Munich Christmas Markets

I’ve heard so many great things about Christmas markets in Europe, that when the opportunity came to go to one, I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve never been to Germany, and I was really looking forward to going to the Munich Christmas markets. One of the great things about the Munich Christmas markets is that they are within reasonable distance from each other. Simply taking the subway or trains can take you to one market and when you’re finished at one, a 15 minute walk can take you to another one!

The markets usually start late November and end December 24th. In Germany, December 24th is when gifts are opened, while December 25th & 26th are considered celebration days with family. So I guess you could say their ‘Christmas Day’ is a 3-day event, versus ours in the United States. 

Munich has around 25 Christmas markets, which represents the number of ‘villages’ that formed the city prior to modern times. I had the chance to go to several markets during my time in Germany, but I wanted to share my experiences at them to help you decide which ones are worth attending. 

Christkindlmarkt

Location: Marienplatz

This is one of the largest Munich Christmas markets, and definitely a must-see for tradition alone. The Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz has been around since the 14th century. It has moved locations over the years and has even changed names (formerly known as Nicholas Market), but it is commonly known as the oldest one in Munich. 

Located in the main square next to Neues Rathaus, the town hall, this market is situated between luxury shops and restaurants. Here, among all the huts/kiosks decorated with ribbon, garland and trees, you will find everything from savory food, sweet food, drinks, Christmas ornaments and decor, packaged snacks.

The clock in the square chimes daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (and 5 p.m. March through October), and shortly after, the life-size figures move, depicting 2 tales of Munich’s history. Just so you know, it can get very crowded during those times of the day and people will be standing around with phones pointed to the sky to catch the show. 

There is a U-Bahn stop at this main square, and based on the times I went, this market was always the busiest, even when it first opened during the day. 

This market did feel the most commercialized of them all, but definitely think it’s worth a visit. Just know that it will be the most crowded.

Rindermarkt

Tucked away south of the main square, Rindermarkt has plenty of savory foods, coffee, and drinks. If you need a place to eat, this area is a good choice while everyone is focused on walking in the main square. This is definitely on the smaller scale compared to the one in the main square.

One of the most popular stands was selling a salmon sandwich. It was easily a 20 minute line just to order. I ended up going to one of the crepe stands for a savory snack and cappuccino to tide me over while I walked around. 

Kripperlmarkt

If you love nativity scenes, this is the place to go. Like Rindermarkt, it’s an offshoot from the main square, located near the St. Peter’s church.

When I first heard about this, I actually thought it was more about selling large nativity sculptures. You know, statues that you can’t fit in your luggage. Nope. This is a Nativity scene builder’s paradise. Everything from animal figures, backdrops and Christmas ornaments carved from wood can be found here. 

Medieval Market

Location: Wittelbacher Platz

If you love Ren Faires (like I do), then this is the market for you! As soon as you walk into the area, you can instantly appreciate the distinctive look. Wooden huts with painted signs list the menu items. And each server/cook/cashier is dressed in Middle Ages garb.  

Drinks are served in clay cups and food is provided wrapped in napkins. Even the vendor stalls fit within the theme of the market. Stalls selling clothing, toy weapons, jewelry, handmade slippers/shoes line the perimeter of this small market. 

There is even a small stage where one can gather and watch a performance. 

This was actually one of my favorites of the Munich Christmas markets because of the unique setting. Also, because again, I love Ren Faires. I came here during first opening, where it was empty, and only a handful of visitors. 

Christmas Village

Location: Residenz 

This market is tucked away inside a small courtyard of the Residenz, which used to be the home of the royal families. It’s now a museum. 

This market is where I first tried gluhwein, and it was amazing. 

Most of the stalls focused on food, but you will find the occasional ornament or clothing stall. These stalls seemed to have a more handmade products feel and less commercialized/mass production. This market is also very kid-friendly, because of its location – it’s smaller and less busy compared to the one in the main square. 

One of the benefits of this market is that it’s shielded from the wind. 😉

Viktualienmarkt

Advertised as the ‘foodie’ market, this is the place to go if that’s your kind of thing. 

To be honest, I was a little disappointed when I got there. It was half farmer’s market and half Christmas market. I don’t know, maybe I was expecting more unique and experimental recipes here. 

However, it has been around since the 1800s and while it was originally the place to sell produce and grains, it now has other items for sale like wine, cheese, sausage and other goodies. 

I did notice that the small restaurants around the stalls had a great vibe for socializing – almost all the tables were outdoors minus the bar and kitchen area, covered with tents. 

The Christmas market elements were also mixed among the fresh fruit and plant stands, selling drinks and foods like sausage, flatbread, etc. 

Another good thing about this one (like any farmer’s market), is the ‘locally sourced’ feeling you get from the vendor who is selling their products. It’s either something they made themselves or worked with another vendor in the region to produce and sell. 

Tollwood Winter Festival

Location: Theresienwiese

I can’t write about Munich Christmas markets without mentioning Tollwood. A few of our tour guides and local restaurant servers recommended this because of the international food area and variety of vendors. 

And they weren’t kidding. The food area had everything from African food, Greek, Thai…yes, I said Thai food. 

The AI tree that greets you at the entrance, unfortunately for me, doesn’t start talking to you until sundown. But even during the day, there’s plenty to eat and buy. 

One of the large white tents hosts the bazaar, a marketplace of fair trade or locally made items for sale. Clothing, coats, shoes, jewelry are all for sale in small stalls. Card is widely accepted, mostly by the vendors, but you will come across food vendors who only take cash. ATMs are available near the entrance. 

I have to say that attending this festival was a lot like going to the county fair. For any of you Southern Californians, you are probably familiar with the county fair that shows up in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties, minus the gimmick house products for sale. Same concept – this festival has shows and musicians on different nights. 

This market is definitely different compared to the traditional Christmas markets, but it is a favorite among the locals.

Having been to a few markets now, I definitely have to say that my top tips would be:

1. Bring cash – many vendors in the main square take card, but cash is always better to have
2. Bring a bag/backpack to carry your purchases
3. Pick a mug to keep (and return the rest) – when you buy a drink, they will charge you anywhere from 9-16 euros, but if you return the cup, you will get 5 euros back. You also have the option of buying just the cup. Basically, don’t go crazy and keep every mug, haha.  

Hopefully reading this gave you some insight on which Munich Christmas markets you’d like to see someday. It was a fun experience, and even though I didn’t get to visit them all, I enjoyed the ones I got to see. I’ve been bitten by the European Christmas market bug, so I can’t wait to go to more in the future!