There are now quite a few Christmas markets in Munich. After all, strolling around in the twinkling lights with culinary delicacies, hot mulled wine, roasted almonds and sweet Advent specialties is a great way to get in the mood for Christmas.
The largest of Munich's Christmas markets
The oldest and best-known of Munich's Christmas markets is the Christkindlmarkt on the Marienplatzwhich has had its permanent location there since 1972. More than 170 different stalls are lined up here on an area of more than 20,000 square meters.
The Christkindelmarkt is always opened on the Friday before the first Advent with a speech by the Lord Mayor. Every year, a different Bavarian municipality donates the huge Christmas tree in front of the town hall to the city of Munich. Every day, between 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., there are musical performances by brass bands or choirs, who create an Advent atmosphere with their Christmas performances.
Weniger romantisch und dafür ziemlich schaurig ist der alpine Brauch des Krampuslaufs, der auf dem Marienplatz stattfindet. Dabei erschrecken gruselige Gestalten auf dem Christkindelmarkt die ihnen entgegenkommenden Münchnerinnen und Münchner.
The beginnings of Christmas markets date back to the 14th century
The tradition of Munich's Christmas markets can be traced back to the 14th century. Even then, there was the so-called St. Nicholas market, which took place on December 5 and 6, initially in Kaufinger Straße, later on Promenadeplatz, Max-Joseph-Platz and at several other locations in the city center. Carved nativity figures, plum cakes, gingerbread and warm clothing were sold to the city's inhabitants. In the 19th century, with the increasing importance of Protestantism, the Christ Child became the bringer of gifts in Munich instead of St. Nicholas, and so the St. Nicholas market became the Christkind market.
Munich's Christmas markets and which ones are particularly beautiful
There are also Christmas markets in many other parts of Munich. We particularly like the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower. It is located in the English Garden, surrounded by greenery, and takes place from November 23 to December 23, 2023, from Thursday to Sunday, 11.00 am to 8.30 pm.
Wittelsbacher Platz is home to a beautiful medieval Christmas market (November 27 to December 23, 2023, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and the somewhat more unusual Märchenbazar in the Olympiapark, at the summer Tollwood area (November 23 to December 29, 2023). Here you will find nostalgic circus tents and fairground stalls. There is also a daily changing, free entertainment program.
The Christmas village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz is a must-see. In an exceptionally atmospheric setting, there are various fairytale showcases that can be brought to life at the touch of a button. Particularly worth mentioning is the Bavarian talking Christmas elk.
If you're looking for something alternative, you should pay a visit to the Tollwood Winter Festival on the Theresienwiese. At outdoor stalls and in tents, homemade items such as Jewelryclothing and decorative items. There are also culinary delicacies from all over the world, all of which are certified organic.
Smaller Christmas markets also take place in almost all parts of the city, such as Schwabing, Neuhausen, Haidhausen and Bogenhausen.
