Best Munich Christmas Markets: Which Are Worth Visiting?

Munich was the final stop on our week exploring Christmas markets in Bavaria, and by the time we arrived, Jass and I were beginning to feel a bit of Christmas market fatigue.

We’d already spent days browsing festive stalls in Nuremberg and Regensburg, so I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about visiting another dozen markets.

But Munich still had some surprises in store.

From the enormous New Town Hall overlooking Marienplatz to a medieval market with unusual wooden stalls, there was plenty to enjoy. We also found some of the best Christmas market food of our entire trip, although one particularly crowded market tested my patience on a Friday night!

If you’re planning to visit the Munich Christmas markets, here’s which ones I’d prioritise, which I’d avoid at busy times and how to choose the best markets without spending your entire trip browsing Christmas stalls.

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Are the Munich Christmas markets worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want a mixture of traditional Christmas markets and something a little different.

Munich has a huge variety of festive markets, from the famous Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz to smaller neighbourhood markets, medieval-themed stalls and alternative Christmas events.

What I liked most was that they weren’t all trying to offer exactly the same experience.

Marienplatz had the impressive historic setting I associate with German Christmas markets, while Wittelsbacherplatz felt completely different with its medieval-style wooden huts.

However, I didn’t enjoy every market equally.

We visited the Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz on a Friday evening, and it was so crowded that browsing became difficult. Although we found some incredible food there, it wasn’t my favourite experience.

Having already visited the Christmas markets in Nuremberg and Regensburg earlier in the week, I realised that more markets didn’t necessarily mean a better trip.

I’d recommend choosing a few that genuinely interest you rather than trying to squeeze in every single one.

Which Munich Christmas markets should you visit?

We visited the main Christmas market at Marienplatz, the Christmas Village at the Residenz and the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. We also wandered through Viktualienmarkt while exploring the city.

These are the markets I can compare from our own experience.

I’ve included other notable Christmas markets further down, particularly for anyone spending more than a day in Munich.

Münchner Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz

If you only have time for one Christmas market in Munich, I’d recommend the Münchner Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz. This is best for a traditional Christmas atmosphere and an impressive historic setting.

It’s the city’s main Christmas market, held in the heart of the old town beneath the spectacular New Town Hall.

We started our day at Viktualienmarkt and made our way towards Marienplatz.

The first thing that caught my attention was the New Town Hall.

It’s an incredibly dramatic building, with such intricate architecture that I spent ages looking up at it before properly exploring the Christmas stalls.

The market itself had plenty of traditional decorations, festive gifts and food stalls, but I think the setting is what makes it special.

We also spotted an enormous vegan bratwurst that looked rather tempting, although I never got around to trying it.

One of my favourite discoveries was the view over the Christmas market from the Nespresso Café. It gave us a completely different perspective of Marienplatz and the festive stalls below.

At one point, Jass and I wandered inside the New Town Hall and started climbing a staircase, only to realise that the area was closing.

We eventually had to be shown the way out!

It’s not quite the Christmas market memory I’d expected to make, but it was funny looking back.

Even if you’ve already visited several German Christmas markets, the New Town Hall makes Marienplatz feel particularly impressive.

You can check the latest opening dates and visitor information on the official Münchner Christkindlmarkt website.

If you’d prefer to explore Munich’s Christmas markets with a local guide, a festive walking tour could be a good way to discover the traditions and stories behind the stalls.

Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz

The Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz was probably the market I had the most mixed feelings about. It had some wonderfully unusual gifts, but I’d avoid visiting during peak evening hours.

We went looking for it in the evening, and finding the entrance was surprisingly difficult.

We walked past it, doubled back and spent a while trying to work out where we were supposed to go.

Once we finally found our way inside, I was expecting a relatively quiet Christmas market tucked away from the main streets.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

It was absolutely packed.

We visited on a Friday evening, which probably contributed to the crowds, but people kept bumping into us and it was difficult to browse the stalls properly.

After several days of Christmas markets, I really wasn’t in the mood for squeezing through another crowd.

However, this was also where we discovered some of the best food of the entire trip.

We shared Käsespätzle and bought corn on the cob, both of which turned out to be highlights of our visit.

There were also some particularly interesting gifts, including incredibly realistic chocolates shaped like cameras, cheese graters and kitchen utensils.

They were some of the most unusual chocolates I’d seen.

