A Complete Guide to Munich Christmas Market 2025

If Europe is the immediate destination that comes to mind when booking your Christmas holiday trip, then a Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas market makes for the perfect December getaway.

Go Christmas market-hopping in Europe this festive season, and it really comes alive, holding some of the best Christmas markets, from Colmar’s enchanting Christmas Market, with iconic stuffed bears perching on half-timbered houses to the whimsical Cologne Christmas Market, with angels and Heinzelmännchen, the mythical house gnomes gliding past the twinkling stalls, and all the way to Munich, Germany, Christmas Market, where brass bands playing Advent music bring centuries-old Bavarian tradition to life.

One of the oldest German Christmas Markets, Munich Market is where traditions like Advent Calendars and Christmas trees first gained popularity. With so many magical Christmas markets, each with its unique theme, Munich Christmas Market ranks among the best European markets for its festive Bavarian atmosphere, historic charm, and picture-perfect setting.

Arriving at Munich International Airport (MUC) for Munich Christmas Market 2025? Experience the Christmas magic right at the airport’s festive Christmas and Winter Market, with ice skating and almost infinite varieties of holiday treats and drinks, perfect for refueling after a long flight.

And remember to make the journey to your Munich hotel seamless by booking a comfortable and stylish Kiwitaxi transfer in advance.

Ready for the most magical Christmastime trip yet?

With the festive season in full swing, Munich Christmas Market 2025 is the place to see and be seen—whether you’re strolling past the twinkling stalls, holding court at the corner table of the market’s Glühwein hut, and filling your Christmas holiday with al-fresco dining, holiday shopping, festive tunes… and, er, gingerbread. Lebkuchen, that is.

Curious about Christmas Market, Munich, location? Many of the city’s top Christmas markets are tucked in and around Marienplatz, the Old Town (Altstadt), and nearby squares, all within an easy stroll. Others, like the Medieval Christmas Market, Munich or the Tollwood Winter Festival, are a quick U-Bahn ride away, packed with extra surprises along the way.

Save the Munich Xmas Market map to keep track of all the Christmas Market spots and be sure you don’t miss the hidden gems without getting lost in the Old Town.

Here’s our guide to where to go and what to do, if the delightfully chilly Munich Xmas Markets are where you’re headed this December!

Marienplatz Christmas Market or Christkindlmarkt Munich is the most renowned traditional Christmas Market in the Bavarian capital, dating back to the 14th century. Tucked in the center of the Old Town, against the magnificent backdrop of the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus, it boasts a giant Christmas tree, traditionally decorated with about 3,000 sparkling LED lights.

Expect glittering chalets, cauldrons of glühwein, smoky bratwurst grills, and even-more-glittering trinkets– all the signature sights of a German Christmas market under the magical sounds of live Advent Music from the Town Hall Balcony (Adventsmusik vom Rathausbalkon).

Marienplatz Christmas Market draws the crowds with its wide array of artisanal souvenirs that fully supports local artists and craftsmen. Hand-carved wooden toys, intricate glass-blown ornaments, Bavarian keepsakes, and an almost infinite variety of woodcarved figurines from Nativity scenes.

Veggies can sample wraps stuffed full of foraged and locally sourced ingredients, while for meat-eaters, the market offers countless varieties of traditional Bavarian sausages (Wurst) and hearty dishes like spiessbraten / schweinebraten (roast pork) or schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) served with savory gravy or mustard.

Either way, you can’t leave the market without trying flammkuchen (tarte flambée). Utterly delicious.

The younger crowd can get creative, making Christmas decorations and dressing up as little angels at the Sky Workshop (Himmelswerkstatt) in the Ratstrinkstube of the City Hall. And then there’s the Krampus Run (Krampuslauf), a thrilling 500-year-old tradition, when performers dressed as Krampus, the horned, scary, and unforgiving evil twin of St. Nicholas, run through the market in archaic costumes.

Pro-tip: Don’t miss Kripperlmarkt (Nativity Market) at Rindermarkt, one of the largest nativity markets in Germany, only a short walk from Marienplatz.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Marienplatz Market: From November 24 to December 24, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Marienplatz Market:

From Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM

Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

Christmas Eve: 10 AM to 2 PM

Address: Marienplatz and Kaufingerstraße, 80331 München

The Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz (Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz) is a picturesque Munich Christmas Market, set within the stunning, historic courtyard of the former royal palace. This elegant market features a towering 9-meter-high Christmas Pyramid and a fairy-tale forest (Märchenwald), with puppet shows, animated figures, and lovingly recreated scenes from classic German fairy tales. Expect locally produced artisan goods that come in all shapes and colors, from classic baubles to jewelry, traditional Bavarian nativity scenes, carved wooden figurines of nutcrackers, handmade hats, gloves, socks, and traditional German smoking figurines (Räuchermännchen). Try German bratwurst sausages and snack on roasted candied nuts (roasted almonds, cashews, and walnuts) and heart-shaped gingerbread cookies. Sip warm glühwein, infused with oranges, cinnamon, and cloves or feuerzangenbowle (a sugary drink lit on fire).

