Christmas markets in Munich 2026: Your complete guide
In 2026, most Christmas markets in Munich open between mid- and late November and run until 22, 23 or 24 December. The main Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz starts earlier than in previous years: it opens on Friday, 20 November 2026 and runs until Christmas Eve.
The earliest markets start in the middle of November: the Christmas Village in the Residenz opens on 16 November. Almost all markets stay closed on Sunday, 22 November 2026 (Totensonntag, a German day of remembrance). Some winter events keep going until the beginning of January 2027.
A few markets are open only on Advent weekends or one long weekend in December, while several winter festivals and alternative markets keep going between Christmas and the New Year. Tollwood, for example, comes back for a big New Year’s Eve party with live music on 31 December. All dates below were checked on 31 October 2026. Details can still change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Münchner Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz
The classic central market in front of the Rathaus is the image most people have in mind when they hear 'Christmas market in Munich'.
Atmosphere and highlights
This traditional Christmas market dates back to the 14th century and feels every bit like a classic Bavarian Christmas postcard. A Christmas tree covered in thousands of lights stands in front of the Rathaus, surrounded by many wooden huts.
You find stalls full of tree decorations, gingerbread hearts, Lebkuchen, candles, carved wooden toys, Bavarian handicrafts and Glühwein.
Advent music from the town hall balcony is a daily highlight, with choirs and bands performing in the early evening on several days of the week. The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is ideal for first-time visitors to Munich who want the classic Christmas market experience in the historic old town.
It is also great for visitors who want to combine sightseeing around Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and Viktualienmarkt with a market visit.
Practical information
- Location: Marienplatz, 80331 München
- Opening dates: 20 November to 24 December 2026
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–21:00, Sunday 10:00–20:00, 24 December 10:00–14:00
- Closed days: Sunday, 22 November (Totensonntag). The market ends on 24 December at 14:00
- Public transport: Marienplatz (U3, U6, S1–S8) plus several tram lines nearby
- Entry: Free
- Accessibility: Main area is wheelchair accessible with barrier free routes to the Rathaus
Sendlinger Tor (kleiner Christkindlmarkt)
A small, cosy market at the historic city gate Sendlinger Tor on the southern edge of the old town.
Atmosphere and highlights
This “little Christmas market” feels more like a neighbourhood gathering than a large event. Trees around the gate are decorated with lights, and the stalls are arranged closely around the square.
Sendlinger Tor is a wonderful choice for visitors who want a quieter stop within walking distance of the old town but away from the busiest crowds around Marienplatz.
Local residents and families use it as an after-work meeting point, and it works well as a warm-up or end point for a Christmas market walk through the city centre.
Practical information
- Location: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz (at the medieval city gate)
- Opening dates: 20 November to 22 December 2026
- Opening hours: Daily 10:30–21:00
- Public transport: Sendlinger Tor (U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, U8) plus trams and buses
- Entry: Free
- Accessibility: Flat plaza that is easy to navigate
Viktualienmarkt “Winterzauber”
Munich’s famous food market adds extra Christmas atmosphere.
Atmosphere and highlights
The existing Viktualienmarkt stalls add winter touches such as Glühwein, waffles and hot snacks. The focus is on food and drink rather than Christmas gifts. The location has a more party-like, after-work feel in the evenings, sometimes with DJs or modern music.
It works well if you are already exploring Viktualienmarkt on a daytime Munich winter trip and want to stay for a drink and snack rather than a full Christmas shopping session.
Practical information
- Location: Viktualienmarkt (central Munich)
- Opening dates: Usually mid-November to early January. 2026 dates not yet announced
- Opening hours: Typically 10:00–20:00 Monday to Saturday. The Viktualienmarkt is closed on Sundays and public holidays
- Public transport: Marienplatz (U3, U6, S1–S8) with a short walk
- Entry: Free
- Accessibility: Flat plaza
The Residenz Christmas Village
The Residenz Christmas Village fills the courtyard of the former royal palace.
Atmosphere and highlights
The Residenz Christmas Village is one of the best Christmas markets in Munich for families in 2026. A big highlight is the free fairy tale forest with life-size story scenes and a singing elk, which makes the atmosphere particularly magical for children.
It’s also ideal for couples and visitors who prefer an atmospheric setting with more crafts and decorations than mass-produced goods, all in a historic courtyard close to many city-centre sights.
Practical information
- Location: Kaiserhof of the Residenz (close to Odeonsplatz)
- Opening dates: 16 November to 22 December 2026
- Opening hours: Daily 11:00–21:00, with an earlier closing at 20:00 on the last day, 22 December. Closed on Sunday, 22 November (Totensonntag)
- Public transport: Odeonsplatz (U3, U6) and nearby tram stops
- Entry: Free
- Accessibility: Courtyard with mostly level cobblestones, partly accessible
Tollwood Winterfestival (Theresienwiese)
Tollwood is an alternative winter festival with a strong cultural and ecological focus on the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place.
Atmosphere and highlights
Tollwood Winter Festival is best for visitors who enjoy live music, street food, and cultural events as much as Christmas lights.
