The 10 best Christmas markets in Munich for a magical winter adventure

The 10 best Christmas markets in Munich: Immerse yourself in the glow of Christmas lights, savour winter cuisine, and enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere. Munich’s Christmas markets are the perfect place to experience the magic of the holidays and do your seasonal shopping.

Every year in Munich, a multitude of Christmas markets spring up, offering a myriad of choices. Ready to plan your winter getaway to Munich? Put on a hat, gloves, and scarf, and set off to discover the coolest winter markets in this sumptuous German city.

Munich’s Christmas markets: A Journey through history

The winter markets in Munich are not only a fun place for shopping and tasting festive treats; they also embody a rich cultural tradition. Indeed, the tradition of Christmas markets in Munich dates back to the 14th century, when the first winter market was held in the city’s main square.

In mediaeval times, Munich’s markets were places where local artisans and bakers could sell their creations. They were also where people gathered to celebrate Christian holidays during the dark winter months. Today, Munich’s modern Christmas markets still feature stalls, crafts, and plenty of places to eat, drink, and enjoy the joy of life.

The best Christmas markets in Munich

Would you like to stay in Munich city centre during your next winter getaway? It’s the perfect place to enjoy some of Munich’s most spectacular Christmas markets. And if you want to know which ones to add to your Christmas list, here are our favourites:

1. The Marienplatz Christmas market

Held on Munich’s main Marienplatz square, the Marienplatz Christmas Market is the city’s original winter festival. It has been standing there since the Middle Ages, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world!

The market is located in front of the incredible neo-Gothic town hall in the city centre, giving it an authentic and romantic atmosphere. Adults can browse the many stalls selling carved pieces for nativity scenes. Meanwhile, children can enjoy free craft workshops held throughout the market.

The Marienplatz Christmas Market also offers live concerts by groups performing traditional music and Christmas carols. They perform from the balcony of City Hall throughout the season. The main square is easily accessible from different parts of the city, with an S-Bahn station and a metro station within a few minutes’ walk.

• Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 Munich, Germany

• Dates: November 27 to December 24, 2023

2. Christmas Village at the City Palace

The Christmas Village, located outside the historic Kaiserhof Residenz City Palace, is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Munich. The historic location gives it mediaeval authenticity, while the puppet shows and fairytale settings make it truly magical for children. It’s also a great choice if you want to see artisans at work. The fair usually features a wide range of traders who are more than happy to show off their expertise to their customers.

The market’s central location makes it easily accessible, no matter where you are staying in Munich. The Residenz is right next to the Odeonsplatz metro station and also on several major bus routes. The dates for this Christmas market in Munich generally extend until mid-November, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it.

• Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 Munich, Germany
• Dates: November 13 to December 22, 2023

3. Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is one of the best food markets in Munich, and it comes alive in the run-up to Christmas! During the festive season, visitors can enjoy delicious traditional snacks.

The market also offers a nice selection of traditional beers and spiced mulled wine. To add a little Christmas magic, the organisers set up a nativity scene in the garden each year. It is also decorated with some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in the city.

You will find the Viktualienmarkt between the Residenz and Marienplatz, right next to the National Theatre. It is also close to metro and bus stops. Although the food market is open year-round, the majority of Christmas products are available from the beginning of November until the first week of January.

• Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 Munich, Germany
• Dates: To be confirmed

4. Medieval Christmas Market

If you want to experience the unique flavours of historic tradition in Munich, don’t miss the Medieval Christmas Market. It is held on Wittelsbacherplatz, near the Palais Residenz, and offers a wide range of traditional artisan stalls. Exhibitors generally dress in mediaeval costumes, reinforcing the authentic and supernatural atmosphere of the festival.

The mediaeval market is an incredible place for food lovers, as many stalls sell traditional German dishes. Savour German pastries, prepared on-site, or try authentic grilled meats, fresh from the fire. It’s also the perfect place to sip mulled wine or Drachenglut (a type of mead).