Munich Christmas Market dates for Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz: From November 17 to December 22, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz:

Daily – 11 AM to 9 PM

Address: Kaiserhof (Imperial Courtyard) of the Munich Residenz (city palace), accessible from Residenzstrasse, 80333 München

What if you could be transported back to the Middle Ages, with historical sword fights and traditional dance performances accompanied by minstrels playing haunting melodies on period instruments? That’s exactly what awaits you at Medieval Market, Munich or Middle Ages Christmas Market, Munich. Think time-travel with a festive flair: merchants and artisans dressed in historical garb selling traditional handmade craft from hand-blown glass, rustic pottery, and forged ironwork. And yes, they do sell swords and shields straight from the blacksmith’s fire. Stroll along stalls designed as half-timbered wooden huts and catch up performances by jugglers, magicians, knights, and fire artists. Stop off for Drachenglut or Dragon’s Blood or hot Met (honey wine) boiled in a cauldron, once favored by kings and knights, for a bit of a taste of the Middle Ages. The highlight? The iconic feuerzangenbowle goblet, the flaming goblet you can take home by not collecting the deposit fee. Totally worth it! Standout dishes inspired by the medieval traditions not to be missed are flame-grilled skewers sizzling over open fires, wild boar sausages with smoky flavor, and hearty stews ladled from giant iron cauldrons. Try flatbreads baked in wood-fired ovens and topped with cheese and herbs, or handmade farmhouse bread slathered in spiced lard or garlic butter. For something sweet, get a taste of honey cakes and warm apple pastries dripping with cinnamon.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Medieval Xmas Market Munich:

From November 24 to December 23, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Medieval Xmas Market Munich: Daily – 11 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: Wittelsbacher Platz, Briennerstrasse 6-10, 80333 München

The Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor brings a touch of old-world charm to the Munich Christmas Market. With the medieval city gate as a backdrop, it’s a picture-perfect and romantic setting with an intimate and effortlessly authentic feel. Stroll along its cobbled paths lined with glowing chalets, festive stalls piled up with unique handcrafted gifts, and the scent of spiced Glühwein drifting through the crisp air. You’re sure to find a souvenir that takes your fancy! Expect plenty of food stalls tempting you with their artisanal wares, from salty pretzels to sizzling bratwurst, flammlachs (flame-grilled salmon), and stollen (fruit bread with nuts, spices, and candied fruits). Sip on steaming glühwein and feuerzangenbowle (Fire Tongs Punch) while meeting up with friends and family. A daily changing program with live bands and carol singers create a heartwarming and merry mood.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor: From November 24 to December 22, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor:

Daily – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Address: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 1, 80336 München

Head to the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese (the same grounds as Oktoberfest), to experience a different side of Munich, Germany, at Christmas time. Forget traditional stalls and carol choirs—Tollwood is Munich’s alternative Christmas market, where art, culture, diversity, creativity, and sustainability take center stage. Expect bold light installations, fireworks, live bands (over 60 bands in 30 days in Hexenkessel), cutting-edge workshops, eco-friendly gift stalls, and avant-garde performances. Come after sunset to marvel at the innovative digital and light shows, creative fireworks, and the giant Christmas tree; nothing short of spectacular! Take a moment to reflect on world peace and the environment with this year’s Tollwood motto, “Now more than ever!,” displayed on the roof of the Mercato tent and into the Munich night sky. Immerse yourself into this year’s “Pif-Paf Celestial Sound Cloud” interactive performance to co-create music and light with your own body. Visit Tollwood’s Market of Ideas, with Andrey von Schlippe’s planets floating above it, symbolizing the mysterious diversity of the universe. Browse quirky global finds, recycled items, and fair trade goods from all over the world, such as handmade jewelry, wonderful ceramics, unique items like Tyrolean and Peruvian Nativity scenes, and Indian handicrafts, to name a few. Watch artisans crafting souvenirs while sipping warm glühwein (organic, of course!). Get a taste of international street food like Indian curries, Thai noodles tossed in giant woks, Moroccan couscous bursting with spices, or Argentinian empanadas straight from the oven. Craving something classic? Treat yourself German comfort food, the likes of käsespätzle (cheesy German pasta), flammkuchen topped with onions and crème fraîche, and hearty vegetable soups served with crusty bread. Most of the food is organic, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Kids go creative with almost infinite creative workshops, bedtime stories, puppet shows, social activities like curling (Eisstockschießen) and a historic carousel.

