Munich becomes a winter wonderland every December. Streets sparkle with festive lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the air, and historic squares transform into bustling Christmas markets.
In 2025, the Bavarian capital will host a variety of markets—from the iconic Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt to intimate artisan villages and alternative cultural festivals.
This comprehensive guide covers the 10 biggest and most renowned Christmas markets, including their opening dates, operating hours, atmosphere, shopping, food, entertainment, and insider tips, ensuring visitors can plan the perfect holiday experience.
1. Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz 2025
- Dates: November 24 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–20:00, Christmas Eve 10:00–14:00
Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, and its Christkindlmarkt is the city’s most famous and traditional Christmas market. The iconic New Town Hall provides a stunning backdrop, while a 25-meter Christmas tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights dominates the square. The atmosphere is vibrant, bustling with locals and tourists alike.
Shopping: With over 140 stalls, visitors can find handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, toys, candles, and textiles. Traditional Bavarian products are plentiful, offering high-quality gifts and souvenirs.
Food & Drink: Popular treats include Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, Lebkuchen, bratwurst, and stollen. Seasonal delights like Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) add authentic Bavarian flavor.
Entertainment: Choral performances, brass bands, and street musicians provide a lively soundtrack. Families can enjoy small rides and storytelling sessions.
Tips: Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds; evening lighting is spectacular for photography.
2. Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz 2025
- Dates: November 17 – December 22, 2025
- Hours: 11:00–21:00 daily
Set within the Residenz Palace courtyard, this market is smaller but full of charm. Its fairy-tale ambiance makes it ideal for visitors seeking a quieter, romantic experience. Twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and historical architecture create an elegant atmosphere.
- Shopping: Handcrafted ornaments, nativity scenes, wooden toys, and textiles are highlights. Artisans focus on traditional Bavarian crafts.
- Food & Drink: Guests can enjoy mulled wine, regional pastries like Zwetschgenbames, and pretzels. Small cafes serve Christmas cakes and seasonal treats.
- Entertainment: Occasional harp or brass performances create a regal holiday atmosphere.
- Tips: Perfect for evening visits and romantic strolls.
3. Tollwood Winter Festival 2025 (Market of Ideas)
Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2025
Hours: 11:00–22:00 daily
Tollwood is Munich’s alternative market, emphasizing sustainability and global culture. Located on Theresienwiese, it blends shopping, cultural events, and artistic performances.
- Shopping: Fair-trade crafts, handmade jewelry, eco-friendly products, and international gifts stand out. It’s a perfect place for unique, meaningful presents.
- Food & Drink: Organic and vegetarian foods, international street foods, mulled wine, and artisan chocolates are featured.
- Entertainment: Live music, theater, and interactive art exhibitions make Tollwood vibrant and engaging.
- Tips: Plan several hours; evening visits are lively and festive.
4. Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market 2025
- Dates: November 24 – December 22, 2025
- Hours: 10:30–21:30 daily
Nestled near the historic Sendlinger Tor, this cozy market offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Its smaller size makes it ideal for a leisurely stroll without the crowds.
- Shopping: Handmade crafts, seasonal ornaments, jewelry, and Bavarian gifts.
- Food & Drink: Mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted almonds, sausages, and pastries.
- Entertainment: Street performers and small musical acts add charm.
- Tips: Combine a visit with sightseeing for a relaxed day in the city.
5. Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz 2025
- Dates: November 24 – December 22, 2025
- Hours: 12:00–22:00 daily
An inclusive, colorful market catering to the LGBTQIA+ community. Located in the vibrant Glockenbachviertel, Pink Christmas features a festive, expressive atmosphere with music and performances.
- Shopping: Vibrant gifts, quirky ornaments, and unique fashion items.
- Food & Drink: Festive cocktails, Glühwein, and sweets.
- Entertainment: Drag shows, live music, and themed stage performances create a lively environment.
- Tips: Evenings are especially festive; perfect for nightlife enthusiasts seeking a holiday twist.
6. Schwabinger Christmas Market 2025
- Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: 11:00–21:00 daily
Located in the bohemian Schwabing district, this market reflects artistic and youthful energy. It’s smaller, more relaxed, and ideal for creative minds.
- Shopping: Handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, contemporary crafts, and artisanal gifts.
- Food & Drink: Bavarian specialties and international dishes, mulled wine, pastries.
- Entertainment: Live music and art exhibitions.
- Tips: Afternoon and early evening visits are best to enjoy the lively but calm atmosphere.
7. Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz 2025
- Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2025
- Hours: 11:00–21:00 daily
A market themed like a medieval village, complete with costumed vendors, rustic decorations, and traditional crafts. The ambiance is charming, immersive, and historically inspired.
- Shopping: Medieval-style gifts, handmade leather goods, traditional crafts.
- Food & Drink: Mead, roasted meats, pies, and old-world treats.
- Entertainment: Storytelling, medieval music, and performances enhance the historical feel.
- Tips: Ideal for families and history enthusiasts; wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
8. Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower 2025 (Chinesischer Turm)
- Dates: November 26 – December 21, 2025
- Hours: 11:00–21:00 daily
Nestled in the English Garden, this market offers a scenic and relaxed environment. Children enjoy rides and carousels, while adults explore festive stalls.
- Shopping: Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and traditional gifts.
- Food & Drink: Bavarian treats, Glühwein, and pastries in a park setting.
- Entertainment: Children’s rides, pony rides, and musical performances.
- Tips: Visit in the afternoon to enjoy a family-friendly experience; combine with a walk in the English Garden.
9. Rindermarkt Christmas Market 2025 (Kripperlmarkt)
- Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2025
- Hours: 10:00–21:00 daily
Specializing in nativity figures and decorations, this market is perfect for collectors and fans of traditional Bavarian craftsmanship.
- Shopping: Hand-carved nativity sets, wooden figurines, and artisan decorations.
- Food & Drink: Traditional pastries, mulled wine, and regional snacks.
- Entertainment: Demonstrations of carving and crafting; occasional musical performances.
- Tips: Visit for quiet browsing and unique Christmas décor.
10. Stachus / Karlsplatz Christmas Market 2025
- Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2025
- Hours: 10:00–21:00 daily
Located in a bustling shopping district, this market combines traditional charm with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Its central location allows visitors to shop, explore, and dine easily.
- Shopping: Diverse stalls offering crafts, seasonal gifts, ornaments, and modern artisanal items.
- Food & Drink: Street food, mulled wine, sweet and savory snacks.
- Entertainment: Musical performances, live shows, and holiday lighting create a lively environment.
- Tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds; evenings are perfect for festive lighting.
Visiting Tips Across All Markets in Munich
Most markets open in late November and close December 22–24.
Evenings offer magical lighting, while weekday afternoons are less crowded.
Carry cash; some stalls do not accept cards.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes; Munich can be cold and icy in December.
Plan your route: several markets are within walking distance of each other, making it possible to visit multiple markets in a single day.
Munich’s Christmas markets 2025
Munich’s Christmas markets in 2025 promise a season of magic, tradition, and variety.
From the historic Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz to the colorful Pink Christmas, the artistic Schwabing market, and the alternative Tollwood Festival, there is a Weihnachtsmarkt for every taste.
Plan your visit around the opening dates, bundle up, and let the Bavarian capital’s festive lights, music, and flavors create unforgettable holiday memories.
