Munich, Germany Christmas Market Guide
Munich is a great place to base your Germany Christmas market trip out of. Munich is well connected internationally with its airport. Munich is the heart of Bavaria and there are many nearby Christmas markets you can visit as well. You can also add Austria to your itinerary easily. In this post, I’ll give you the information you need about visiting the best markets in Munich and how to visit the best markets in the surrounding areas. This Munich, Germany Christmas market guide will help you plan your Christmas market trip to maximize your time and make lasting memories.
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How to Get to Munich
Fly into Franz Josef Strauss International Airport. This airport is well connected internationally. There is another smaller airport outside of the city called Memmingen that can be reached through budget airlines from other European cities.
You’ll get an added bonus flying into Munich (MUC) because the airport has a Christmas market on-site! You don’t even have to leave the airport before getting your first mug of gluhwein! This might give you an extra incentive to get to the airport early before your flight home as well! More specifics about the Munich Christmas Market below!
Airport Christmas Market
What is better than stepping right off the plane and into a Christmas market? The Munich airport really thought of it all when they decided to put a market here. It’s conveniently located in between the two terminals and also features an ice rink! Get your glühwein, your bratwurst, and your pommes before you head into the city or while you’re on a long layover. Make sure to check the website here for all the details and offerings.
Special Events: ice discos, family days, painting your own ceramics, and making ornaments.
Dates: November 14-December 28
Times: Monday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Getting Around Munich
There are pros and cons to both methods so it really depends on your trip itinerary and the needs of your group. If you will just visit Munich, I would recommend not renting a car and just using public transportation. There is no need for a car if you won’t leave the city. Parking in Munich can be a pain and you will almost always have to pay for it.
Trains for long distances
If you are adding other cities onto your itinerary, using the train is still a good option most of the time. The Deutsche Bahn website is easy to use and has an english option. You don’t always have to purchase your tickets far in advance but you may get the best rates and times that way. Sometimes popular routes/times can sell out during high times.
Knowing the details of the tickets you purchase is important in Germany. They are not always transferable to another time/route if you change your mind or miss your first train, and fines can be hefty for breaking the rules. You can expect your ticket to be checked almost every time you ride the train.
You can also use the DB app and keep your ticket on your phone. You don’t need to go to a representative to purchase, you can easily do it from your phone. Make sure you get your data situation sorted with an esim before you go. That way you can hit the ground and stay connected immediately without getting charged an arm and a leg for data.
Using the train to get around Germany is easy. Make it easier on yourself by packing light. Dragging heavy bags through the train stations can be annoying. Elevators are sometimes not easy to find or easy to access. Be prepared to carry bags up and down stairs.
But once you are on the train, you can sit back and relax and not worry about directions, traffic, or parking. Children up to the age of 5 ride free on DB trains and don’t need their own ticket. Children 6-14 travel free with an adult but do include them in your ticket booking.
Using Public Transportation in Munich
Munich has a robust network of buses, trams, ubahn, and sbahn trains. It is pretty easy to use to navigate the city. You can use the same ticket for all of these. Note: the tickets for these systems are not the same as Deutsche Bahn tickets. Children under 6 can travel free using any of these methods. Buy tickets using the MVG or MVV apps or in stations with automatic kiosks. Read all the details about using public transportation in Munich.
Renting a Car
Renting a car is my preference when traveling with kids because its more flexible, you have room for more stuff, and you don’t worry about your kids being loud or having a tantrum and bothering other people. Its definitely easier to throw a stroller in the car than to push it through train stations while also hauling bags.
Sometimes it is also more affordable to rent a car versus the price of train tickets for a family. If you rent a car, check the parking situation at your hotel. Do they have a parking lot provided for free or will you have to find paid street parking elsewhere?
Driving in Germany is easy overall. Contrary to what you might see on the internet, there is actually a speed limit on the autobahn at times. There is only no speed limit after you see a certain sign, so you have to pay attention. Germany loves speed cameras and they are everywhere in Munich and fairly common on the autobahn as well.
