The closer Christmas comes, the stronger the scent of roasted almonds and cinnamon fills the city. Munich’s Christkindlmärkte are back — and while adults might be content with a steaming mug of Glühwein, children need a little more to stay enchanted.
Here are three family-friendly Christmas markets in Munich where magic, fun, and nostalgia come together for the perfect winter outing.
Märchenbazar in Olympiapark: crafts, fairy tales and fun
During summer, the southern Olympiapark hosts the famous Tollwood Festival — but come winter, it transforms into the Märchenbazar, a charming Christmas market designed with families in mind.
Set in colorful circus tents and vintage fairground booths, the Märchenbazar offers hands-on workshops, candle-making, and arts and crafts sessions for children. There’s even a puppet theater and a traditional carousel that spins daily.
The highlight is the Fairy Tale Tent, where storytellers captivate young audiences with magical tales every afternoon.
Location: Olympiapark South, Munich
Dates: November 27 – December 28, 2025
With its warm lights and cozy atmosphere, the Märchenbazar feels like stepping into a storybook — a true winter wonderland for families.
Christmas village at Munich Residenz: a fairytale in the palace courtyard
In the heart of the city, the Christmas Village inside Munich’s Residenz Palace is one of the most traditional — and most magical — markets in Bavaria.
Nestled in the Kaiserhof courtyard, it offers not only delicious treats and handmade gifts but also puppet shows that bring fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Mother Hulda to life. Children can wander from stall to stall while snowflakes fall around the palace walls.
Location: Residenz, Kaiserhof, Munich
Dates: November 17 – December 22, 2025
Between twinkling lights, soft music, and theatrical performances, the Residenz market turns Christmas shopping into an enchanting experience for all ages.
Tollwood Winter Festival: creativity meets global flair
Known as Munich’s “alternative Christmas market,” the Tollwood Winter Festival combines culture, sustainability, and entertainment on the Theresienwiese — the same grounds as Oktoberfest.
Children can join daily workshops inside the kids’ tent, make crafts from recycled materials, and listen to bedtime stories as the evening lights glow. On Saturdays, families can take part in a fun rally that leads across the entire festival site.
With international food stalls, live performances, and a colorful, eco-conscious vibe, Tollwood is ideal for families who love creativity and diversity.
Location: Theresienwiese, Munich
Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2025
Munich’s Christmas spirit for all ages
Whether in a castle courtyard, a circus tent, or under the bright lights of Tollwood, Munich’s family Christmas markets offer something for everyone — from parents looking for nostalgia to kids searching for adventure.
Hot chocolate, laughter, and twinkling lights — that’s the true Munich magic of the holiday season.
