While autumn leaves are still falling, Munich is already preparing for its next transformation.
The city will soon sparkle with lights, chalets and Glühwein stands as the first Christmas markets open in early November, marking the official start of Bavaria’s festive season.
After a calm stretch of misty autumn days, pumpkins and Halloween décor will make way for garlands, fairy lights and Christmas trees. According to city announcements and organisers, several popular markets will open their gates well before the end of November.
First to open: Winterworld at Motorworld Munich
Kicking off the season, the Winterworld Christmas market at Motorworld in Freimann will open its doors on 7 November for the third consecutive year.
Under the theme “Driving Home for Christmas”, the venue promises an impressive mix of attractions — including a Ferris wheel, live concerts and private chalets for groups and families.
Visitors can stroll between vintage cars and festive lights, blending Munich’s automotive culture with holiday charm.
Winterwunderwerk and Glühwein Festival start mid-November
Just a week later, on 13 November, the Winterwunderwerk opens at Knödelplatz in the Werksviertel-Mitte district near the Ostbahnhof.
Besides traditional stalls and food stands, guests can enjoy ice-stock curling and ice-skating directly on site — slots are already bookable online.
That same day, the Glühwein Festival in Bogenhausen will launch, running through mid-January. It focuses on warming drinks, street music and local crafts — a perfect warm-up to the city’s main events.
The royal touch: Christmas Village at the Residenz
From 17 November, Munich’s Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village) will open in the Kaiserhof Courtyard of the city’s Residenz palace.
Wood-carving, brass bands and festive delicacies will fill the historic inner courtyard with authentic Bavarian atmosphere.
Visitors can sip mulled wine surrounded by illuminated arcades and traditional stands selling handmade ornaments and sweets.
Tradition meets spectacle: the Marienplatz market
Munich’s most famous and oldest Christmas market, the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, opens on 24 November and stretches across the pedestrian zone in front of the Town Hall.
Drawing around three million visitors annually and covering 25 000 square metres, it ranks among the largest in Europe, according to city data.
This year, festivities will run two days longer than usual, offering even more time to enjoy roasted almonds, live choirs and the daily tree lighting at 5 p.m.
More winter highlights across the city
The festive spirit spreads quickly through Munich:
- 21 Nov – 5 Jan: Winter Zauber at the Viktualienmarkt, featuring culinary stalls and a small stage for performances.
- 24 Nov – 22 Dec: Christkindlmarkt am Sendlinger Tor, one of the coziest downtown spots.
- 25 Nov – 23 Dec: Tollwood Winter Festival on the Theresienwiese, known as Munich’s “alternative Christmas market,” mixing art, theatre, world music and eco-friendly crafts.
At the same time, the city will open its large mobile ice-rink at Stachus, inviting visitors and families to skate under the city lights.
A month of lights, music and Glühwein
For Munich, the start of the Christmas market season is more than a shopping tradition — it’s a cultural ritual that marks the turning point from autumn calm to winter cheer.
Whether at the grand Marienplatz fair or the creative Tollwood festival, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a full calendar of festive experiences throughout November and December.