You should know that the left lane of the autobahn is literally only for passing. Do not sit there. You will get a car flying up behind you flashing their high beams for you to get out of the way. Download the EasyPark app on your phone and add the rental car. Many places in Europe use this app as a method to pay for metered spots and paid lots.
Munich, Germany Christmas Marekt List
Ok let’s get to the good stuff-the markets! Big cities like Munich have multiple Christmas markets located all over the city. This is so nice because you can visit different parts of the city and check out the different vibes in all of the markets.
I pre-saved the Christmas market locations, playgrounds, restaurants, and other Munich things to do on this custom Google map which you can download for FREE! Just add your info in the box below. The link will show up after you submit and you’ll also get the link to your inbox, just in case!
Marienplatz
This is the main Munich, Germany Christmas market. It’s at the centerpiece of the city-the Marienplatz. This is a beautiful market with the striking Rathaus backdrop. Don’t miss going inside the courtyard of the Rathaus for some small booths tucked in there and a special market (Kripplermarkt) featuring 10 booths selling only nativity sets is near St. Peter’s Church. From Sunday to Thursday starting at 5:15 PM you can hear local musicians on the balcony of the Rathaus.
The himmelwerkstatt is an area for children ages 6-12 where they can make some crafts like candles or Christmas cards. They have golden robes and angel wings for children to dress up in. Find the meeting point at the Town Hall gate at Fischbrunnen (fountain). The workshop is located in the Ratstrinkstube (councillors’ tavern) in the Town Hall. Limited number of participants.
Christmas Tram
I never knew about this when I lived in Garmisch, but apparently there is a Christmas tram! Tickets are only 5 euros and you can get festive food and drinks on board. Departures are every 45 minutes on Fridays between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on weekends between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The trip takes about 30 minutes, you cannot get on/off at other stops. The route goes from Brunnenschleife to Sendlinger-Tor-Platz. Reserve tickets here.
Dates: November 24 - December 24
Times: Mon.-Sat. 10 am – 9 pm, Sun. 10 am – 8 pm, Dec. 24. 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Marienplatz
Ubahn Stop: Marienplatz
Medieval Market
This is often people’s favorite Christmas market in Munich because it’s fun and different. The medieval market will transport you back to another time (circa 1320). Don’t miss their giant clay goblets and the charm of the old world style booths. You’ll find vendors in costumes and a more old world look and feel to this market.
Dates: November 24 - December 23
Times: daily from 11am to 9pm
Location: Wittelsbacherplatz, Brienner Straße 6-10
Ubahn Stop: Odeonsplatz
Christmas Village at the Residenz
I like this Munich Christmas market because it is a bit smaller and less overwhelming than the market at the Marienplatz. It is also really beautiful and feels sophisticated! The Christmas pyramid (looks like a decorated tower with fan on top) is in here and a couple cute photo spots for kids. On Tuesdays, children can get their face painted by the Talking Mouse from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This market is really charming, don’t miss stopping by!
Dates: November 17th - December 22nd (closed Tottensontag-November 23)
Times: daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location: Residenz Courtyard, entrance from Odeonsplatz
Ubahn Stop: Odeonsplatz
Tollwood
This is a quirky, eclectic Christmas market that has a unique feel to it. It features more international style food and goods. It is set at the site of Oktoberfest, on the large fairgrounds there. Tollwood Winter Festival features daily fire shows, concerts, a children’s tent, eisstock (Bavarian curling) and creative art installations.
Dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 23
Times: Mon – Fri from 2 PM - 10:30 PM, Sat & Sun from 11 AM - 11:30 PM
Location: Theriesenwiese
Ubahn Stop: Theriesenwiese
Pink Market
I love this market, its small but such a fun vibe. This is Munich’s LGBTQ friendly market, but ALL are welcome! The market doesn’t open until the evening when it lights up with pink lights, disco balls, pink Santas, and a DJ. They also have rainbow mugs and a prosecco bar! There is a tiny carousel for little ones as well.
