The Christkindlmarkt here has been running since the 14th century, and Munich treats it less as a tourist attraction than as a civic ritual. The Munich Christmas Market sprawls across multiple locations through the historic centre, each with a distinct personality, and the combination of Bavarian food culture, strong Glühwein, and Alpine proximity gives the whole city a particular winter energy that’s hard to replicate.
Munich Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Munich dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Simply Munich.
Note: The following details are for Marienplatz. Scroll down for details on the other locations.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Marienplatz and Rindermarkt.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
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.
Public transport: Metro: Marienplatz. Tram: Nationaltheater.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. City-Parkhaus has accessible parking.
Where to stay: Beyond by Geisel is located directly on Marienplatz.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Karlsplatz-Stachus.
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.
Reason to visit: The largest Nativity scene in Germany, the 30-metre Christmas tree and the diversity of events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination. Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie is a dedicated, 100% gluten-free bakery worth visiting.
Specialities: Delicious pommes, Bavarian bratwurst, hot doughnuts, cake, beer and of course, mulled wine.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
I’ve been fortunate to have visited Munich on several occasions. I often stayed near the central 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 guide to hotels in Munich, which lists several other convenient options.
Read our complete guide to the German Christmas Markets.
Event Location
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Additional Events
1. Residenz
The Residenz Christmas Village is held annually in the grand courtyard of Munich’s city palace. Known for its architecture and historical significance, the Residenz transforms into a Bavarian village-style market during the holidays, showcasing regional traditions in the heart of the city.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Residenz dates: 16th November to 22nd December 2026
Location: Munich Residenz. Access via Odeonsplatz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
2. Medieval Wittelsbacherplatz
Wittelsbacherplatz is a unique destination with its medieval-style half-timbered stalls. Tucked away near Odeonplatz and the peaceful Hofgarten, it provides the perfect backdrop for this special market. You can discover culinary traditions of the past, such as tarte flambée, a thin-crust Alsatian pizza with various toppings, and wild drachenglut, a unique hot drink that offers something different from the usual fare.
Status: Confirmed
Medieval dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Location: Wittelsbacherplatz
Opening times: 11am to 9pm
22nd November: Closed
3. Tollwood Winter Festival
Tollwood is an alternative winter festival at the Theresienwiese fairground, bringing a unique spin on festive celebrations in Munich. A series of creatively curated tents showcases an eclectic mix of music, theatre and alternative culture. Food at Tollwood focuses on organic and vegan options, giving you a chance to explore sustainable and ethical cuisine
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Tollwood dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2026
Winter Festival: 24th November to 31st December, concludes with the 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.
4. Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt
Winter Magic transforms the Viktualienmarkt, a fresh-food market, into a festive destination featuring seasonal specialties. A highlight is the Nativity scene in the beer garden, cleverly depicting the market’s bustling activities
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Winter Magic dates: 20th November to 4th January 2026
Location: Viktualienmarkt.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Sunday: Closed
5. Pink Christmas Market
Pink is a vibrant celebration marked by its iconic pink glow, honouring the LGBTQ+ community. The small stage features drag shows, live music, and performances by both emerging and well-known artists.
Status: Confirmed
Pink dates: 20th November to 20th December 2026
Location: Stephansplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 4pm to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 10pm.
6. Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor
Set against the historic Sendlinger Tor gate, this market offers a cosy, more traditional atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy a quieter, more intimate experience.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Sendlinger Tor dates: 20th November to 22nd December 2026
Location: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
7. Eiszauber Ice Rink
Ice Magic is a popular outdoor ice rink that brings family-friendly fun to the city centre.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Ice Rink dates: 20th November to 10th January 2027
Location: Karlsplatz/Stachus.
Opening times: 10:30am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: 10:30am to 4pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10:30am to 6pm.
Ice Magic: Full details available here.
What to Expect
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 square decorated with lights and baubles. The giant Christmas tree is the centrepiece of Marienplatz, surrounded by Bavarian chalets and decorations.
Other popular events are at Odeonsplatz and the medieval Wittelsbacherplatz. The Tollwood Winter Festival, with themed tents and art performances, is an alternative experience that’s well worth it.
Regional Specialties
- Lebkuchen: Traditional gingerbread-like treats originally made by monks in Franconia, now found all over Bavaria. They come decorated with almonds, coated with chocolate, or filled with apricot jam.
- Stollen: A rich, fruit-filled bread that traces its origins to 14th-century Dresden, dusted with icing sugar.
- Brezenknödel: Bread dumplings made from pretzels, offering a hearty vegetarian option.
- Marzipankartoffeln: Marzipan sweets shaped like potatoes and dusted with cocoa, often presented in sacks or buckets.
At the Market Stalls
- Münchner Weißwurst: Munich’s famous white sausage is made from minced veal and pork bacon and is traditionally served with sweet mustard and pretzels.
- Glühbier: A hot beer made with local brews and spices, a unique alternative to mulled wine.
- Reiberdatschi: Fried potato pancakes served with applesauce.
- Feuerzangenbowle: Don’t miss out on the famous feuerzangenbowle, a fiery alcoholic drink in which rum-soaked sugar is set alight and drips into mulled wine. It’s interesting to watch and fun to drink.
- Käsespätzle: Spätzle pasta topped with melted cheese and crispy onions. If not at the stalls, you can find it at Viktualienmarkt.
- Baumkuchen: A “tree cake” with thin layers baked on a spit, resembling tree rings when sliced.
- Nürnberger Bratwurst: Small, regionally protected grilled sausages from Nuremberg served in a roll.
- Gebrannte Mandeln: Sugar-roasted almonds, a sweet treat found at many stalls.
Gifts and Souvenirs
- 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 fantastic gifts.
- Nutcrackers: Traditional wooden figures from the Erzgebirge region, available in various sizes and styles.
- Ornaments: Unique glass baubles, often hand-painted with Bavarian motifs.
- Lebkuchen: Gingerbread packaged in decorative tins or boxes, including varieties like Nürnberger Lebkuchen and Lebkuchenherz.
- Bavarian Clothing: Traditional items like dirndls and lederhosen, and also miniatures for decoration or doll clothing.
- Manger Figures: Hand-carved figures that are often passed down through generations.
- Cookbooks: Featuring both traditional Bavarian recipes and modern takes on classic dishes.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Green Hotels: Munich’s city government is committed to promoting green energy and has implemented various initiatives. As a visitor, you can play your part by choosing accommodations that use renewable energy sources.
- Food Waste: To combat food waste, you can make a conscious choice to purchase only what you’ll eat. Munich has a thriving “free fridge” (Freier Teller) movement, where you can donate unneeded food rather than throwing it away.
- Ethical Consumption: When shopping, prefer regional products. Tollwood emphasises ethical consumption and provides a platform for vendors to sell eco-friendly products.
- Sustainable Diets: Visiting Viktualienmarkt allows you to indulge in locally sourced and organic meals and ingredients, supporting local producers. Choosing plant-based options is also beneficial.
- Public Transport: Munich’s public transport system is efficient and extensive. Using it instead of taxis or car rentals reduces your carbon footprint.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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?
Traditional German Christmas markets typically only run during Advent, which ends on the 24 December. The main market closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve.