Munich's Traditional Christmas Markets

If you visit Munich at Christmas time, you should definitely take time for one of the Christmas Markets - or as they are called in Bavaria: “Christkindlmärkte”. After sightseeing, these are definitely worth a visit here to take a break with a mulled wine or punch.

Christmas atmosphere at the Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is of course worth a visit all year round. There's something here for all interests: exotic fruits, delicacies, North German fish and Bavarian local treats. At Christmastime, you can also sample your way through the punch and mulled wine stands or Advent delicacies.

Traditional Christmas Market on Marienplatz

The Marienplatz with the New Town Hall is probably the most famous square in the city and a must for visitors at any time of year. In Advent, however, there's also a huge Christmas tree here and the city's oldest Christmas Market. The history of the Christmas Market dates back to the 14th century, and it has been a permanent fixture on Marienplatz since 1972.

Medieval Market

Fancy a short trip back in time? At Wittelsbacher Platz, the Medieval Christmas Market reopens after the pandemic and takes you back to Munich a few centuries ago. Munich as a city was first mentioned in 1158 as "Munichen", which is derived from the German word "Mönch" for english "monk". But Christmas Markets have also existed here for a very long time - as early as 1320, an Advent Market was mentioned in the writings of one of the council meetings. Today's organizers of this market do not only want to spread a nice atmosphere, but also to reproduce the market as faithfully as possible and thus spread knowledge about Munich in the Middle Ages.

Feuerzangenbowle at the Isartor

Feuerzangenbowle is actually not a “Bowle” or punch in the strict sense. The drink is made from red wine and spices. On top of that, a cone-shaped piece of sugar soaked in rum is made to burn in a "Feuerzange" or "fire tong", so that the sugar drips with the rum into the drink.

If you don't want to miss out on something like this, the Isartor is the place to be! There you'll find a huge cauldron with a diameter of 2.5 meters and real professionals who know exactly how to prepare the best Feuerzangenbowle in town.

Christmas Village at the Residenz

In the courtyard of Munich's city palace, the Residenz, the Christmas Village opens this year for the first time after the pandemic. It is considered one of Munich's markets with the most beautiful atmosphere. For children there's a fairy tale forest with Hansel and Gretel, and for adults all kinds of arts and crafts, and of course classic Christmas market fare.