Munich Christmas Market Guide 2024 (Events, Travel Tips)

Last Updated on 9th November 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Munich has over a dozen Christmas markets and is easily one of the best places to visit during the festive season in Europe. The city centre becomes a maze illuminated by twinkling lights and wealth of stalls, selling everything from candied almonds to deep fried Reibekuchen, and there’s even ice skating! So if you’re planning a trip to München, here’s your ultimate Munich Christmas Market Guide.

Home to Oktoberfest and one of the greatest football teams in the world, Bayern München, Munich is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and can be found in Bavaria.

During the festive season, up to 3 million people travel to Munich for its legendary Christmas Markets. If it’s your first time in the city, be sure to check out our suggestions on how to spend one day in Munich.

Munich Christmas Market Locations

There are over a dozen Christmas Markets to see in Munich, each with their own unique decor, vibe, and theme. If you are only visiting Munich for a short time and have to prioritise visiting just a few, I would personally stick with the ones right in the centre so that you don’t waste valuable exploration time commuting between the markets.

Marienplatz (main square)

2024 dates: 25th November – 24th December

This is where the main Munich Christkindlmarkt takes place and it’s said to have roots dating back to the 14th century, meaning it is Munich’s oldest and also most renowned Christmas market. It’s worth checking out this market a couple of times so that you can visit it both during the day time and at night when it’s illuminated in a festive glow.

The very first mention of this market comes in the form of St Nicholas Market in 1642, however during the Enlightenment, St. Nikolaus-Markt was transformed into the Christkindlmarkt we know today.

Viktualienmarkt (food market)

2024 dates: TBC

Except for Sundays, this Munich food market has been held here daily since 1807 and is one of the most popular food markets in the city. Come Christmas time, the market comes to life with a certain festive charm that should not be missed!

Sternplatzl at Rindermarkt

2024 dates: TBC

One of the first things you’ll likely notice upon visiting this Christmas market is the Weihnachtspyramide, which is a tall wooden German decoration that dates back to the Middle Ages and is thought to be a precursor of Christmas trees.

The other thing that we loved when visiting was the boot-shaped mugs which were served with warm and spicy Glühwein, the perfect winter warmer to keep your hands toasty.

There are several options to add to your drink to personalise it, for example you could add a shot of Amoretto or the cherry liqueur kirsch for that extra kick!

Neues Rathaus (courtyard)

2024 dates: TBC

If you’re a fan of small Christmas markets then I highly recommend visiting the courtyard of the New Town Hall, which can be found next to the renowned treasure the Munich Law Library.

This market has more of a local vibe to it with stands selling local produce, handmade crafts and some more quirky and unusual festive decorations. For instance, upon visiting we came across a nativity garden where the characters were simply just differently shaped rocks.

Isrator

 2024 dates: 25th November to 6th January 2025

The Christmas market sits below the remains of an old city gate and is centred around a Feuerzangenbowle (which translates from German as fire-tongs punch).

The flaming hot fire pit is where you can head to find steaming hot mulled wine with rum infusions…so as you can probably imagine, this festive drink packs a punch and is fairly high in alcohol content, but nonetheless tasty!

Wittelsbacherplatz

2024 dates: TBC

This Christmas market is medieval-themed and the attention to detail with the decoration at this particular spot is one to be enjoyed! With gargoyles hidden under the roofs of stalls, spouting out water, to the staff working at the cabins dressed in costume. A visit to this market feels like a small time warp and step back in time.

One of the coolest things to try while visiting is to have a warming cup of Glühwein and drink it from a clay goblet. It’s also worth noting that this is the spot where you can purchase a flaming hot cup, which is essentially Glühwein served with a flaming piece of hot sugar. There is a deposit for the cup which is rather steep, but you get your money back once returned.

Karlsplatz (Stachus)

2024 dates: TBC

There’s one specially erected ice skating rink, which can be found at Karlsplatz. It is around 750 square meters of ice and is surrounded by a bar where you can get a drink as well as watch the ice skaters gliding around. Alternatively, you can opt to rent skates yourself and you’ll usually be given a generous few hours to enjoy the ice rink.

Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz in Glockenbachviertel

2024 dates: 25th November – 23rd December

This Christmas market was brought to life by the city’s queer community, though of course, allies are welcomed. A sight in all things rose-tinted, the market is a dazzle of pink sparkles and come night time there are disco balls bathing everything in a glittery glow.

Though this market is one of the smaller ones to visit, it has become one of the most popular for its vibrant ambience and decor. For those with a plant-based diet, this is also one of the best market to find vegan options!

Tollwood

2024 dates: 26th November – 22nd December

This is the location where the popular Oktoberfest is held and before heading here we were told that this particular Christmas market is like no other in Munich. Tollwood is the most international of the Christmas markets in the city, a vibrant display of lights, installations and several stalls selling treasures as well as eateries and bars.

Though a little further from the centre, this is a must-see market which has plenty to be explored, as well as live music to get you in the festive spirits! It’s worth noting if visiting Munich on a rainy day, this is definitely the best market to head to as most of the stalls are set within huge tents.

Tollwood even has its very own food tent entirely dedicated to vegetarian and vegan foods!

Munich Residenz

2024 dates: 25th November – 24th December

This Christmas market is so regal that it’s often referred to as the ‘Christmas Village’. Set against the beautiful and historic background of Munich’s Residence Palace, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria.

Wandering around the market is a delight for the senses, with the smell of candied almonds and roast chestnuts wafting in the air, and plenty of gift stands to mooch around!

One of the more unique aspects of the market was its strange collection of animatronics and the fact that the bins were shaped like a gingerbread house!

The market is particularly beautiful when visited at night, though it’s worth bearing in mind this is also the busiest time to visit.

English Gardens (Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm)

2024 dates: TBC

Found within the parameters of one of the biggest urban parks in the world is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to Munich’s Christmas markets. The name of this market literally translates as ‘Chinese Tower Market’ and it has a very local vibe to it, accompanied by a live band playing and plenty of German delights to purchase.

There are also curling boards in the heart of the market where you can enjoy watching (or play for yourself) and feel the festive magic and joy in the air!

Munich Airport

2024 dates: 14th November – 29th December

There is an annual Christmas Market held at the airport. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to visit as it’s a bit further out of the city centre. However, if you’re planning on visiting Munich during the festive season and are travelling via plane, be sure to check out the popular Winter Market and decorated fir forest at the Airport Centre.

Munich Airport boasts Europe’s largest covered outdoor space inside of which you can find a large ice rink with lots of stalls surrounding it, selling delicious festive snacks! If there’s one place that will get you in the magical mood for Christmas it’s here.

Watch our Munich Christmas Markets vlog

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