Munich might be best known for its Oktoberfest beer celebration, but it also throws one heck of a party at Christmastime. The historic city center is given a holiday makeover with traditional market stalls and festive lights. Revelers pack the pretty squares, glühwein mugs and bratwurst sandwiches in hand. Ready to join them? Here’s my guide to the Munich Christmas Market.
Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz Square
Munich’s main Christmas market is located in Marienplatz Square, the heart of Old Town. Here you’ll find dozens of stalls selling ornaments, nutcrackers, gingerbread, and warm drinks. The New Town Hall, built in 1905, provides a picturesque backdrop with its ornate façade and soaring clock tower. Carolers and musicians entertain the crowds daily from the balcony.
Make sure you take the lift to the observation deck inside the tower. The view of Munich is absolutely incredible! (Timed tickets are sold in the nearby tourist information office.)
Unlike the Cologne and Nuremberg markets, which feature artisanal ornaments and local handicrafts, the Munich offerings seemed more mass produced. I was still able to find some special treasures, like real Bavarian nutcrackers and unique items from Ukraine, but had to look a bit harder.
One of the best German Christmas market souvenirs is a glühwein mug, and there are plenty to be found in the Christkindlmarkt. I came home with an adorable mismatched set of booties.
Must-try foods at the Munich Christmas market include the “rahm schmankerl,” a savory flatbread covered with creamy cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions. Cheese spätzle with crispy fried onions is another dependable choice. If you opt for the classic a bratwurst in a bun, ask for a scoop of sauerkraut in addition to the mustard. The German server might scoff, but it’s delicious! And you’ll appreciate those vegetables later.
For dessert, try a traditional German gingerbread cookie (lebkuchen) or a “lollywaffen,” which is a wonderful word for a “waffle on a stick.” Stollen, a German Christmas bread loaded with nuts and dried fruits, is a tasty souvenir to take home.
If you’d rather sit down for a proper meal, head to Liebighof. This traditional Bavarian restaurant goes all out for the holidays, decorating every inch of available space. Trees and ornaments hang from the ceiling, boxes in gold giftwrap cover the bar and window sills, and bright red poinsettias adorn every table. This is the perfect place to enjoy a festive meal. You’ll definitely need a reservation, though.
The Marienplatz market spills down several streets of the Old Town. My favorite offshoot is the Rindermarkt Christmas Market. This cozy square is surrounded by lovely old buildings, and has food and beverage stalls as well as a life-size nativity scene.
You’ll find more food and beverage stalls around Sendlinger Tor, one of Munich’s original city gates.
If you are looking for the ice rink to skate off some of those calories, it’s located in Karlsplatz, just outside another distinctive city gate.
Medieval Christmas Market
I was delighted by Munich’s Medieval Christmas Market. This charming village of half-timbered stalls takes visitors back to the Middle Ages. You’ll find everything for your medieval cosplay needs, from velvet dresses and fur wraps to gold jewelry and iron swords. It’s located in a large square about halfway between Munich’s museum quarter and Town Hall.
This is a great place to try feuerzangenbowle, or Fire Bowl Punch. Traditional mulled wine is enhanced with a generous glug of rum and a sugar cube, which is set alight to caramelize and melt into the mug. It’s a sure-fire way to warm up on a cold winter day. Bonus: the feuerzangenbowle at the medieval market is served in awesome clay goblets.
Residenz Christmas Village
Another cozy Christmas market is tucked inside the Munich Residenz courtyard. This large palace was home to Bavaria’s rulers for over 400 years and is now a museum that should definitely be included in your Munich itinerary. There’s a great view of the Christmas village from the ballroom window.
This is probably the most child friendly of Munich’s Christmas markets, with talking animal dioramas and a large German Christmas pyramid. I found lots of handmade items for sale here.
Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt
Locals have been shopping at Munich’s Viktualienmarkt since 1807. Initially a market for produce, grain, and fish, it has since expanded to include cheese, honey, sausages, wine, and more. Just like the rest of the city, the area gets a festive makeover for the holiday season. This is a great place to buy some special treats for your favorite foodies.
I tried to visit the Pink Christmas Market dedicated to Munich’s LGBTQI+ community one afternoon, but it didn’t open until later in the day. Since this market is located a little south of the Old Town, I sadly never made it back. It’s important to always check the times of the individual markets before you set off. Visit the Munich tourism site for the latest details.
Are you ready to visit the Munich Christmas market?
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