Munich, Germany, is known for its vibrant Christmas markets, which open every year in late November. These markets are a highlight of the city’s holiday season and the main reason I traveled to Munich in December.
I highly recommend traveling to Munich to enjoy the beautiful decorations, taste different seasonal foods and drinks, and listen to Christmas carols.
The most famous market is the Münchner Christkindlmarkt, but other markets, like the Medieval Christmas Market, provide a variety of experiences. These markets are not only for shopping but also offer an opportunity to learn about Bavarian traditions and history during the holiday season.
If you plan to visit these markets, you’ll find plenty of options to explore and enjoy the Christmas spirit in Munich. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the markets, including where they are, what you’ll find, and some tips for going to them.
Last updated: September 10, 2024
Published: September 5, 2024
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.
⭐GIVEAWAY ALERT: Daily Drop – my favorite free travel newsletter – is giving away a trip to Hawaii! One lucky winner will get a 5-night stay for two at Mauna Lani Resort by Coral Tree Residences and $2,000 for flights and other expenses. Enter to win by September 24, 2024. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Exponential Travels LLC
Want to explore more Christmas markets in Europe? Here are more great cities to check out:
Best Christmas Markets In Munich
Munich hosts several Christmas markets, each offering a distinct experience. This guide will detail the features and highlights of these markets, helping you plan your visit.
Münchner Christkindlmarkt
The Münchner Christkindlmarkt is situated in Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. It’s the oldest and most well-known Christmas market in the city. The market is illuminated by lights and features a giant Christmas tree, creating a festive environment. You can buy handmade gifts, enjoy traditional Glühwein (mulled wine), and experience the holiday spirit. A noteworthy event at this market is the Krampus run, a distinctive and entertaining tradition. This year, the Munich Krampus run will be on Thursday, December 5, 2024
Christmas Market at Viktualienmarkt
The Christmas Market at Viktualienmarkt specializes in gourmet foods, exotic spices, and traditional Bavarian dishes. It is smaller and attracts fewer people than the larger Marienplatz market, offering a chiller atmosphere for exploring the food offerings. The market stalls are decorated for the season and set within the traditional atmosphere of Munich’s well-known food market.
Christmas markets in Munich’s Old Town
The Christmas markets in Munich’s Old Town are a traditional experience. They offer a variety of stalls, selling everything from seasonal decorations to locally crafted items. Unique to these markets are the detailed nativity scenes displayed throughout.
Medieval Christmas Market
The Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz offers a historical experience. Vendors wear period costumes and sell traditional crafts. The market is known for its historical theme, featuring music and performances from the past. This market provides a distinctive atmosphere compared to typical Christmas markets, appealing to history enthusiasts and people searching for a unique experience.
Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor
The Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor is at one of Munich’s historic gates. This market stands out for its calm atmosphere, perfect for a more tranquil holiday experience. It features an ice-skating rink and numerous stalls, making it particularly appealing to families and couples.
Tollwood Winter Festival at Olympiapark
The Tollwood Winter Festival at Olympiapark combines a traditional Christmas market with art and live music. This festival emphasizes sustainability and offers a variety of international food options. It attracts people looking for a unique Christmas market experience in Munich.
Christmas Market at Chinesischer Turm
The Christmas Market at Chinesischer Turm is located in the English Garden. It offers a unique experience with its nature-surrounded setting. This market features horse-drawn carriage rides and stands out for its evening illumination, creating a distinctive ambiance.
Fairy Tale Bazaar in the Glockenbachviertel
The Fairy Tale Bazaar in the Glockenbachviertel is distinct among Munich’s Christmas markets for its focus on sustainability. It combines art and social projects, offering an alternative option for holiday shopping. This market is notable for its commitment to making a positive environmental impact.
Munich’s Christmas markets each offer unique experiences, from traditional to modern.
What to Eat and Drink: Munich Christmas Market Food
Experiencing the Munich Christmas markets is as much about savoring the local culinary delights as it is about the festive atmosphere. Here’s a list of the top food and drinks you can’t miss while wandering the Munich Christmas markets.
