Bahn (underground) stations.

6. Christmas Mulled Wine Festival in Bogenhausen

• Address: Cosimastraße 5, 81925 München
• Dates: November 16, 2024 to January 7, 2025
• Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m.; Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To fully embrace a traditional German Christmas, mulled wine is a must. Set in the woodlands of Bogenhausen on the northeastern edge of Munich, the Mulled Wine Festival is the ideal spot to taste spiced wines and other delightful holiday beverages.

Festival-goers can enjoy a range of beverages while indulging in delectable and authentic holiday snacks. This includes a variety of traditional Christmas delights like marzipan, gingerbread, and stollen. The festival also features complimentary activities for children, such as carousel rides, puppet shows, and storytelling sessions.

This festive gathering occurs at the Cosmibad festival grounds and is conveniently accessible via tram lines 16 and 37. You can also get to the grounds using U-Bahn (underground) line U4.

7. Schwabing Christmas Market

• Address: Forum Münchner Freiheit, München
• Dates: November 29 to December 24, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 12 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For arts and crafts enthusiasts, the Schwabing Christmas Market is a must-visit. This Munich market features a renowned annual sculpture trail and an art tent showcasing local artists’ creations. Each year, it also presents unique art installations and offers numerous free workshops along with various live performances.

The Schwabing Market is located near Tivoli and is accessible via a major tram line. It’s also close to the Bonner Platz Underground Station, making it easy to connect to the city center.

8. The Fairytale Bazaar at Olympiapark

• Address: Olympiapark, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 100, 80809 München
• Dates: November 28 to December 29, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 12 noon to 11 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To experience the magic of Christmas in a charming outdoor atmosphere, the Fairy-tale Bazaar Christmas market at Olympiapark is a must-visit. This market showcases a variety of stalls offering artisanal crafts, jewelry, and traditional Bavarian treats. There are also numerous engaging workshops and play areas for children.

One of the highlights of the Fairy-tale Bazaar is the cozy bar nestled in the center of the festival, where you can savor a glass (or two) of mulled wine. This Munich Christmas market is perfect for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and exploring scenic surroundings.

9. Moonlight Express, Bahnwarter Thiel

• Address: Bahnwärter Thiel, Tumblingerstrasse 45, Atelierpark, 80337 München
• Dates: information for 2024 TBD
• Opening hours: information for 2024 TBD

The Moonlight Express Christmas market (Mondscheinexpress) offers a truly distinctive experience for visitors in Munich, blending an industrial setting with a warm Christmas atmosphere. This market transforms disused train tracks and the surrounding area into a festive grotto, featuring arts and crafts stalls, live music, and cabaret performances.

It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a fun, romantic evening or to sip on a glass of mulled wine while catching up with friends. Additionally, there’s a lively market filled with a variety of goods for sale. The Moonlight Express market is conveniently located near several underground stations, making it easily accessible from the city center.

10. Neuhauser Market

• Address: Rotkreuzplatz, München
• Dates: November 25 to December 23, 2024
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Neuhauser Market is a fantastic spot to find handcrafted Christmas decorations or purchase unique holiday gifts. This Munich Christmas market focuses on artisanal crafts such as candles, soaps, and decorative items. It also offers a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your time.

Feeling lucky? The market features a raffle for visitors to join, along with live music performances happening regularly. You can easily locate the Neuhauser Market near Rotkreuzplatz Square, which is conveniently served by tram stops, an underground station, and multiple bus routes.

When do Munich’s Christmas markets begin?

Christmas markets in Munich kick off in late November and typically remain open until Christmas Day (and sometimes even longer). This allows you more than a month to enjoy their festive offerings.

Are Munich’s Christmas markets worth a visit?

Absolutely! Munich’s Christmas markets are among the oldest in the world and will definitely immerse you in the holiday spirit. The ambiance is always cheerful, and you’ll find an abundance of traditional treats to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for gifts or wish to embrace local customs, they are certainly worth the trip.

Where should I stay in Munich to visit the Christmas markets?

Munich’s Christmas markets are spread throughout the city, so your accommodation location isn’t crucial. To easily access major markets like the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, consider booking a hotel in the city center.