So, would I recommend the Residenz Christmas Village?

Yes, but I’d try visiting earlier in the day rather than on a busy Friday evening.

And I definitely wouldn’t assume it’ll be quiet simply because it’s hidden away from Marienplatz.

Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz

After leaving the Residenz, we were almost ready to head back to our hotel.

Then I remembered another Christmas market I’d saved on Google Maps.

We were already nearby, so we decided to visit one last market before calling it a night.

That was the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz.

I immediately liked how different it looked.

Instead of the familiar Christmas stalls we’d seen throughout Bavaria, this market had distinctive wooden huts inspired by a medieval setting. 

It was a refreshing change after several days of browsing fairly similar festive decorations and gifts.

Initially, the market also seemed a little more spacious than the Residenz.

Unfortunately, it was still very busy.

By this point, we’d spent most of the day walking around Munich, and I was more than ready to head back to the hotel, but not before grabbing a chimney cake!

I think I would have enjoyed Wittelsbacherplatz even more if we’d visited earlier, when I had more energy and could take my time exploring.

Of the two markets we visited that evening, I’d choose Wittelsbacherplatz over the Residenz for its more unusual setting.

If you’ve already visited several traditional Christmas markets, this is one I’d prioritise for something different.

Check the official Medieval Christmas Market website for opening dates and visitor information.

Winterzauber at Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt isn’t quite the same experience as Munich’s dedicated Christmas markets.

It’s a permanent food market that takes on a festive atmosphere during the Christmas season.

We wandered through after breakfast on our way to Marienplatz, and I was surprised by how quiet the area felt for such a big city.

After the crowds we’d encountered at some of Bavaria’s other Christmas markets, it was lovely to have a more relaxed wander.

Viktualienmarkt is close to Marienplatz, so you don’t need to make a separate journey to visit.

I’d combine the two rather than treating Viktualienmarkt as a full Christmas market destination in its own right.

You can find visitor information on the official Munich tourism website.

Other Munich Christmas markets worth visiting

If you’re spending more than a day in Munich, there are several other established Christmas markets worth knowing about.

These offer different themes and settings from the traditional stalls around Marienplatz, although we didn’t manage to visit them all during our trip.

Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese

Best for: Alternative gifts, international food and cultural events.

Tollwood is more than a traditional Christmas market.

Its winter festival takes place at Theresienwiese, the site used for Oktoberfest, and combines a market with cultural performances and entertainment.

Its Market of Ideas focuses on arts, crafts and gifts, while the food stalls offer international dishes alongside festive favourites.

Unlike the compact markets around Marienplatz, Tollwood is an event I’d allow a substantial part of an evening for, particularly if there’s a performance you want to see.

Some events require separate tickets, so it’s worth checking the programme before visiting.

You can find the current dates and programme on the official Tollwood website.

Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz

Best for: Colourful decorations and LGBTQ+ festive entertainment.

Pink Christmas is Munich’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market, held at Stephansplatz in the Glockenbachviertel.

It’s known for its bright pink decorations and entertainment programme, giving it a different atmosphere from the traditional markets around the old town.

Music and performances are part of its appeal, so the programme is worth checking if you’re deciding which evening to visit.

If you’re looking for a lively festive event rather than another traditional market, Pink Christmas offers a distinctive alternative.

Schwabing Christmas Market at Münchner Freiheit

Best for: Art, handmade gifts and creative stalls.

The Schwabing Christmas Market is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy browsing arts and crafts.

Held at Münchner Freiheit, it focuses on artists and craftspeople, with handmade products rather than simply traditional Christmas decorations.

This is the kind of market I’d choose if I were returning to Munich specifically to shop for unusual gifts.

Some of my favourite finds during our Bavaria trip came from the smaller markets in Regensburg, so a market with a strong creative focus appeals to me more than another large collection of conventional festive stalls.

Münchner Freiheit has public transport connections, making Schwabing practical to include in a longer visit.

Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower

Best for: A festive setting in the English Garden.

The Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower is held around one of Munich’s most distinctive landmarks, in the English Garden.

Unlike the markets surrounded by old-town buildings, this one has a park setting.

The combination of the Chinese Tower and traditional Bavarian Christmas stalls makes it a different experience from Marienplatz.

I’d choose this market if I wanted to explore the English Garden during my trip rather than spend another afternoon in the city centre.