Dates: November 24 - December 21
Times: Mon to Fri 4 PM - 10 PM, Sat & Sun 2 PM - 10 PM
Location: Stephansplatz
Ubahn Stop: Sedlinger Tor
Fairytale Market at Olympic Park
This market might be more geared towards families with it’s fairytale theme. You can find acrobatic performances in the circus tent, food, drinks, live music, and children’s program with storytelling and puppet shows.
Dates: November 27 - December 23
Times: Mon - Wed: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Thu - Fri: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sat. 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sun. 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: Olympic Park South
Ubahn Stop: not convenient, check bus and tram directions on Google Maps
Sedlinger Tor
This is a small Christmas market, I wouldn’t make a point to go here but if you’re nearby you might as well do a little walkthrough. It is close to the Pink Market.
Dates: November 24 - December 22
Times: daily 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: Sedlinger Tor
Ubahn Stop: Sedlinger Tor
Krampus Run
This isn’t a Christmas market but it is a unique Christmas event in Munich. If you haven’t heard of Krampus it is a scary demon-like creature who whips bad children and even kidnaps them. Somehow this turned into a fun tradition in this region and through the Alps.
You can expect a bunch of scary looking guys walking through the streets with loud bells and I have heard many times that yes, they will hit you with a stick. Some people love it, I think its terrifying and never took my kids because I didn’t want to scare them. You know your crew best.
Dates: December 14
Times: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Near the main market at the Marienplatz, map of the Krampus route
Ubahn Stop: Marienplatz
You can find even more Christmas markets in Munich here with descriptions and information. The ones I listed are the most centrally located, popular, and the ones I think are realistically worth your time.
Where to Stay in Munich
As mentioned before, Munich is really well-connected by public transportation. You can afford not to stay right in the heart of the city if you prefer something more quiet or more budget friendly. Staying in the center of town will make it easier for you to just walk from place to place. There aren’t really bad neighborhoods in Munich. I’ve never felt like any area was sketchy or unsafe.
Here’s some suggestions for you that I’ve vetted and would book for myself. You can also use the map feature to dial in your preferences and budget even more.
Hotel Uhland-has family rooms, close to public transportation, great reviews
King’s Hotel First-family rooms, budget-friendly, close to the main train station
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost-includes breakfast, indoor pool and spa facilities
Cortina Hotel-very centrally located near Viktualienmarkt, includes breakfast, and has two-bedroom suites
What to Eat at Munich Christmas Markets
You should always arrive hungry to Christmas markets! There are so many delicious foods to try. My best advice is to share your food with the people you’re with. That way you have more room in your stomach to keep trying things! Some of the must-try foods are:
Bratwurst: many varieties, try a few! My favorite are the Nuremberger sausages.
Crepes: sweet or savory, there is a stand in the Marienplatz that has so many varieties.
Gluhwein (of course)
Feurzangenbowle: glühwein but more fun because it is served literally on fire!
Pretzel: sounds boring but it’s not, they are so good in Bavaria, also try with butter if you see it.
Langos: Hungarian dish that has become a staple at markets. Fried dough, sour cream, garlic, cheese, and other toppings if you want.
Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen: fried potato pancakes typically served with applesauce but I like them with garlic sauce.
Also…whatever looks good! If you see someone with something that looks tasty, don’t be shy to ask what it is and where they got it. Most people you come in contact with will speak some degree of english. Google translate is also your best friend for communicating.
What to Buy at the Munich Christmas Market
Shopping at the markets is the other big draw besides eating. You will find everything from handmade items to mass produced things. You have to wander around and check out the offerings. I will say, if you really like something you see, just buy it. If you walk away, chances are you’ll move on to another market and won’t make it back to get that thing you really wanted. No one wants not-buyer’s remorse. Treat yo’self if you really love it.
Some of the popular items to shop for are:
Paper Stars: these are one of my favorite purchases, they look amazing as decor when you get home and the fold up really flat and are lightweight. PERFECT for traveling! They will sell them to you with a cord or stand so that you can make them light up. I bought without because of the idea of moving countries and plugs and I just hang them from my ceiling. Definitely recommend!