• Address : Wittelsbacherplatz, Briennerstrasse 6-10
• Dates: November 27 to December 23, 2023

5. Tollwood Winter Festival

Are you looking for a Christmas market in Munich with a real festive atmosphere? The Tollwood Winter Festival is one of the city’s most vibrant winter celebrations. It takes place in Theresienhohe and combines art, theatre, and traditional gastronomy, all topped off with an incredible New Year’s celebration. Get ready to enjoy live musical performances, take part in events related to nature and ecology, or simply marvel at the superb light shows.

The festival usually runs until the end of December, with attractions and events continuing through the New Year’s Eve party. Tollwood also has many free events for children, and it is close to several U-Bahn stations (Metro).

• Address: Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
• Dates: November 23 to December 21, 2023

6. Christmas Mulled Wine Festival in Bogenhausen

Mulled wine is a must if you want to experience a traditional German Christmas. Held in the Bogenhausen Forest, on the northeastern outskirts of Munich, the Mulled Wine Festival is the perfect place to enjoy spiced wines and other delicious Christmas drinks.

Visitors to the festival can taste a variety of drinks and enjoy delicious, festive, and authentic snacks. This includes many traditional Christmas treats, such as marzipan, gingerbread, and stollen. The festival also organises free activities for children, such as carousel rides, puppet shows, and storytelling sessions.

This festive event takes place at the Cosmibad festival site and is easily accessible by tram lines 16 and 37. You can also reach the site by U-Bahn (metro) line U4.

• Address: Cosimastraße 5, Munich, Germany
• Dates: November 16 to December 30

7. The Schwabing Christmas market

If you’re a fan of arts and crafts, the Schwabing Christmas Market must be on your schedule. This Munich Christmas market is home to an annual sculpture trail and an art tent where you can admire the works of local artists. It also hosts unique art installations each year and offers numerous free workshops as well as various live performances.

Schwabing Market is located near Tivoli, on a major tram line. It is also close to the Bonner Platz metro station, making it much easier to connect to the city centre.

• Address : Forum Münchner Freiheit, Munich, Germany
• Dates: December 1 to 24

8. The Fairy Bazaar at Olympiapark

If you want to capture the enchantment of Christmas in a friendly outdoor setting, check out the Bazar Féérique Christmas market at Olympiapark. The market features a range of stalls selling crafts, jewellery, and classic Bavarian delicacies. Many entertaining workshops and play areas are also available for children.

One of the best aspects of the Bazar Féérique is the cosy bar located in the heart of the festival where you can enjoy a glass (or two) of mulled wine. This Munich Christmas market is ideal for anyone who likes to get out and explore the surrounding nature.

• Address: Olympiapark, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 100, Munich, Germany
• Dates: November 23 to December 29

9. Moonlight Express, Bahnwarter Thiel

The Moonlight Express Christmas Market is a truly unique experience for visitors to Munich, blending an industrial venue with a cosy Christmas atmosphere. This Christmas market sees the disused train tracks and surrounding area transformed into a festive venue, with arts and crafts stalls, live music, and cabaret performances.

It’s a great place to spend a fun and romantic evening or to have a glass of mulled wine and catch up with friends. Of course, there is also a market with all sorts of things on sale. Moonlight Express Market is also close to several metro stations, making it easy to access from the city centre.

• Address : Bahnwärter Thiel, Tumblingerstrasse 45, Atelierpark, Munich, Germany
• Dates : November 23 to December 23

10. Neuhauser Market

The Neuhauser Market is a great place to find beautiful handcrafted Christmas decorations or Christmas gifts. This Munich Christmas market is notable for its specialisation in crafts, including candles, soaps, and decorative items. It is also a pleasant and relaxing place to spend time.

Want to try your luck? The market features a raffle that visitors can enter, as well as regular live music performances. You can find Neuhauser Market near Rotkreuzplatz square. The square is ideally served by tram stops, a metro station, and several bus lines.

• Address: Rotkreuzplatz, Munich, Germany
• Dates: To come

Also Read: Christmas in London: Where Winter Magic Meets Urban Charm in the Heart of the British Capital:https://shamelesstravels.com/christmas-in-london-where-winter-magic-meets-urban-charm-in-the-heart-of-the-british-capital/