Planning a twinkly, cinnamon scented getaway this winter? You’re in luck: the first Christmas markets in Munich start popping up in November, with the full glittering line up running through to Christmas Eve and a few festive hangovers even stretching into the New Year.
This guide is your practical, no nonsense roadmap to the Christmas markets in Munich for 2025, including what’s on, key dates, how to get there from the airport and between markets, and plenty of insider tips to help you make the most of every steaming mug of Glühwein.
Christmas Markets in Munich: 2025 calendar at a glance
- Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt and Kripperlmarkt: 24 Nov–24 Dec
- Residenz Christmas Village: 17 Nov–22 Dec
- Medieval Market: 24 Nov–23 Dec
- Tollwood Winterfestival: 25 Nov–23 Dec
- Pink Christmas: 24 Nov–22 Dec
- Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt: 31 Nov–24 Dec
- Chinese Tower: 20 Nov–23 Dec
- Sendlinger Tor Market: 24 Nov–22 Dec
- Märchenbazar: 27 Nov–28 Dec
- Munich Feuerzangenbowle: 24 Nov–6 Jan
The headline act: Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt (Old Town)
Dates 2025: 24 Nov–24 Dec (Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–20:00, Christmas Eve 10:00–14:00)
Stalls fill the famous square beneath the gothic Rathaus and the giant tree dripping with lights. Don’t miss the adjoining Kripperlmarkt nearby, perfect for hand carved nativity figures and traditional scenes.
Getting there from Hauptbahnhof: Take any eastbound S-Bahn S1–S8 two stops to Marienplatz which takes about 3 or 4 minutes. You can also walk about 20 minutes through the pedestrian zone if you feel like a brisk stroll.
Must see moment: The Krampuslauf, when horned Alpine creatures parade through the pedestrian zone. In 2025 it is set for Sunday 14 December, 15:00–17:00. It draws huge crowds, so arrive early.
Medieval magic: Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Market (Wittelsbacherplatz)
Dates 2025: 24 Nov–23 Dec (daily 11:00–21:00)
Think crackling braziers, mead, craft demonstrations, and traders in period costume at Wittelsbacherplatz, a long standing favourite among locals.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U4 or U5 to Odeonsplatz, then walk for about 5 minutes, or walk about 20 minutes from Marienplatz.
Palace vibes: Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof (Munich Residenz)
Dates 2025: 17 Nov–22 Dec (daily 11:00–21:00)
A tiny storybook village tucked inside the Residenz palace courtyard, sheltered from winter winds and great for families with its puppet shows and cosy atmosphere. Note: The market is closed on Remembrance Sunday, November 23, 2025; and on the last day, Monday, December 22, 2025, it closes at 20:00.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U4 or U5 to Odeonsplatz, or the S-Bahn to Marienplatz, then walk for about 8 minutes along Residenzstraße.
Big tent alternative: Tollwood Winterfestival (Theresienwiese)
Dates 2025: 25 Nov–23 Dec (Mon–Fri 14:00–01:00 next day; weekends & public holidays 11:00–01:00); New Year’s Eve party on 31 Dec
This is Munich’s alternative festive playground filled with global street food, arts and crafts, performances, and glowing tent tops on the Oktoberfest grounds. Stays open late every day.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U4 or U5 one stop to Theresienwiese, or walk about 15 minutes.
Pink, sparkly, fabulous: Pink Christmas (Stephansplatz, Glockenbachviertel)
Dates 2025: 24 Nov–22 Dec (Mon–Fri 16:00–22:00, Sat & Sun 14:00–22:00)
Small, inclusive, and gloriously kitsch, this LGBTQ+ born market has become a citywide favourite, with live shows and DJs most evenings. This is the event’s 20th anniversary.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U1 or U2 to Sendlinger Tor, then walk for about 7 minutes to Stephansplatz, or take a tram to Sendlinger Tor and walk.
Art attack: Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt (Münchner Freiheit)
Dates 2025: 31 Nov–24 Dec (31 Nov 18:00–20:30; Mon–Fri 12:00–20:30; Sat & Sun 11:00–20:30; 24 Dec 11:00–14:00)
This is the arts market featuring sculpture, ceramics, prints, and live music. It is lively without being hectic and has a creative atmosphere.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the S-Bahn to Marienplatz, change to the U6 north to Münchner Freiheit. The market spreads around the square.
In the English Garden: Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower)
Dates 2025: 20 Nov–23 Dec (Wed–Fri 11:30-20:30; Sat & Sun 11:00–20:30; 22 & 23 Dec 11:00–20:30)
A park based market with curling lanes, crafts, and a relaxed pace beneath the iconic pagoda in the Englischer Garten.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U3 or U6 to Giselastraße, then walk for about 10 minutes or hop on Bus 54 or 154 to Chinesischer Turm. You can also take Tram 16 to Tivolistraße.
Sparkling history: Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market (Old City Gate)
Dates 2025: 24 Nov–22 Dec (10:30–21:00)
Compact, central, and photogenic under the illuminated medieval gate, this is ideal for an after work Glühwein and quick browse.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the U1 or U2 to Sendlinger Tor, or walk about 15 minutes.
