Munich Christmas Market Guide (Map + Dates 2023)

The Christmas market in Munich is not only one of the best in Germany, but also one of the oldest. Dating from the 14th century, it’s a centuries-old tradition (and a really nice one)! Initially, it was known as Nikolausmarkt, then in the 19th century, renamed to Christkindlmarkt.

Its location also changed several times during the centuries. However, since 1972, it occupies the central city square, Marienplatz, making it even more beautiful.

Besides the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, you can find smaller ones all over the city. This guide covers the most popular and unique Christmas markets in the beautiful city of Munich.

Munich is home to more than 10 markets and the main one is at Marienplatz. The rest (at least the most popular ones) are located within the Old Town, making them easy to reach in just a few minutes. Sometimes it’s even hard to distinguish one from another, as where one market ends, another begins.

And if you’re arriving from Munich airport, you’ll be surprised by a Christmas market in the middle of the airport!

For those who look for more markets (off the beaten path), you’ll find them outside the Old Town. If you want to explore them, I’d suggest you buy a Group Day Ticket. It’s valid for a group of 2 up to 5 persons, and it’s a real deal. 

The best Munich Christmas markets 2023

• Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz
• Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz
• Medieval Christmas Market
• Rindermarkt
• Sendlinger Tor
• Pink Christmas Market
• Neuhauser market
• Chinese Tower Christmas market
• Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt
• Märchenbazar
• Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt

You can find a handy map of all the markets at the end of the article.

When do Munich Christmas markets start?

The main market at Marienplatz starts on 27 November and ends on Christmas Eve around noon. The smaller ones usually start a few days later and continue till 24 December.

Are Munich Christmas markets open on Sunday?
Yes, all of them are open on Sunday with standard working hours.

Is there any market after Christmas?
No, all of them close on 24 December. The only exception is the Fairytale Market which continues until 29 December. However, it’s not a traditional one, it’s more like a fair. 

Munich Christmas market dates 2023

From 27 November to 24 December 2023
Daily from 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM 

For more details check each market’s opening times (below in the post).

This is my top 6 list of the best Christmas markets in Munich. I’d recommend you to visit all of them, as each is unique and worth the time. All markets are conveniently located within the Old Town.

If you have time only for one, visit the Christmas market at Marienplatz (Münchner Christkindlmarkt in German). Marienplatz is the city’s main square and the most lively place, especially in December.

Featuring more than 150 wooden stalls, this is the largest market in the city. And the backdrop is more than perfect – an impressive Gothic Town Hall, festively illuminated in the evenings. A huge Christmas tree, decorated with 3,000 sparkling lights, creates a fairytale ambience.

The wooden huts offer all kinds of Christmas sweet treats, delightful snacks and handmade crafts. This is the place to try Lebkuchen (traditional German gingerbread), as here you’ll find an enormous variety. Then get a glass of mulled wine and enjoy the magical atmosphere.

If you look for unique Christmas ornaments, you’ll find them here.

As you can imagine, because of being so popular, this is also the most touristy and crowded market. So get there early, around 5-6 PM, before getting really busy. Plus, if you go early, you can enjoy some Advent music (played daily at 5:30 PM from the balcony of the Town Hall).

And if you venture into the courtyard of the Town Hall, you’ll find a Christmas Post office. From here, you can send a letter (stamped with the original “Christkindl” stamp) to your friends and family. The post office is open daily (27 November – 15 December) from 12:00 PM to 06:00 PM.

Münchner Christkindlmarkt Opening times
From 27 November to 24 December
Address: Marienplatz and Kaufingerstraße, 80331 München

Nothing can be more magical than a Christmas village, set in a courtyard of a palace. Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz (in German) is a small market, featuring a cosy Alpine atmosphere.

The wooden stalls are stocked with local artisan products and authentic Bavarian Christmas tree decorations. There is even a special kids’ section with animated life-size stuffed animals telling stories!

And while you’re in the area, don’t miss to tour the palace itself. This former royal palace is the largest city palace in Germany. You’ll need at least 3-4 hours to see it all.

Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz Opening times
From 23 November to 22 December
Address: Courtyard, Residenzstrasse 1 (right next to Odeonsplatz)
dasweihnachtsdorf.de

Mittelaltermarkt (in German) is the place to go if you look for an authentic experience. It recreates the atmosphere of a real German market from the Middles Ages.

In the hand-carved wooden stalls you’ll find merchants in medieval costumes selling quality craft products, jewellery, ceramics, clothing, etc. All from the medieval period.

This is where you’ll find the best mulled wine in all of Munich. It is made following an ancient recipe, boiled in a cauldron. You can find it under the name of Würzwein (spiced wine) or Drachenglut (dragon’s blood). Served in clay goblets, it really adds to the medieval atmosphere.

And my last tip is to try the food in any case! The sausages and bread are roasted on open beechwood fires, making them more than delicious.

Mittelaltermarkt Opening times
From 27 November to 23 December  
Address: Wittelsbacherplatz, 80333 München 
mittelaltermarkt-muenchen.de

This little market is just a few minutes away from the Marienplatz. A gigantic Christmas Pyramid and star-shaped twinkle lights create a cosy atmosphere.

And while the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is great to taste some sweet delights, this is the place for savoury options. The crowds are thinner and you can actually find a spot to enjoy your meal. This is almost impossible in the main market. Don’t miss the sandwiches with flame-roasted salmon.

Sternenplatzl am Rindermarkt Opening times
From 27 November to 24 December
Address: Rindermarkt 7, 80331 München

This market is held at one of the few remaining gates from the medieval city walls. Although traditionally decorated in Bavarian style, it will surprise you with goods from all over the world.

You can even find glass from Murano, Indian handicrafts and cribs from Peru! A perfect place if you’re looking for a non-traditional gift.

Christkindlmarkt am Sendlinger Tor Opening times
From 27 November to 22 December
Address: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 12, 80331 München
sendlinger-tor.com

For an alternative vibe, visit the Pink market. As its name suggests, it is decorated in 50 shades of pink and purple. A real pink fairytale!

It’s a small, but unique place and there is nothing traditional in it. The Pink Christmas market is organized by the LGBT community of the city, but welcomes all visitors.

Evenings are very lively, full of drag queen shows and cabaret performances. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, while you’re looking for quirky gifts under the pink lights.

Pink Christmas Market Opening times
From 27 November to 23 December
Address: Stephansplatz, 80337 München 
pink-christmas.de

If you look for less touristy and off-the-beaten markets, check out below. Located outside the Old Town, they have a more local feeling.

This is a great stop on your way back to the city centre after a visit to Nymphenburg Palace. Located on Rotkreuzplatz, just outside the metro station, this small picturesque market is not to be missed.

The wooden huts are fully stocked with music boxes, glass artworks, wood carvings and semi-precious stones. Live music every day after 5:30 PM adds to the festive atmosphere.

Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Opening hours
From 27 November to 23 December
Address: Rotkreuzplatz 2, 80634 Munich
weihnachtsmarkt-muenchen-neuhausen.de

The English Garden is one of the city’s largest parks. In the summer months, the place is popular for its huge beer garden, located at the bottom of the Chinese Tower.

However, every Advent season, the English Garden gets a new life. The area is transformed into a winter fairytale, featuring a nostalgic carousel and curling rings. There are even horse-drawn carriage rides (starting point at the Chinese Tower)!

Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm Opening hours
From 26 November to 23 December
From Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00 AM to 08:30 PM
Address: Englischer Garten 3, 80538 München
weihnachtsmarkt-chinaturm.de

Located at Weißenburger Platz in the French Quarter, this small market features an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The beautiful square is transformed into a magical fairytale with hundreds of sparkling lights. Balloon artists and puppet shows are there to entertain the little ones!

Don’t miss to try the Christmator, a beer brewed specially for Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt!

Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Opening hours
From 27 November to 24 December
Daily from 11:00 AM to 08:30 PM
On Christmas Eve – 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Address: Weißenburger Platz, 81667 München
haidhauser-weihnachtsmarkt.de

Tired of all the traditional Christmas markets in Munich? Then this one is for you. The atmosphere is less Christmas with an alternative vibe and looks more like a typical fair.

