Best Christmas Markets in Munich Germany in 2023
Munich has some of the oldest and most traditional Christmas Markets in Europe. There are over 20 Christmas Markets in Munich open in 2023. If you have limited time and would like to know which are the best Christmas Markets worth visiting in Munich, check below the list of my favorite Christmas markets that I have personally visited multiple times and discover what is so special about them. All the Christmas Markets on the list have no entrance fee and offer food and drinks. Most of the Christmas Markets in Munich are open only until Christmas Eve on December 24th, because locals love to celebrate Christmas privately with close family. Bavaria has its own Christmas traditions which are well illustrated in Munich, the capital of Bavaria.
Best Christmas Markets in Munich in 2023
Christmas Market on Praterinsel
Isar River flowing peacefully through Munich offers relaxation for locals and visitors year-round. Prater Island ( germ. Praterinsel) is one of two islands on the Isar River in the heart of Munich. Starting from mid-November it hosts one of the earliest Christmas Markets in the Bavarian capital. It is quite small and cozy offering delicious organic mulled wine, street food, and a unique atmosphere. If you love the Christmas atmosphere and want to enjoy Christmas food as early as possible when most of the Christmas Markets are still not open, then Prater Island is ideal for you.
Location: Prater Island on Isar, Praterinsel 3-4
Opening Dates: 10 November to 20 December (2023)
Christmas Market at Marienplatz
The largest and most famous Christmas Market in Munich is Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt. Marienplatz (Mary’s Square) is the main square in the old town of Munich (Altstadt). Here you will find the city hall surrounded by the main shopping streets of the city. The largest Christmas tree of Munich city is placed here. The Christmas Market at Marienplatz and the surrounding area is huge. The adjacent shopping street, the Kaufingerstrasse, is full of Christmas stalls selling delicious traditional German street food and mulled wine.
Location: Munich Main Square Marienplatz (U/U6 Marienplatz)
Opening Dates: 27 November to 24 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 21:00
Be sure to go inside the hidden “Harry Potter” style courtyard of the Rathaus to see more stalls and enjoy it with less crowds.
If you are staying in Munich for a few days, check out my post about great things you can do in Munich in Winter in addition to visiting Christmas markets.
Pro Tip: To get a panoramic magical view of Marienplatz and its Christmas Market, be sure to climb up St Peter’s Church Tower.
Munich Middle Ages Christmas Market
This Christmas market is very unique and one of its kind in Munich. It is decorated in middle age style with dozens of wooden huts with sellers wearing historic clothing from that time. You can also find here real medieval delicacies prepared in the traditional way on an open fire. You should try some Wildschwein sandwich and Feuerzangenbowle (traditional fire-tong punch).
Location: Wittelsbacherplatz (U5 Odeonsplatz)
Opening Dates: 27 November to 23 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 21:00
Christmas Village of Residenz (city palace)
This Christmas market is hidden in the backyard of the city palace (Residenz) protected from the cold winter wind. This is one of the most cozy little Christmas markets in Munich offering great Christmas food and entertainment for kids. If you are visiting Munich with young children, then you should visit this Christmas market in the backyard of the city palace. It is located directly in the city center and it is very easy to reach.
Location: the courtyard of Munich Residenz (U5 Odeonsplatz)
Opening Dates: 23 November to 22 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 21:00
Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower
Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is a famous open-air beer garden in the heart of English Garden, the largest park in Munich and one of the largest city parks in the world. In December the Chinese Tower and its surrounding area turn into one of the most beautiful and cozy Christmas Markets in Munich. The wooden stells surrounding the Chinese Tower create a special cozy atmosphere and offer traditional handmade crafts and delightful snacks.