It is ideal for groups of friends, couples and repeat visitors to Munich who want something more alternative than the traditional Christmas market, and for families looking for an afternoon visit with food options for different tastes.
Practical information
- Location: Theresienwiese
- Opening dates: 24 November to 23 December 2026, plus a New Year’s Eve party on 31 December from 19:00 (tickets required)
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 14:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 (with evening closing times that vary and festival tents open until around midnight)
- Public transport: Theresienwiese (U4, U5) and Goetheplatz (U3)
- Entry: Free to the festival grounds; some shows require tickets
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Accessibility: Mostly flat grounds with ramps
Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm (Englischer Garten)
A small market around the wooden Chinese Tower in the middle of the Englischer Garten, with stalls decorated with hundreds of fir branches.
Atmosphere and highlights
The Chinesischer Turm market is ideal for visitors who like a romantic, natural setting and want to combine a walk in the Englischer Garten with a Christmas market.
Families will enjoy the carousel, and locals often use it as a relaxed weekend meeting spot away from the more tourist-heavy inner-city markets.
Practical information
- Location: Chinesischer Turm, Englischer Garten
- Opening dates: 19 November to 23 December 2026, open Wednesday to Sunday
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 11:30–20:30, Saturday and Sunday 11:00–20:30
- Public transport: Giselastraße (U3, U6), then about 15 minutes on foot through the park. Bus 54 stops at Chinesischer Turm
- Entry: Free
Die Sternenflotte (Alte Utting)
A Christmas market called “Die Sternenflotte” on and around the decommissioned ship “Alte Utting” in Sendling, in the south of Munich.
Atmosphere and highlights
The old Ammersee passenger ship sits on a former railway bridge and works as a bar and culture venue for the rest of the year. In winter, stalls with mulled wine and street food set up around it, there is a free live music programme, and it stays open much later than the classic markets.
It suits friends, couples and colleagues looking for an evening out with a Christmas feel rather than a traditional market stroll.
Practical information
- Location: Alte Utting ship (near Harras)
- Opening dates: Late November to 23 December. 2026 dates not yet announced (in 2025: 27 November to 23 December)
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Opening hours: In 2025: Thursday to Sunday until mid-December, then daily.
Typical hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 16:00–00:00, Thursday 16:00–01:00, Friday 16:00–02:00, Saturday 14:00–02:00, Sunday 11:00–22:00 - Public transport: Harras (U6, S7) and bus connections
- Entry: Free
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Accessibility: Access to the ship is via steps. Barrier-free access is limited, so check with the venue before you go
Winterwunderwerk (Werksviertel-Mitte)
A modern winter market in the Werksviertel-Mitte redevelopment area near Ostbahnhof.
Atmosphere and highlights
This location has a very urban feel, with a central square, an ice rink and container-style halls. Stalls sell street food and design gifts, and there is a separate food street area.
A major highlight is the ice rink, which makes the event quite active and sporty compared to classic markets.
Winterwunderwerk is ideal for visitors who enjoy modern city districts, skating and socialising. It works well for families with older children, groups of friends and anyone staying near Ostbahnhof.
Practical information
- Location: Werksviertel-Mitte (near Ostbahnhof)
- Opening dates: From 12 November 2026. End date not yet announced (in 2025 it ran until 21 December)
- Opening hours: In 2025: Monday to Friday 17:00–22:00, Saturday 11:00–22:00, Sunday 11:00–20:00
- Public transport: Ostbahnhof (U5, S-Bahn and regional trains) and nearby bus or tram stops
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Entry: Free
Blutenburger Weihnacht (Schloss Blutenburg)
A picturesque Christmas market in the courtyard of Schloss Blutenburg in Obermenzing.
Atmosphere and highlights
Blutenburger Weihnacht is a four-day event that uses the lower courtyard and the gallery of the castle.
This market is perfect for Christmas market fans who enjoy historic settings and high quality crafts.
Practical information
- Location: Schloss Blutenburg (Obermenzing)
- Opening dates: 3 to 6 December 2026 (second Advent weekend)
- Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday 11:00–20:00, Sunday 11:00–19:00
- Public transport: S-Bahn and bus connections with stops near Schloss Blutenburg (for example bus 127)
- Entry: Free
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Accessibility: Cobblestone castle courtyard with partial accessibility
More Christmas markets in Munich 2026
Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt (Wittelsbacherplatz): a medieval-themed market just north of the old town, with historical crafts and food stalls. Open 20 November to 23 December 2026, daily 11:00–21:00 (from 18:00 on the opening day).
Pink Christmas (Stephansplatz): Munich’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market in the Glockenbachviertel, a few minutes’ walk from Sendlinger Tor. Open 20 November to 20 December 2026.
Märchenbazar (Olympiapark Süd): nostalgic circus tents, old film sets and fairground stalls with a free programme. Open 26 November to 28 December 2026, closed on 24 December.
Münchner Eiszauber (Karlsplatz/Stachus): an outdoor ice rink with mulled wine stalls right in the city centre. Open from 13 November 2026, daily 10:30–22:00.
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