The booths offer a wide range of international culinary options, including vegan doners, exotic Indian meals and of course the classic Bratwurst.

And the best part – it’s open on Christmas day!

Märchenbazar Opening hours
From 28 November to 29 December
Daily from 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM (closed on Christmas Eve)
Address: Leonrodplatz, Dachauer Straße 114, 80337 München

Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt is a must for every art lover. It features dozens of artists from all over Germany. Take your time and enjoy the art tents, abstract sculptures and various performances.

Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt Opening hours
From 27 November to 24 December
From Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00 AM to 08:30 PM
24th December – 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Address: Münchner Freiheit, 80802 München
schwabingerweihnachtsmarkt.de

The best area to stay in Munich for the Christmas markets is in the Old Town, near Marienplatz. In this way, you’d be within walking distance of 6 main markets. Avoid staying near the Central train station, the area is not nice.

Find out more in my in-depth guide to where to stay in Munich.

This boutique hotel next to Marienplatz, offers a great spa area and 16th-century restaurant. Awesome breakfast with local and international products.
Why book – ideal location for Christmas markets, breakfast includes fresh honeycomb and home-made pancakes

This first-class hotel is right in the heart of the historic centre, at walking distance to everything. Spacious and comfy rooms with a traditional ambience. Private parking and a restaurant on site.
Why book – great location for Christmas markets, sightseeing and transport links, spacious rooms

A luxurious, historic hotel, conveniently located close to everything. Bayerischer Hof features 5 gourmet restaurants, 6 bars, a beauty salon and spa with a rooftop pool. The perfect place for a special holiday in December!
Why book – ideal location for shopping and tourism, excellent spa with rooftop pool

Take the Free Walking Tour of Munich and explore the city with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll discover the most famous sights and the deepest secrets of the city’s history.

If you ever wanted to go to Oktoberfest, Wintertollwood Festival is your chance. Held on the same grounds as the famous festival, Wintertollwood can be described as its smaller brother. It’s like a Christmas themed Octoberfest.

The festival takes place from 24 November and ends with a New Year’s Eve party. On 24 December the festival grounds are closed.

You’ll find goods and foods from all over the world. Live stage performances ensure a good mood throughout the whole evening.

Location: Theresienwiese, 80336 München
tollwood.de

Although you can try this legendary drink at every market, I’d suggest you go to Isartor gate. Here you’ll find booths specialized in preparing the queen of winter drinks, Feuerzangenbowle. You can even buy Feuerzangenbowle bottles to take back home.

Opening hours
From 23 November to 6 January
Daily – from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24 December – from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM
New Year’s Eve – from 11:00 AM – open end
Address: Tal 50, 80331 München
muenchner-feuerzangenbowle.de

If it’s too cold outside, take the Christmas tram and enjoy a ride around the city while drinking some Glühwein.

You can take the tram from Sendlinger Tor (the journey lasts about 35min). The trams run on the hour and a half-hour from 3 PM to 7:30 PM. During the weekends – from 11:30 AM (more info here).

If you’re tired of drinking wine, or it’s just not your thing, take a walking beer tour. Discover the city’s legendary beer-making history while visiting several beer halls, including the world-famous Hofbräuhaus.

Enjoy a classical concert in the Hofkapelle at Munich Residenz, where Mozart himself used to play. The concert program includes masterpieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and Mozart.

You can book tickets for the concert here.

No trip to Munich is complete without seeing Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s one of the most famous castles not only in Germany but in all of Europe.

Getting there is a little tricky, especially in the winter. So, I’d recommend you taking book tickets for the concert here. It’s excellently organized (plus, the tour also includes the Linderhof Castle).

One of the best parts of visiting any market is trying the food and especially local specialities. So, here are the top 8 Christmas markets foods that you have to try in Munich.

Feuerzangenbowle

Let’s start with the drinks. I guess you’re probably already familiar with the popular drink called Glühwein. It’s mulled wine with spices. Usually, you can add a shot of rum or amaretto to make it stronger.