Festive circus vibes: Märchenbazar (Olympiapark South)
Dates 2025: 27 Nov–28 Dec (Mon-Wed 14:00-22:00; Thu-Fri 14:00- 23:00; Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 11:00-21:00; 24 Dec closed; 25-26 Dec 12:00-21:00; 27 Dec 12:00–23:00; 28 Dec 11:00–21:00; 31 Dec New Year's Eve party from 22:00)
A retro circus meets Christmas vibe, with vintage tents, live bands, and a strong local atmosphere. It is the hip night owl choice.
From Hauptbahnhof: The simplest route is the U-Bahn to Olympiazentrum, then bus or short walk to Olympiapark Süd.
Bonus: The giant Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a flaming sugarloaf)
Dates 2025/26: 24 Nov–6 Jan (Mon–Fri 15:00–22:00; Sat 12:00–22:00; Sun 12:00–21:00; 24 Dec 11:00–14:00; 25 Dec 2025–6 Jan 2026 12:00–22:00; New Year’s Eve 11:00–03:00)
Not technically a market, but a Munich ritual, located behind the Schrannenhalle near Viktualienmarkt. You can visit even after most markets end. Free entry, long opening hours and a spectacular flaming cauldron.
From Hauptbahnhof: Take the S-Bahn two stops to Marienplatz, then walk a few minutes towards Viktualienmarkt.
Getting into town: Munich Airport to Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
By S-Bahn (fast, easy, frequent). From Munich Airport (MUC), hop on the S1 or S8 suburban rail. Both lines run about every 10 minutes and take around 40 minutes to reach Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Buy either a Single Day Ticket Zone M–5 or the Airport City Day Ticket which covers the same zones and lasts until 06:00 the next day. Machines take cards and the airport day ticket comes pre validated.
By Lufthansa Express Bus (simple and comfy). Coaches run roughly every 20 minutes directly from both terminals to the city, including Hauptbahnhof. Expect around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Money saving note: If you plan to ride trams or the underground a lot on your first day, the Airport City Day Ticket Zones M–5 is often the best value as it covers your airport trip and unlimited city travel for the day.
How to market hop like a local (from Hauptbahnhof)
- To Marienplatz for the main market and Kripperlmarkt, take any eastbound S-Bahn S1–S8, two stops.
- To Residenz Christmas Village or Medieval Market, take U4 or U5 to Odeonsplatz, then walk a few minutes.
- To Tollwood at Theresienwiese, take U4 or U5 one stop, or walk about 15 minutes.
- To Pink Christmas, take U1 or U2 to Sendlinger Tor, then walk for about 7 minutes.
- To Schwabing Arts Market, take S-Bahn to Marienplatz, change to U6 north to Münchner Freiheit.
- To Haidhausen, take S-Bahn to Rosenheimer Platz, then walk about 7 minutes.
- To the Chinese Tower, take U3 or U6 to Giselastraße, walk 10 minutes or take Bus 54 or 154.
Cycling between markets is easy on Munich’s excellent bike lanes, though in December you’ll want gloves and lights. Walking between central markets is also simple and atmospheric, with every step scented with roasted almonds.
Practical micro tips
- Mugs and deposits: Every Glühwein comes with a Pfand deposit for the mug, usually a few euros. You can keep the mug, swap it, or return it to reclaim your coin.
- Cash versus cards: Many stalls now accept cards, but small vendors may still prefer cash. Withdraw once to avoid extra fees.
- Crowds and timing: Weekday daytime is calmer. Evenings are magical but busy, especially at Marienplatz and Tollwood. The Krampuslauf is packed, so arrive early.
- Warmth strategy: Layers are essential. Nights can be cold and damp, so bring a hat, scarf, and good boots. For a break from the chill, visit the sheltered Residenz Village or duck into a café near Viktualienmarkt.
- Public transport basics: The MVV app covers journey planning and tickets. Remember the airport lies outside the central “M” zone, hence the M–5 coverage on arrival day. A Day Ticket is usually the best value if you are hopping between markets.
- Accessibility: Major stations like Theresienwiese, Odeonsplatz, Marienplatz, and Hackerbrücke are wheelchair friendly, and Tollwood is designed with accessible entrances.
Quick eats you’ll meet
Sample Käsespätzle, cheesy noodles perfect for the cold, or Schupfnudeln with sauerkraut, Flammkuchen, and Reiberdatschi, crispy potato pancakes with applesauce. For drinks, classic Glühwein and the dramatic Feuerzangenbowle are must tries.
Suggested first day route
- Arrive and take the S-Bahn to Hauptbahnhof, then drop your bags.
- Head to Marienplatz for your first mug of Glühwein and ornament.
- Walk to the Kripperlmarkt at Rindermarkt.
- Continue to the Residenz Christmas Village, then the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz.
- In the evening, go to Tollwood at Theresienwiese for dinner under the tents and live music.
- On your second day, visit Schwabing for the artistic market, relax at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden, and finish at Pink Christmas for lively evening shows.
Final word: Christmas markets in Munich 2025
Whether you are chasing centuries old tradition at Marienplatz, sipping organic chai at Tollwood, or clinking pink mugs under fairy lights in Glockenbach, the Christmas markets in Munich are made for easy exploring.
With Hauptbahnhof as your hub (just steps from KING’s Hotels Munich) and an efficient transport network connecting every corner, you can see it all without stress. With markets opening as early as mid November and festive events continuing into January, Munich glows with holiday spirit at every turn. Prost und schöne Adventszeit!
* Book a hotel in Munich city centre – click here!
