Christmas markets in Munich 2025: Your complete guide
In 2025, most Christmas markets in Munich will open between mid- and late November and run until December 23 or 24.
The earliest markets in Munich start on 13 November 2025, and the season continues into the New Year, with some winter events running until 5 or 6 January 2026.
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. Some even celebrate New Year’s Eve and early January with live music.
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, 80 331 München
- Opening dates: 24 November to 24 December 2025
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–21:00, Sunday 10:00–20:00, 24 December 10:00–14:00
- Closed days: Closed 25 and 26 December (Christmas tree stays up until 6 January)
- 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: 24 November to 22 December 2025
- Opening hours: Daily 10:30–21:00
- Public transport: Sendlinger Tor (U1, U2 and other lines) 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: 21 November 2025 to 5 January 2026
- Opening hours: Typically 10:00–20:00 on market days, not specified on Sundays in detail
- Public transport: Marienplatz (U3, U6, S1–S8) with a short walk
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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 2025. A big highlight is the free fairy tale forest with life-size story scenes and a talking 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: 17 November to 22 December 2025
- Opening hours: Daily 11:00–21:00, with an earlier closing at 20:00 on 22 December; closed on one Sunday early in the season
- 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: 25 November to 23 December 2025
- 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)
Tollwood is an alternative winter festival with a strong cultural and ecological focus on the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place.
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: 20 November to 23 December 2025
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 11:30–20:30, Saturday and Sunday 11:00–20:30
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Public transport: Universität (U3, U6) plus tram options toward the English Garden
- Entry: Free
Weihnachtsmarkt (Alten Utting)
A Christmas market on board the decommissioned ship “Alte Utting” in the south of Munich.
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: Alte Utting ship (near Harras)
- Opening dates: 27 November to 23 December 2025
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Opening hours: Until 14 December open Thursday to Sunday; from 15 December open 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 is via the ship structure with steps; later an elevator was added. Barrier-free details are limited
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)
- 2025 dates: Thursday 13 November to Sunday 21 December 2025
- Opening hours: 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: 4 December to 7 December 2025 (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
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