The first Christmas market I ever visited was back in 2019, during a business trip to Chicago. That’s where I stumbled across the German-inspired Christkindlmarket. I had never seen or experienced anything ike it before. I was so enthralled that I couldn’t stop gushing about it to my partner once I got home.
Fast forward to December 2024, when my partner surprised me with a trip to Munich as a Christmas gift so I could finally experience the real thing: the birthplace of Christmas markets! Fun fact: Munich’s Christmas markets date back to the 14th century.
Munich is pure magic during the holiday season. From sipping steaming mugs of glühwein (mulled spiced wine) to shopping for handmade ornaments, the city transforms into a true winter wonderland.
If you’re planning your first visit, here are six Munich Christmas markets worth visiting.
Things To Know Before Visiting Munich For Christmas Markets
Most markets are closed by Christmas.
Most Christmas markets open the last week of November and close a few days before Christmas. Make your travel plans accordingly! For context, my partner and I visited Munich during the first week of December and stayed for a week.
Bring cash.
While the larger Christmas markets accept credit cards, cash is still king. Many smaller stalls are cash only. Also, since you are in Europe, you’ll need cash to access public restrooms.
There’s a deposit for glühwein mugs.
One of the highlights of Munich’s Christmas markets is sipping glühwein from a festive, themed mug. When you order, you’ll pay a small deposit. The deposit is meant to help curb people from “accidentally” taking the mugs. You’ll get that deposit back if you return the mug or simply keep the mug as a souvenir since you’ve already paid for it with the deposit!
Most markets sell unique glühwein mugs.
Trust me when I say there are so many cute mugs! Don’t spend your money all in one place and consider how many mugs you really want to take home as a souvenir. We brought home four – two different mugs from two different Christmas markets, so we each had our own.
Dress in layers.
Munich in November and December can be cold and damp. During our trip, it rained and snowed. Since many Christmas markets stay open until 10 PM, you’ll want to bundle up so you can enjoy the evening festivities comfortably.
Munich is in Bavaria.
Bavaria is a proud federal state of Germany with its own distinct culture. In Munich, you’ll see “Bavarian” attached to how locals speak about food, beer, and customs. Just a good thing to know so you don’t mix up “Bavarian” and “German” when chatting with locals.
Now that we’ve covered the things to know, let’s dive in!
Munich Airport Center’s Christmas and Winter Market
Chances are that you will likely be flying into this airport, so why not get a head start on your holiday festivities? The Munich Airport Center Christmas and Winter Market is a great place to grab your first glühwein before heading into the city center. It’s also the perfect place to kill time if you find you’ve arrived too early to check into your hotel.
While many of the shops cater more to commercial products and travel essentials (you are at the airport after all), rather than traditional crafts, the food and drinks are not to be missed, especially if you are starving after a long flight. There’s even an ice skating rink and Bavarian curling (eisstockschießen) if you want to stretch your legs .
Marienplatz Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz)
If you only have time for one Christmas market in Munich, make it this one. Marienplatz Christmas Market is conveniently located in the city center of Old Town, you can’t miss it with over 130 stalls lining the streets and the huge crowd of people.
This market is massive, which means lots of variety: vegan and vegetarian food, alcohol-free glühwein, and a mix of traditional and modern crafts for purchase. The main attraction at Marienplatz Christmas Market is the massive, 25-meter Christmas tree, adorned with 3,000 lights.
You also don’t want to miss the annual Krampus run, which takes place on December 5, the day before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. It’s a parade filled with over 300 people dressed as Krampus, a centuries-old Christmas demon, to entertain and scare onlookers (which is very entertaining to watch!)
Bookmark the Marienplatz Christmas Market homepage to stay up-to-date with their annual run dates, festivities, and more.
Sternenplatzl at Rindermarkt
While still technically part of Marienplatz Christmas Market, Sternenplatzl at Rindermark is about a 5-10 minute walk away from the town center, and easy to miss.
Set within the courtyard of the Residenz, a Bavarian palace, this market feels smaller, cozier, and more intimate. You’ll know you arrived when you see the charming windmill-like installation in the courtyard.
At this Christmas market, you can also get your hands on a feuerzangenbowle where glühwein is served with a sugar cube that is doused with rum and then lit on fire.
Learn more about this market here.
Tip!
Try to snag a spot by the outdoor fireplaces. Perfect way to warm up on a chilly night!
Pink Christmas
If you’re looking for a different vibe, head over to Pink Christmas, Munich’s queer Christmas market, now approaching its 20th year! Expect all things pink, fabulous, and vibrant. Everyone is welcome to attend this market. This Christmas market feels more like an open-air dance party with a DJ spinning tracks center stage.
If you find yourself getting tired of drinking glühwein, try indulging at the Pink Christmas prosecco bar instead.
Bookmark their events page here.
Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Fair
Step back in time at Munich’s Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Fair designed to reenact an authentic medieval market scene as it would have taken place in Munich. The performances, costumes, and art installations recreate centuries-old holiday traditions.
Compared to other Christmas markets in the area, you’ll find more international cuisine alongside Bavarian classics here. Glühwein is served in more intricate, ornate mugs (replicas of funnel-neck beakers from Munich’s medieval tavern culture) at this market, and therefore, the deposit is much higher. I also found that the feuerzangenbowle here is especially strong!
Learn more on their website here.
Wintertollwood Festival
Taking place at the Oktoberfest grounds, Wintertollwood Festival is more of an alternative art market than a Christmas market. This festival is large, with circus-like tents that house live musical performances, endless stalls of food and drinks, and buildings filled with various kinds of merchants selling local, handmade, traditional, and imported goods.
Final Thoughts
Out of all the Munich Christmas markets we explored, Sternenplatzl at Rindermarkt and Pink Christmas were my personal favorites. I loved how Sternenplatzl felt intimate and charming, while Pink Christmas was uniquely fun and inclusive.
If you’re visiting Munich in November or December, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip. Whether you stop by one or all six, Munich’s Christmas markets will truly make you feel Merry and Bright!
Watch my TiktTok below showcasing all my recs (except for the Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Fair because I was so tipsy I forgot to shoot!)
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