Candle votives: at every market they tend to have these little metal candle holders with a small windmill at the top with dangling decorations. You light the candle and the windmill part spins around from the heat. I have one with skiers, they have all kinds of designs though.
Ornaments: it will be hard to choose because you’ll see a lot of really cute ones. I love the hand-blown glass ornaments that come in every conceivable object but I rarely buy them because I fear them breaking in a suitcase or in a move. I tend to go for flat, wooden, metal, or cloth ones instead for less worries.
Nativity sets or pieces: in case you missed it before, there is a small market near the Marienplatz dedicated to nativity sets and pieces.
Wooden toys: often at Christmas markets there are booths selling wooden puzzles, games, and other toy items.
Munich Christmas Market Tips
After visiting Christmas markets year after year, these are the things I would tell my besties to help make their experience the best it can be.
Bring cash
People are often surprised by this one but it’s particularly important in Germany, and even more so in Bavaria. Cash is still king and it is very common that people will only take cash and not accept cards. Don’t ask me why, I don’t have a good answer. It just is. You can grab euros at an ATM nearby the markets, but definitely keep it on hand.
Dress Warm
This one sounds obvious, but many people underestimate how cold it will be at night and being out at the market for hours on end. Dress warm over dressing cute for photos. If you’re cold, you’ll be miserable and double that misery if your kids are cold. Make sure they are layered up too.
My general formula is:
Wool base layers +
sweater & jeans +
wool socks +
waterproof boots +
heavy coat that covers my butt +
hat, gloves, scarf +
hand-warmers & toe-warmers to be safe
Repeat this for every family member.
How Pfand works
When you buy any drink at a Christmas market in Munich (or anywhere in Germany), your total price will be the drink price + pfand (a deposit). So when the menu says “Glühwein…4” you will also need to find the pfand price and add that to the total. Expect to pay roughly 3-5 euros for the pfand. If you give the mug back when you are done, you’ll get the pfand returned to you. If you want to keep the mug, you can (many do) and you’ll have a very inexpensive souvenir.
This is true for kids drinks and non-alcoholic drinks also!
Restrooms
Public restrooms in Munich in general are kind of hard to come by. My rule is everyone has to go to the bathroom at the hotel before we leave and before we leave any restaurant or cafe. Go when the toilet is accessible to you whether you have to go or not. Otherwise you’ll need to have coins on hand for a public restroom in either a department store, subway station, or wherever else you find one!
What Else to Do in Munich
You should absolutely fit some other activities into your days. Without going into super details about each one, here is a quick list of the top things to do in Munich. If you want more detailed information, check out this post about visiting Munich with Kids where I go into more details.
Climb the tower, Alter Peter
Viktualienmarkt (food market, also festivally decorated for the season)
River Surfers at Eisbach
English Garden (find a Christmas market at the Chinese Tower)
Hellabrunn Zoo
BMW Welt
Deutsches Museum
Tour the Residenz (don’t miss the treasury)
Nymphenburg Palace
Christmas Market Itinerary Suggestions
Now let’s talk about what else you can add onto your trip! Here are some sample itineraries depending on how much time you have. I would modify these slightly if traveling with kids. If you’re going to Munich with Kids, then I think Schloss Kaltenberg is a must (more info below).
5 day Munich Christmas Market Itinerary
Day 1 Land in Munich, Marienplatz market
Day 2 Residenz market, Medieval market, Pink market
Day 3 Other tourist attractions in Munich
Day 4 Day trip to Nuremberg
Day 5 Fly home
7 day Munich Christmas Market Itinerary
Day 1 Land in Munich, Marienplatz market
Day 2 Residenz market, Medieval market, Pink market
Day 3 Other tourist attractions in Munich
Day 4 Get to Nuremberg, See Nuremberg Market
Day 5 Day trip Rothenburg (stay in Nuremberg)
Day 6 Finish sights in Nuremberg, Get back to Munich
Day 7 Fly home
10 day Munich Christmas Market Itinerary
Day 1 Land in Munich, Marienplatz market
Day 2 Residenz market, Medieval market, Pink market
Day 3 Other tourist attractions in Munich
Day 4 Get to Nuremberg, See Nuremberg Market
Day 5 Day trip Rothenburg (stay in Nuremberg)
Day 6 Day trip from Nuremberg to Schloss Guteneck
Day 7 Get to Regensburg, Thurn & Taxis market
Day 8 Get to Salzburg & Salzburg market
Day 9 Salzburg market & sights, get back to Munich
Day 10 Fly home
Munich Day Trips
These can all be done in a day but for many of them you may want to stay overnight if your schedule allows. That slows the pace of your trip and lets you experience the location a bit less rushed. A few of them are true day trips and I wouldn’t suggest staying there overnight. I added a button to help you find hotels in places where you may want to stay a little longer.
Schloss Kaltenberg
For me this market is the top of the pack when it comes to Christmas markets with kids. It is a Christmas market with a medieval fairy tale theme. The setting is a real castle and you feel instantly like your’re in a storybook. There are characters walking around passing out candy or just having fun with visitors. There are interactive things to do, a playground, musical performances, and the booths are all medieval themed as well. You need to stay for the nighttime because when it is all lit up, the feeling is even more magical.
NEED TO KNOW:
The parking lot is very muddy, be careful about where you park and wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Open only on weekends and you must buy a ticket
Dates: Advent weekends Fridays-Sundays only
Times: Fridays: 16:00 to 21:30, Saturdays: 12:30 to 21:30, Sundays: 11:30 to 20:00
How to Get There:
Public Transportion: To get to the Geltendorf station, take the S-Bahn (S4), the regional express train from Munich or Lindau/Füssen or the BRB from Augsburg or Schongau.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is one of the most famous German Christmas markets. Nuremberg is a pretty city by itself, but adding in the market is that extra dose of charm. Nuremberg features a kids Christmas market close by to the main market. You’ll find activities like cookie decorating, candle making, and visits with St. Nikolaus. There are also a few rides here that young kids will enjoy.
Nearby the main market you can also find a small area of international food booths. I recommend eating here also! Am I the only one who gets tired of bratwurst??
When you visit Nuremberg, make sure you try:
Lebkuchen-this is the real gingerbread that was born in Nuremberg. It normally comes in circles and they should be soft and chewy. There’s also different flavors and varieties to try
Nurnberger bratwurst-these are my favorite type of bratwurst. They are small and served with three of them in a roll. Don’t forget to add the mustard!
Dates: November 27 to December 24 2026
Times: 10 am to 9 pm
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Another classic Christmas town nearby is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You can take the train here from Nuremberg in about an hour. This is a walled medieval town that is overflowing with charm. Rothenburg is the original home to Käthe Wohlfahrt, the queen of Christmas. If you haven’t heard of this store, its a Christmas explosion. They have every kind of ornament and German Christmas decoration you can imagine. It is a very fun store but a little pricey.
Also in Rothenburg:
try the schneeballen, a very interesting type of baked good that is literally in the shape of a ball.
Take a tour with the night watchman. This is a classic tour that you should take if you are staying long enough, the guide is a real character!
Dates: November 20 - December 23
Times:
Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 19pm
Friday and Saturday from 11am to 20pm
Regensburg
One of the best and most underrated Christmas markets in Germany is the Thurn und Taxis Romantic Market. It’s set inside the grounds of a castle and the vibes are immaculate. It feels very romantic or enchanting to visit this almost medieval style market that is scattered through the garden and inner castle courtyard. You do have to buy tickets to this market but it is well worth it. Even though it is labeled “romantic” it’s totally fine and definitely still fun for kids.
You can also visit the Christmas market in downtown Regensburg. This one is more of a classic market, but will be smaller and less crowded than some of the big city markets.