- Glühwein: A classic must-try, this mulled wine is the quintessential Christmas market beverage, warming you from the inside out.
- Bratwurst: Enjoy these savory grilled sausages from the vendors, a hearty treat that perfectly complements the crisp winter air.
- Lebkuchen: These traditional German gingerbread cookies are a sweet emblem of the holiday season. They are beautifully decorated and perfect for sharing.
- Reiberdatschi: Savory potato pancakes served with apple sauce, these are a deliciously comforting snack.
- Feuerzangenbowle: This is a more dramatic version of mulled wine. It features a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire and dripped into the wine.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A fluffy shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and served with fruit compote for a sweet treat.
- Schweinshaxe: A Bavarian specialty, this roasted pork knuckle is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Maronen: Roasted chestnuts, a simple yet utterly satisfying snack, are a must-have as you stroll through the markets.
- Dampfnudel: A sweet or savory steamed dumpling, often served with vanilla sauce or custard, perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Hot Chocolate: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic warm beverage, the hot chocolate at Munich’s Christmas markets is rich and decadent.
The Munich Christmas markets showcase Bavarian food, with each stall offering a taste of the region’s best. Whether you’re there to feast or simply to soak in the holiday atmosphere, these top ten must-tries promise to enhance your Christmas market experience.
Tips for Visiting Munich Christmas Markets
To ensure your trip to the Munich Christmas markets is as magical as the holiday season, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive Early: The markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early allows you to explore the stalls easily and comfortably, capturing the essence of the market’s beauty before it gets too busy.
- Dress Warmly: Munich’s winter can be quite chilly, especially in the evenings. To enjoy the markets, bundle up in warm layers, gloves, and a hat.
- Try the Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on the traditional treats such as Bratwurst, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Glühwein (mulled wine). These specialties define the authentic Christmas market experience. See the complete list of food and drinks you must try above.
- Keep Cash Handy: While more vendors are now accepting cards, having cash on hand is wise for smaller purchases or at stands that don’t take cards.
- Explore Beyond the Main Markets: Munich has several smaller, less-known markets that offer a more intimate and unique experience. Don’t limit yourself to the Münchner Christkindlmarkt.
Following these tips will make your visit to the Munich Christmas markets a memorable adventure.
Hotels Near Munich Christmas Markets
One of the best ways to experience the Christmas markets in Munich is to stay near one of them. The map below has some of the best hotels and home rentals in Munich.
Look for the labeled spots on the map to find hotels near the Munich Christmas markets.
Munich Christmas Market Tours
If you want to visit the Christmas markets in Munich, Germany, but don’t want to do much planning yourself, I highly recommend taking a tour. Here are some of the top tours in and out of the city to the markets:
There are also some multi-day European Christmas market tours you can take to dive even deeper into them and even visit different countries.
Here are some Europe Christmas market tours you can book for this year!
First is EF Ultimate Break, which is for travelers ages 18 to 35. They are my favorite group travel company and have quite a few Christmas market tours:
- Christmas Markets: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland
- Christmas Markets: Venice, Florence & Rome
Learn more about EF Ultimate Break and get discounts on trips in my guide!
Another option is EF Go Ahead Tours, which is for travelers of all ages. They offer some longer Christmas market tours through Europe.
- Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe
- Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria
- Christmas Markets of Historic Germany
These tours are a great way to see the European Christmas markets in more than just one city!
Enjoy The Munich Christmas Markets
When you visit Munich’s Christmas markets, you can sample local delicacies like glühwein and gingerbread, browse for gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Each market is unique and offers different handmade goods to purchase.
Happy holidays, and enjoy the festive season in Munich, one beautiful Christmas market at a time!
Ready to plan your trip? Here are my favorite travel planning resources:
- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
- HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
- Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
- FareDrop and Going for cheap flight alerts
- Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
- Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
- Priority Pass for airport lounge access
- TripAdvisor for the top hotels around the world
Click for the top hotel deals!