To end the year with a bang; join Tollwood’s legendary New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2025, a massive open-air celebration with five themed areas, live bands, international DJs, and performances under the stars. From indie and folk in the Bazar, to rock ’n’ roll and dance themes in the Hexenkessel, electronic beats in the Mercato Tent, and global organic street food at the Food Plaza, there’s a rhythm and a flavor for everyone. Step outside for roaming stilt performers and glowing art installations before joining the midnight waltz danced simultaneously across all tents and open spaces as the New Year arrives.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Tollwood Winter Festival: From November 25 to December 23, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Tollwood Winter Festival:

Daily – 11 AM to 9:00 PM

Address: Theresienwiese, 80336 München

There’s nothing quite like the Schwabing Christmas Market to get you into Munich’s vibrant bohemian spirit. The market is renowned for housing some of the best artisans and avantgard artists from Bavaria and beyond. It specializes in handmade gifts and local arts and crafts, but also innovative artworks by contemporary painters, sculptors, and jewelers displayed at the Art Tent (Art Pavilion). You’ll be welcomed by local musicians (brass bands feature prominently, if that’s your bag) and choirs singing Christmas carols. Once you’ve got the stockings sorted with some of the unique handmade jewelry, ceramics, artworks, wooden toys, hand-drawn candles, and scented oils head for stalls serving unique flavors from around the world. And of course, no Munich Christmas Market is complete without classic glühwein and the traditional German culinary delights like bratwurst semmel, kartoffelpuffer with apple sauce, smoky flammlachs grilled over an open fire, crispy flammkuchen, or comforting schupfnudeln tossed with sauerkraut and bacon. Gebrannte mandeln, heiße maroni, and lebkuchen are irresistible for those with a sweet tooth.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Schwabing Market: From November 28 to December 24, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Schwabing Market:

From Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 08:30 PM

Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 08:30 PM

Christmas Eve: 11 AM to 2 PM

Address: Münchner Freiheit, 80802 München

The Christmas Market at the Chinesischer Turm is nestled in Munich’s idyllic English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Set around the iconic Chinese Tower, an 18th-century pagoda, it offers all the perks of a traditional Munich Christmas Market, along with a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Wander along wooden chalets glowing beneath towering chestnut trees and stalls illuminated by flickering festive lights showcasing the work of artisans and designers. Pick from a range of ceramics, textiles, leather goods, jewellery, homewares, decorations, candles, and more. Meet friends and family at crackling fire pits and sample steaming Bavarian delicacies like hearty soups, sizzling sausages, and warm glühwein. Go for a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy park under the sound of brass bands drifting through the frosty air. And if you’re in a festive mood, join in the Advent carol singing with the Rupert Meyer Choir. The Market is a magical winter wonderland for kids. They can take a spin on the historic carousel, go on a ride at the Children’s Railway, and meet none other than Saint Nicholas.

Munich Christmas Market dates for Chinesischer Turm Market: From November 20 to December 23, 2025.

Munich Christmas Market hours for Chinesischer Turm Market:

From Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM

December 22 & 23 - 11 AM to 8:30 PM

Address: Englischer Garten 3, 80538 München

Christmas Market Munich location?

The main Marienplatz Christmas Market is at Marienplatz. Yet, Munich hosts many different markets throughout the city center and surrounding districts. Some of them are just a short stroll away, while others like Tollwood or Chinesischer Turm, are easily reached by U-Bahn. Saving a map of Munich Christmas Markets will help you visualize the market areas, plan your route efficiently, and be sure you don’t miss any of the festive attractions.

When do Christmas Markets start in Munich?

Most Munich Xmas Markets open in late November, usually around the last week of November, and run until December 24. Yet, exact dates vary, so it’s best to check the official schedule for the ones you plan to visit.

What are Munich Christmas Market hours?

Typical opening hours are from Monday through Friday: 10:00 AM or 11 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays and Christmas Eve.

Should I bring cash or use a card at the markets?

You should bring cash (Euros). While some larger food vendors and indoor stores accept cards, the vast majority of small stalls selling crafts, glühwein, and small snacks only accept cash.

What is the best way to get between the Munich Xmas Markets?

Walking or using the U-Bahn (Subway). The central markets (Marienplatz, Residenz, Medieval) are easily walkable. For markets further afield (Tollwood, Chinese Tower), the U-Bahn is the fastest way to travel.

Are Munich Xmas Markets free to enter?

Yes! All of Munich’s Christmas markets have free entry. Moreover, at Tollwood Winter Festival, most activities, from live music and art installations to workshops and performances, are also free to enjoy.

Are Munich Christmas Markets family-friendly?

Yes, absolutely! Many markets have dedicated attractions like carousel rides, children’s workshops, puppet shows, Santa visits, and treats like hot chocolate and gingerbread hearts.