MUNICH, GERMANY: THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF BAVARIA’S CAPITAL CITY
The holiday season might be my favorite time of the year to visit Germany. It’s home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, where picturesque Old Towns transform into festive winter villages filled with holiday decor, twinkling lights, Christmas pyramids and wood chalets selling mulled wine, pretzels, waffles, bratwurst and tasty treats. It’s the merriest of atmospheres, and Bavaria’s capital city is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Below is my complete travel guide to the holiday season in Munich including the best Christmas markets, Christmas market viewpoints, hotels, restaurants, bakeries and more.
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The Rindermarkt section of the Marienplatz Christmas Market is bursting with charm.
WHEN TO VISIT MUNICH
LATE NOVEMBER TO LATE DECEMBER. Munich is a year-round destination, but for the purpose of the Christmas markets, you’ll want to time your visit between the end of November and end of December to coincide with the holiday festivities. Detailed market schedules listed below.
Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the smaller neighborhood Christmas markets in Munich, but it was one of my favorites. OUTFIT DETAILS: Boots linked here.
HOW MANY DAYS IN MUNICH
TWO TO THREE DAYS. Length of stay really depends on how many Christmas markets you want to visit in Munich. It’s possible to experience the main Christmas market in one day, but most visitors stay a couple days to explore the other markets scattered throughout the city. Tack on a couple extra days for more traditional sightseeing in Munich.
Hot drinks are the way to stay warm at the Tollwood Winter Festival.
MUNICH TRAVEL TIPS
- ARE THE MARKETS FREE? – Yes, the Christmas markets are completely free to visit! You only pay for souvenirs, food and drinks.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET MUGS – When you visit the Christmas markets, you’ll notice every town has signature mugs that you receive with a hot drink. You pay a small deposit for the mug that you keep for drinking throughout the day. At the end of your visit, you can redeem the mug for a refund, or keep it. If you plan to visit multiple markets in Europe, it’s fun to collect a mug from each destination as a souvenir. I saw at least 30 different Munich mug options at the various Glühwein stalls.
- GLUHWEIN – Glühwein is the warm mulled wine sold at stalls in the Christmas markets. It’s traditionally red wine, but some menus also offer warm rose, chardonnay, etc.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY TRIPS – The train system makes it very easy to day trip to Christmas markets in other cities from Munich. Popular day trip destinations include Salzburg (Austria), Regensburg (Germany) and Nuremberg (Germany)
- DRESS WARM – The average temperature during the holiday season is below freezing – bundle up with lots of layers to stay warm. Insulated, comfortable footwear is essential for winter in Munich – you’ll be walking 24/7.
The stash of Munich Christmas market mugs that I collected from the Glühwein stalls.
Pack lots of layers – Munich temperatures can drop below freezing in winter. OUTFIT DETAILS: UGG earmuffs linked here.
MUNICH CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Dates and times subject to change.
AIRPORT CHRISTMAS MARKET
That’s right. There’s a Christmas market at the Munich Airport. And it isn’t just a couple booths. This is a full blown Christmas market located outside the airport that is home to dozens of wood chalets selling mulled wine, bratwurst, chestnuts, candy, cookies and treats, as well as craft stalls, an ice rink, curling lanes, holiday photo booths, festive decor and a giant Christmas tree. It’s a great end to a Christmas market trip – I suggest an early arrival to the airport to enjoy the market before going inside to check-in. The market is located outside, but in a covered area, so no need to worry about rain or snow.
- 2025 Airport Christmas Market Dates: November 14-December 28
- 2025 Airport Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-9 PM and 11 AM-4 PM (Christmas Eve)
- Verdict on Airport Christmas Market: A must-visit on your way in or out of Munich. Nothing better than a huge Christmas market at the airport.
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT MUNICH RESIDENZ
This little market is set in a large courtyard surrounded on all sides by the Kaiserhof of the Residenz. There’s a Christmas tree, Christmas pyramid and a couple dozens wooden stalls selling crafts, ornaments, mulled wine and treats. It’s very charming, and the setting is lovely. The Munich Residenz is walking distance from both the Marienplatz Christmas Market and the medieval Christmas market, so definitely worth the visit.
- 2025 Christmas Village at Munich Residenz Dates: November 17-December 22
- 2025 Chrsitmas Village at Munich Residenz Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 10 AM-8 PM (Sunday)
- Verdict on Christmas Village Munich Residenz: This is a small market, but very cute and located in the unique setting of the Residenz.
MARIENPLATZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
If you only have time for one Christmas market in Munich, this is the one. Marienplatz is the city’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to the 14th century. More than 100 wooden stalls fill the large main square in Old Town, as well as several nearby streets (the mini market at Rindermarkt is the most charming area). A giant tree sits in the middle of the market in front of New Town Hall, home to a festive tree lighting ceremony on opening night.
- 2025 Marienplatz Christmas Market Dates: November 24-December 24
- 2025 Marienplatz Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10 AM-8 PM (Sunday)
- Verdict on Marienplaz: This is the largest Christmas market in Munich, and an absolute must-visit.
NEUHAUSER WEIHNACHTSMARKT
Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt is a small neighborhood market, but it left me absolutely smitten. It’s one of the only Christmas markets in Munich with a carousel, and the small Old World merry-go-round is completely charming. There is also a small Christmas pyramid that sits surrounded by little wood chalets, tree garland, holiday decor, mulled wine stalls delicious treats and more.
- 2025 Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Dates: November 24-December 22
- 2025 Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 10 AM-8 PM (Sundays)
- Verdict on Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt: It might be out of the way if you aren’t staying in the area, but I loved this market. It’s small, but has every element I love about German Christmas markets, including the carousel.
TOLLWOOD WINTER FESTIVAL
This sprawling winter festival takes place on the Theresienwiese, the grounds where Oktoberfest takes place. Tollwood is an alternative Christmas market featuring circus acts, fire shows, jugglers, live music, a waltz and art installations. It also offers the traditional market foods and drinks, a Christmas tree grove and a large selection of handicrafts.
- 2025 Tollwood Winter Festival Dates: November 25-December 23
- 2025 Tollwood Winter Festival Hours: 2 PM-10:30 PM (Monday to Friday) and 11 AM-10:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
- Verdict on Tollwood Winter Festival: Not my favorite, only because I personally prefer the more traditional Christmas markets, usually nestled in the Old Towns. This one is also more of a party vibe.
VIKTUALIENMARKT
This is the city’s long-standing open-air food market that transforms into a Winter Magic setting during the holiday season. Shopkeepers adorn stalls in holiday decor and festive lights to create merry vibes throughout the market that is walking distance from Marienplatz.
- 2025 Viktualienmarkt Market Dates: November 21-January 5, 2026
- 2025 Viktualienmarkt Medieval Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (daily), 11 AM-2 PM (Christmas Eve) and 11 AM-6 PM (New Year’s Eve)
- Verdict on Viktualienmarkt: A festive market to stroll through – definitely more food focused than the other markets.
WITTELSBACHERPLATZ MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
This is a small medieval themed market – very unique from the other Christmas markets in town. All the details look very historic including the old wood tower, castle booths, jesters, drinking horns, jugglers, reenactments and more.
- 2025 Wittelsbacherplatz Medieval Christmas Market Dates: November 24-December 23
- 2025 Wittelsbacherplatz Medieval Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-9 PM (daily)
- Verdict on Wittelsbacherplatz: Definitely worth a visit to see the medieval setting that sets it apart from the other Christmas markets in town.
BEST CHRISTMAS MARKET VIEWPOINTS
LUDWIG BECK
There is a small cafe on the upper floor of the department store with large windows that face the Marienplatz Christmas Market. If you can nab one of the window tables, you’ll be treated to a lovely view of the bustling market below.
NESPRESSO CAFE
The upper floor of the Nespresso Cafe offers up my favorite view of the Marienplatz Christmas Market. There are a handful of cushioned window tables that directly overlook the bustling square. And for the best vantage point, there is a highly coveted corner table. A great place to grab a drink, warm up and soak in the merry atmosphere.
NEW TOWN HALL
New Town Hall sits right on Marienplatz with an observation deck that overlooks the city’s largest Christmas market below, and offers views of St. Peter’s Church, Frauenkirche, Altes Rathaus and Theatinerkirche. The tower platform can be reached by elevator.
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
It’s more than 300 steps to reach the top of the tower at St Peter’s Church for a spectacular panorama of Munich. The tower sits perched directly across from the New Town Hall in Marienplatz, a great vantage point to see the main square filled with little market stalls, twinkling lights and bustling crowds.
Marienplatz is the main Christmas market in Munich.
BEST MUNICH HOTELS
For a truly historic stay, book a room at Hotel Bayerischer Hof that sits in the heart of Old Town, a five-minute walk to the Marienplatz Christmas Market. The property dates back to 1841, but the rooms and suites are completely modern, elegant and sophisticated. There are five restaurants on site, as well as six bars and a rooftop spa.
Hotel Konigshof is a Luxury Collection Hotel property located near the Karlsplatz, and walking distance to the Marienplatz Christmas Market. It too is one of Munich’s historic hotels. Rooms are spacious and airy with large windows and open spaces.
This luxury hotel sits tucked away in a 19th century house in the city’s Lehel district. The black and white exteriors are gorgeous. There are 25 rooms and suites at Hotel Opera that all offer completely different designs, but all very high-end.
Louis Hotel is a modern boutique hotel located near the Viktualienmarkt. There are 72 rooms that are simple and sophisticated with hardwood floors, large drapes and wood desks. This is a great moderate hotel option with a fabulous location – walking distance to all the main Christmas markets.
This five-star hotel might be the most luxurious in Munich. Mandarin Oriental sits inside a Neo-Renaissance building in the middle of Old Town, next to the legendary Hofbraushaus. Rooms are modern and spacious designed with hard woods, large drapes, florals, walk-in showers, plush bedding and heated bathroom floors.
For budget-minded travelers, Moma 1890 is a no-frills option located steps away from both a subway station and a tram station (very convenient). Rooms are very simple, but everything is clean, modern and quiet.
Marienplatz Christmas Market.
BEST MUNICH FOOD
60 SECONDS TO NAPOLI MUNCHEN
Trendy pizza joint that serves up authentic Neopolitan pizzas. The dough rests for 72 hours, and then it’s cooked at 485 degrees Celcius for just 60 seconds to achieve the perfect crust. The restaurant is warm and cozy and offers more than a dozen different pizza options.
CINNAMOOD
Absolutely loved this cinnamon roll shop. There are more than a dozen flavor options including S’mores, blueberry cheesecake, red velvet, strawberry cream, salted caramel and cookie dough. I loved the traditional plain cinnamon roll – it was delicious. There are two Cinnamood locations in Munich.
GIORGIA TRATTORIA
Giorgia Trattoria is part of the Big Mama Restaurant Group that owns cute, delicious Italian restaurants throughout Europe. This one is a gem. The restaurant is small, but constantly packed with people feasting on the selection of fresh handmade pastas, pizzas and cocktails. The decor is a lot of fun – dimmed lights, lots of pinks, disco flair, mirrors, floral fabrics and vintage marble bar.
HOFBRAUSHAUS MUNCHEN
Hofbraushaus is the most famous beer hall in Munich, the epitome of the historical beer culture of Bavaria. The massive building with vaulted ceilings houses long wooden tables where patrons sit shoulder-to-shoulder enjoying mugs of beer surrounded by laughter, chatter and live music. This place is an institution in Munich.
JULIUS BRANTNER BROTHANDWERK
This popular bakery is a must for baked goods in Munich. Julius Brantner is the master baker who serves up delicious breads, croissants, cardamom buns and pretzels.
MUNICH SOUP KITCHEN
The Munich Soup Kitchen is my favorite stop in the Viktualienmarkt area. On a cold Christmas market day, this is the perfect place to enjoy a bowl of piping hot soup. My favorite is the tomato basil soup, but the menu also includes pea and sausage soup, potato soup, goulash soup, chili con carne and more.
ORY BAR
Ory Bar is a gorgeous cocktail lounge located inside the Mandarin Oriental. The interiors are stunning featuring deep green and gold tones, along with wood, brass and velvet materials. An amazing vibe to hang in the evening, and the drinks are delicious.
ROYAL HEALTHY SLICES
Small popular takeaway spot that serves the Georgian specialty Khachapuri, a flat bread filled with cheese, egg and butter, as well as pita burgers.
SERVUS HEIDI
Servus Heidi puts a modern twist on Bavarian cuisine. Ingredients are locally sourced, and there is a beer garden. Menu items include schnitzels, dumplings, roast beef and more.
Wittelsbacherplatz is home to a medieval themed Christmas market.
GET AROUND MUNICH
- TRAM – The historic tramway is the most scenic mode of transport in Munich. There are 13 daytime lines and four nighttime lines that cover 165 stops throughout the city.
- U-BAHN – The U-Bahn is the Munich subway system with nearly 100 stations scattered across the city. The trains are pretty efficient and a convenient way to move around the city.
- UBER – Uber is available in Munich, the most convenient ride share option.
- WALKING – Within specific neighborhoods of Munich, walking is the easiest way to get around. In Old Town, it’s best to move between Christmas markets by walking.
There’s a small Christmas market inside the Munich Residenz.
GET TO MUNICH
- CAR – It’s possible to reach the large city by car, but once in Munich a car isn’t necessary (most people part ways with their rental car upon arrival).
- FLIGHT – The Munich International Airport (MUC) is the second largest airport in Germany, as well as a hub for Lufthansa Airlines. The airport connects Munich to cities throughout Germany and around the world.
- TRAIN – Munich is easily reached by train with dozens of stations scattered throughout the city, but Munchen Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) is where most travelers arrive from out of town.