It’s outside the compact old-town market area, so allow time for the journey.

Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weißenburger Platz

Best for: A traditional Christmas market in a residential neighbourhood.

The Haidhausen Christmas Market takes place at Weißenburger Platz, a square surrounded by buildings in one of Munich’s residential neighbourhoods.

Its setting is different from the major tourist squares in the old town, making it an option for visitors who want to explore beyond Marienplatz.

We stayed near München Ost station, so this market was relatively close to our hotel.

If you’re staying in Haidhausen or around München Ost, it’s a convenient option to investigate.

For a short first visit, I’d still prioritise Marienplatz and Wittelsbacherplatz.

Smaller neighbourhood Christmas markets in Munich

Munich also has smaller Christmas markets beyond the main tourist areas.

Two worth knowing about are:

Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market: Located at Sendlinger Tor, this is a convenient stop if you’re exploring the southern edge of Munich’s old town.

Neuhauser Christmas Market at Rotkreuzplatz: Held in the Neuhausen neighbourhood, this is an option for visitors staying outside the city centre or exploring that part of Munich.

Neither would be a priority on my first day, but their locations may make them convenient if you’re staying nearby.

There are also other seasonal neighbourhood events, which can vary from year to year.

Which are the best Munich Christmas markets?

If you’re trying to decide which markets deserve your time, these would be my choices.

Best for a first visit: Münchner Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, mainly because of the spectacular New Town Hall.

Best for something different: Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. I loved the distinctive wooden huts and would return earlier in the day.

Best for festive food: Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz, although I’d avoid the Friday evening crowds we experienced.

Best for handmade gifts: Schwabing Christmas Market, based on its focus on artists and craftspeople.

Best for alternative entertainment: Tollwood Winter Festival or Pink Christmas.

Best for a different setting: Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden.

If I only had time for two markets, I’d choose Marienplatz and Wittelsbacherplatz.

The Residenz would be my third choice, provided I could visit at a quieter time.

If you’d prefer to explore with a local guide, this Munich Christmas market hopping and sightseeing tour is a great option for discovering the city’s festive markets while learning more about Munich along the way.

What to eat at Munich Christmas markets

One thing Munich definitely delivered on was Christmas market food.

Even though we were beginning to tire of browsing stalls, there were some dishes that made me very glad we’d kept exploring.

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle is a traditional German dish made with soft egg noodles, cheese and caramelised onions.

We shared a portion at the Munich Residenz Christmas Village, and it was delicious.

The texture is different from macaroni and cheese, although it’s similarly comforting.

I’d happily order it again, preferably with a little Tabasco!

Corn on the cob

Unsurprisingly, grilled corn on the cob was one of my favourite foods from a week of German Christmas markets.

The corn we bought at the Residenz was genuinely incredible and it was nice to eat something fresh alongside all the other carb-heavy food we’d been consuming. 

I know it sounds like an odd thing to rave about, but I love corn and it was one of the most memorable things I ate in Munich.

Vegan bratwurst

We spotted an enormous vegan bratwurst while exploring Marienplatz.

I didn’t try it, but it was encouraging to see different plant-based options alongside traditional Christmas market food.

Throughout our Bavaria trip, I was impressed by how many vegetarian and vegan options we came across. Each vegan bratwurst, currywurst and schnitzel looked different from the last.

However, I’d still check ingredients before ordering, particularly with dishes containing cheese, sauces or toppings.

Käsespätzle, for example, contains dairy and egg, so it isn’t suitable for vegans.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, look around different stalls rather than assuming the first one will have something suitable.

When do Munich Christmas markets open?

Most Munich Christmas markets take place during Advent, generally beginning in late November and running through December.

However, opening dates and hours vary between markets.

Some finish before Christmas Eve, while certain winter festivals and seasonal events may continue later.

Check the official Münchner Christkindlmarkt website for Marienplatz and the individual organisers’ websites for other markets.

It’s particularly important to check opening times if you’re planning to visit several markets on the same day.

Where are the Christmas markets in Munich?

Several of Munich’s best-known Christmas markets are close enough to combine on foot, particularly around the old town.