However, here in Bavaria, besides the standard version, you can find the so-called Feuerzangenbowle. It’s a mulled wine, topped with a sugar cube soaked in rum and then lit on fire.

My tip: Try the Glühwein (known as Dragenblut) with a shot of amaretto at the Medieval Christmas Market.

Wurst

You’re in Germany, so you will be surrounded by sausages of all kinds and sizes. Don’t judge by their size and look for the smallest ones. They are called Nürnberger Rostbratwursts and they are super tasty! Usually served in groups of 3 in a bun, it’s the perfect addition to a glass of Glühwein.

My tip: Taste the Nürnberger Rostbratwursts at the Medieval Christmas Market (again).

Flame roasted salmon

This flame-roasted salmon was one of the best I’ve tried in my life. Garnished with cabbage salad and served in a bun, it is to die for!

My tip: You’ll find these salmon hamburgers at Rindermarkt market.

Elisenlebkuchen

If you like gingerbread, you’ll fall in love with the Elisenlebkuchen. These soft round gingerbread cookies are baked on top of a thin wafer paper and topped with chocolate or icing. And they contain little to no flour!

My tip: Buy some from the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz. Here you’ll find the widest variety.

Stollen

It’s a sweet bread with a filling of dried fruits, nuts, poppy seeds and marzipan. Yummy! It’s one of my favourite Christmas treats.

Where to find it? Again, Marienplatz is the place to go.

Kokosmakronen

This is a coconut macaroon (cookie), a must-eat if you like coconuts. Usually, you’ll find them at the stalls that sell Elisenlebkuchen.

Schneebälle

It’s a shortcrust pastry shaped like a snowball, covered in chocolate and nuts.

Marzipan

Marzipan is primarily made of sugar and ground almonds. You’ll find it everywhere, cut into thin coloured slices, each individually packed.

The Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is less than 500m away from the Old Town. Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site.

Munich Airport (MUC) is located about 30km away from the city. The easiest way to get to the city centre is by booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. I recommend this airport transfer (more than 380 excellent reviews).

Another option is by train. The S-Bahn lines (S1 and S8) connect the airport to the city centre at 10-minute intervals. The journey is approximately 35min.

The low-cost airlines, Wizzair and Ryanair, fly to Memmingen Airport, known as Allgäu Airport Memmingen (FMM). From there you can take the Allgäu Airport Express to Munich (journey time about 1h20min). Another option is FlixBus (same journey time, cheaper in most cases).

To help you navigate, I made this map with all the markets. You can use it during your trip, you only need internet access.

The popular markets are marked in dark red, the rest – in light red.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous and oldest in Germany. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area.

You can do it on a day trip from Munich. There are regular trains and the journey is about 1h.

Yet, if you aren’t short on time, I’d recommend you spend at least 1 night in Nuremberg. There is a lot to see!

Dachau is infamous with its concentration camp. However, a lesser-known fact is that there is a Christmas market and a palace in the city! As the concentration camp is situated far from the city centre, most of the tourists never even bother to go there.

You’ll find Dachau Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall. It is small, cosy and it features the largest advent calendar in all of Bavaria! So, if you’re visiting the concentration camp, take your time and make your way to the lovely Old Town of Dachau.

Dachau Christkindlmarkt Opening hours
From 29 November to 23 December
From Monday to Friday – 03:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday – 12:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 2, 85221, Dachau
christkindlmarkt-dachau.de

If you’re arriving by air, you’ll be put in a holiday mood as soon as you get off of your plane. And the reason for this is that there is a Christmas market at the airport! Not every airport can boast with such a thing.

The Wintermarkt features a pine forest with a big ice-rink and over 40 stands. It’s perfect for a glass of mulled wine before your flight back home.

Weihnachts- und Wintermarkt Opening hours
From 13 November to 30 December
Daily – from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM
24 December – until 05:00 PM
Address: MAC-Forum, Terminalstraße Mitte 18, 85356 München-Flughafen
munich-airport.com