Location: Chinese Tower in English Garden (U3/U6 Universität)
Opening Dates: 24 November to 23 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 20:30
“Eiszauber“ at the Karlsplatz-Stachus
Munich’s Ice Magic ( Eiszauber) on Karlsplatz-Stachus Square attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is Bavaria’s largest mobile ice arena and open-air ice skating ring with an impressive 750 square meters in the middle of Munich downtown. In addition to the fun of ice skating, the Ice Magic arena also offers a variety of culinary delights and spicy mulled wine (Glühwein) served in wooden stalls decorated with festive Christmas lights. Every week there are special themed parties with music and free ice skating experience for those dressed according to the theme.
Location: Stachus Passagen (U5 Karlsplatz Stachus)
Opening Dates: 24 November to 14 January (2024)
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30 to 22:00
More information can be found under:
https://www.muenchnereiszauber.de/englisch.html
Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt at Münchner Freiheit
Schwabing is Munich’s famous artistic and bohemian district. This is a very charming neighborhood full of cool bars, boutique designer shops, and art galleries. Schwabing Christmas Market is held annually at Muenchener Freiheit in the north of Munich. This is one of the best markets in Munich to find handmade crafts, artwork, and decorations. The market offers music, a kid’s program, a special art tent as well as yummy Christmas delicacies and souvenirs.
Location: Forum Muenchener Freiheit
Opening Dates: 1 December to 24 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00 to 20:30
Tollwood Winter Festival
The Tollwood Winter Festival is often referred to as Munich’s “alternative Christmas market”. But in reality, it is much more than that. Here you can buy some handmade Christmas decorations or winter clothes, see unique street art and decorations, street performances and concerts as well as plenty of entertainment for kids and adults. Located in the same location as the famous Oktoberfest, Tollywood is the most famous alternative Christmas Market in Munich comprised of large tents and wooden stalls and offering a large variety of national and international street food. If you are looking for a location for a New Year’s Eve celebration, then Tollwood New Year’s Eve events can be something that you are looking for. This is one of very few Christmas Markets in Munich open until the 31st of December.
Location: Theresienwiese (same location as for Oktoberfest)
Opening Dates: 23 November to 31 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 14:00 to 22:30
More information can be found under:
https://www.tollwood.de/en/
Haidhausen Christmas Market
This Christmas Market with a local vibe is one of the local’s best-kept secrets. Haidhausen Christmas Market is one of the coziest and most romantic Christmas Markets in Munich located in a French neighborhood. The stalls are similar to what you would find at other markets (handmade jewelry, ornaments, crafts, street food, etc.) but the ambiance is different. The neighborhood has its own beautiful Christmas tree and magical lights and decorations.
This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Munich. Here you can find cozy French cafes and Spanish tapas bars, some of the best in Munich.
Location: Weissenburger Platz (U5 Munich East Station)
Opening Dates: 28 November to 23 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 21:00
More information can be found under:
http://www.haidhauser-weihnachtsmarkt.de/
Pink Christmas: Munich’s LGBTQ+ Christmas
‘Pink Christmas’ is an inclusive alternative Christmas Market in Glockenbachviertel, Munich’s LGBTQ neighborhood. Decorated with bright pink lights and glamorous little details, it hosts a small stage featuring all sorts of great performances and travesty artists. Come here in the evenings after 18:00 with friends when the DJ plays his nice bits and creates a special mood.
Location: Stephansplatz, Sendilner Tor
Opening Dates: 27 November to 23 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 16:00 to 22:00
More information can be found under:
https://www.pink-christmas.de/
Munich Christmas Tram
During the Munich Christmas season, Munich public transport operator MVG offers special Christmas Tram (Christkindl Tram) rides. This 30-minute roundtrip starts at Sendlinger Tor via Isator – Maxmonument – Nationaltheater – Theatinerstrasse – Lenbachplatz – Karlsplatz/Stachus back to Sendlinger Tor. Some sweets and drinks are available during the ride. The Christkindl Tram usually drives on Monday-Friday from 15.00 to 19.30 o’clock and on the weekends from 11.15 h to 19.30 h. Please be aware the timetable might change. For more information please check the official website.
Location: Start at Sendilner Tor
Opening Dates: 30 November to 23 December (2023)
Opening Hours: Daily from 15:00 to 19:30
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