The main locations are:

• Münchner Christkindlmarkt: Marienplatz and surrounding old-town streets.
• Christmas Village at the Residenz: Courtyard of the Munich Residenz.
• Medieval Christmas Market: Wittelsbacherplatz.
• Winterzauber at Viktualienmarkt: Viktualienmarkt, close to Marienplatz.
• Tollwood Winter Festival: Theresienwiese.
• Pink Christmas: Stephansplatz, Glockenbachviertel.
• Schwabing Christmas Market: Münchner Freiheit.
• Chinese Tower Christmas Market: English Garden.
• Haidhausen Christmas Market: Weißenburger Platz.
• Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market: Sendlinger Tor.
• Neuhauser Christmas Market: Rotkreuzplatz.

Marienplatz, the Residenz and Wittelsbacherplatz form a practical group for exploring the old town on foot.

For markets further away, I’d use public transport rather than trying to walk between every location.

How many days do you need for Munich Christmas markets?

I’d recommend at least one full day for the main Munich Christmas markets, although two nights gives you more flexibility.

We spent two nights in Munich as the final stop on our week travelling through Bavaria.

That gave us time to explore the markets and see some of the city without trying to fit everything into one evening.

If you only have a few hours: Visit Marienplatz and, if you have time, Wittelsbacherplatz.

If you have one full day: Start around Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, then visit Wittelsbacherplatz. Add the Residenz earlier in the day if you’re interested in its food and gifts.

If you have two days: Visit the main old-town markets on your first day, then choose one alternative market such as Tollwood or Schwabing on the second, depending on whether you prefer entertainment or handmade gifts.

I wouldn’t plan an itinerary that involves rushing between every Christmas market in Munich.

After visiting several Bavarian cities, I found that choosing fewer markets and properly enjoying them was much better than trying to tick off every location.

Where to stay for Munich Christmas markets

We stayed at the Moma1890 Boutique Hotel, close to München Ost station.

I really liked the hotel itself.

However, its location wasn’t quite as convenient for exploring Munich’s old town as I’d hoped.

Because most of the Christmas markets we wanted to visit were around Marienplatz, the Residenz and Wittelsbacherplatz, we needed to factor in the journey into the centre.

It wasn’t a major problem, but after spending all day walking around Christmas markets, I would have appreciated staying a little closer.

If you’re visiting Munich specifically for the Christmas markets, I’d look for accommodation around the old town or somewhere with convenient public transport connections to Marienplatz.

That makes it easier to visit the markets after dark without worrying about a longer journey back to your hotel.

Moma1890 is a good option if you prefer staying near München Ost, particularly if you’re travelling onwards by train, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for someone wanting to walk to the main Christmas markets.

Check prices and availability at Moma1890 Boutique Hotel.

I’d book accommodation well ahead of a December trip, especially if you want somewhere central.

How to get to Munich Christmas markets

We travelled to Munich from Regensburg by train, having already visited Nuremberg earlier in the week.

We booked our Regensburg-to-Munich tickets through Omio the night before, which gave us some flexibility over how we spent our final morning in Regensburg.

Our journey took approximately two hours and involved a connection because maintenance work was taking place on the tracks.

Normally, direct services are available between Regensburg and Munich, but it’s worth checking your particular journey rather than assuming you won’t need to change.

We had a fairly short connection between platforms, so we needed to pay attention to the departure information.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly.

Once you’re in Munich, the main old-town Christmas markets are straightforward to explore on foot.

For markets further away, such as Tollwood or Schwabing, public transport is more convenient.

If you’re planning to visit several Bavarian cities, I’ve shared our complete route, accommodation and train travel experiences in my 7 day German Christmas market itinerary.

Would I visit the Munich Christmas markets again?

Yes, although I’d plan my visit a little differently.

I loved seeing the New Town Hall at Marienplatz, and the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz was a refreshing change from the more traditional stalls.

The Residenz was a mixed experience. I didn’t enjoy the crowds, but the food and unusual chocolates made it memorable. If we’d visited on a weeknight, it may not have been as packed as it was.

If I returned, I’d spend more time at Wittelsbacherplatz, visit the Residenz earlier in the day and choose one of Munich’s alternative markets rather than trying to see everything.

I’d also leave time for something completely different.

On our final morning, we visited BMW Welt instead of another Christmas market before flying home, and it was exactly the break we needed.

Munich is a fantastic destination at Christmas, but my biggest recommendation is to be selective.

Choose the markets that genuinely interest you, enjoy the festive atmosphere and don’t feel you have to visit every single one to have a wonderful trip.

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