Schloss Guteneck
This is a Christmas market that often shows up on people’s favorite smaller market lists. Again, this one is ticketed and set in a castle. I haven’t personally visited…yet! But it is high on my list based on what I hear others say about it.
Neuschwanstein
This isn’t a Christmas market but it is the number 1 tourist destination in Germany. What is more magical than seeing a real-life castle set against snowy mountains. You should know that you need to buy tickets pretty far in advance to make sure they are not sold out. There is actually two castles at this location: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein was never actually completed, some people leave the tour a little disappointed because they don’t realize only a few rooms are shown. Hohenschwangau was the boyhood summer home of King Ludwig II who then commissioned the construction of Neuschwanstein.
For a more detailed description of the ins and outs of visiting Neuschwanstein, read this.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
This is always my favorite add-on to recommend for a trip to Munich. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is about 1-1.5 hours away from Munich. It’s easily reached on the train or by car. By train you’ll be a bit more limited to using your feet, public bus, or taxi. If you drive, you’ll get the most flexibility.
Transport from the big city to a quaint, alpine town, with stunning views. I personally think it’s the best place to base out of when you visit Bavaria. The Christmas market here is small, that’s not the draw. The draw is the absolutely amazing views and picturesque landscape. Read my winter guide to Garmisch for all the details on what to do and winter fun.
You can go for a day, but I really believe you will end up wanting to spend more time here. There’s too many things to do to fit into one day. If you have more time, consider adding in visits to Mittenwald, Oberammergau, and Lermoos.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a highly underrated Christmas market. Stuttgart the city isn’t all that beautiful or exciting but the market is really well done. It gives off the same vibes as Dresden, with the roofs of the booths elaborately decorated. There were a few rides for kids, and even a Finnish market as well.
From Stuttgart you can also easily get to the medieval market in Esslingen, a very cute village about 30 minutes away. Many people like this market even more than the market in Stuttgart. There is also a palace in Ludwigsburg that hosts a market. The palace is most famous for its pumpkin festival in the fall but is also a lovely place to visit in the winter.
Dates: 25 November to 23 December
Times:
Sun. – Thu. 11 am to 9 pm
Fri./Sat.11 am to 10 pm
Innsbruck
Most people will pick Salzburg if they want to add on an Austrian market, I’m not saying Innsbruck is better but it is more “undiscovered”. Innsbruck has a beautiful old town that sits on the icy blue Inn river and backdropped by the amazing Alps. There are several markets in the city, including one halfway up the mountain!
Innsbruck’s market is full of charm, is very manageable, and isn’t overwhelming. Plus you get the cozy mountain feeling here too. Read more about visiting Innsbruck’s market.
Salzburg
Salzburg is a very easy day trip from Munich by car or train. Salzburg has some markets in the charming old quarter of the city, but most people say their favorite one is at the Hellbrunn palace. There’s a theme here of people loving Christmas markets at castles.
Regardless, Salzburg is a charming town on its own and the Christmas markets only add to that.
Munich really does make Christmas market travel easy—compact, well-connected, and surrounded by some of the most atmospheric markets in Bavaria and beyond. With the details in this guide, you’ll be able to plan your route, set realistic expectations, and make the most of your time without feeling overwhelmed. If you want to return to this info when you’re building your itinerary, be sure to bookmark this post or save it to Pinterest so you can find everything quickly when planning your own Munich Christmas market trip.
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Hi, I’m Lindsey!
I’m an American expat, wife, mom of three, traveler, photographer, and travel writer. Our family has been living abroad for over a decade in countries like Germany, Ukraine, Georgia, and now Türkiye. We travel every chance we get, taking kids on European road trips, overseas adventures, and day trips closer to home.
On this blog, I share practical tips, itineraries, and inspiration for families traveling in Europe (and beyond). If you’re planning your first big adventure or you’re a well-seasoned traveler you’ll find resources to help your family make memories with less stress. I love connecting with fellow travelers, so follow our latest adventures on Instagram and sign up for my email updates.
I’m happy you’re here!
