Final yr, I deliberate to spend 1 day in Munich earlier than embarking on a Christmas market road trip by southwest Germany and the Alsace area of France. However a freak snowstorm actually introduced the town to a halt, and turned my 1 day in Munich into… a number of.
However being caught in Munich round Christmas time just isn’t a horrible factor; the town could be very historic, and it boasts a surprisingly giant variety of distinctive Christmas markets! I used to be in a position to discover a lot of them (and have additionally visited Munich a number of occasions within the final couple of years), which means that I can now share with you my model of an ideal day in Munich in the course of the Christmas season.
Munich’s Christmas markets
Cities across Germany (and different cities all through Europe) rework within the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas into vacation wonderlands. It is no totally different in Munich, the place there are actually dozens of Christmas markets to select from.
Munich’s fundamental and largest market (the Münchner Christkindlmarkt) takes place on Marienplatz, with greater than 130 market stalls promoting every little thing from meals and wine to Christmas decor and items. This one dates again to at the least the 1600s, however probably way back to the 14th century. After which there are all of the smaller markets, too.
Simply among the main Christmas markets in Munich embrace:
- Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz – The most important in Munich on the principle sq.. (Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2024)
- Kripperlmarkt at St. Peter’s – 10 stalls promoting completely nativity-related issues.
- Christmas Village on the Residenz – Munich’s metropolis palace, the Residenz, has its personal Christmas market in its largest courtyard. (Nov. 18-Dec. 22, 2024)
- Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – A small market with medieval-inspired items, meals, and drinks. (Nov. 25- Dec. 23, 2024)
- Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor – A small market beneath one among Munich’s remaining metropolis gates. (Nov., 25- Dec. 22, 2024)
- Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz – The town’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market is small, however so enjoyable! With pink lighting, enjoyable items, and reside music/DJs. (Nov,. 25-Dec. 23, 2024)
- Tollwood Winter Pageant – Another, artsy model of a Christmas market, this one takes place on the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground) and options arts, crafts, and theater productions. (Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 2024, with the market ending on Dec. 23)
- Haidhausen Christmas Market – To the southeast of central Munich, this market on Weissenburger Platz is claimed to be probably the most stunning in Munich, and has reside Christmas music daily. (Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2024)
- Christmas market at Chinesischer Turm – This market surrounds the Chinese language Tower contained in the Englischer Garten (assume: Munich’s model of Central Park) with artisan stands and a kids’s carousel. (Nov. 27-Dec. 23, 2024)
- Fairytale bazaar at Olympiapark – In search of barely totally different winter market vibes? Head to Olympiapark, the place circus tents home artisans, cozy bars, and small efficiency phases.
You may as well discover a festive ambiance on the Viktualienmarkt meals market, an ice rink at Karlsplatz-Stachus, and the mulled wine pageant on the Cosimabad wave pool. There’s even a Christmas market on the Munich airport! Discover a full checklist of ALL the Munich space Christmas markets here.
Essential be aware: You may discover from the dates above that Christmas markets run within the weeks main UP TO Christmas. So for this particular itinerary, you may wish to be visiting Munich between the tip of November and roughly December 23 if you wish to expertise all of the markets.
1 day in Munich itinerary (at Christmas)
And now this is the place my Munich Christmas market information goes to vary from all of the others on the market… as an alternative of merely itemizing all of the Munich Christmas markets for you – which might be overwhelming since there are such a lot of of them! – I will offer you a advised 1-day Munich itinerary that may can help you go to all the very best ones.
That is itinerary is predicated alone go to(s) to Munich, together with at Christmas. I am going to inform you what I ate and when, and likewise counsel one or two non-market-related issues to do alongside the best way.
A good warning although: this is usually a very busy day of sightseeing and market-going if you need it to be!
Morning: Marienplatz market
- Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: 1 hour
Begin your day on the Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, the town’s fundamental and largest Christmas market. This grand sq. could be very well-known and really photogenic, with the ornate New City Corridor at its middle. No have to rush this morning for the reason that market stalls do not open till round 10 a.m., however going within the morning is totally totally different than later within the day (which you may expertise later, don’t fret!).
Stroll among the many stalls as they open this morning, and seize a espresso or scorching chocolate. Certainly one of my favourite morning market snacks are Apfelkücherl, or deep fried apple rings.
Head down the lane in entrance of St. Peter’s church subsequent to see the Kripperlmarkt. Right here, a handful of stands are completely promoting nativity units, nativity figures, and extra objects associated to nativity scenes. Should you’re on the lookout for a novel handmade present in Munich, these stalls are price a browse. You may as well pop into St. Peter’s, which is the oldest church in Munich.
You may comply with the road all the way down to the Rindermarkt, the place there are a number of extra Christmas market stalls and often an enormous Christmas pyramid (a tiered wood construction adorned with nativity scenes and different Christmas figures that rotates). That is one other great place to seize a morning snack!
A be aware on Christmas market mugs: In Munich (and at most different Christmas markets in Germany), any scorching drink you order might be served in an actual glass/mug. You may must pay a deposit (pfand in German) on these mugs – often in money – along with the price of your drink. Should you return the mug after you end your drink, you may get your deposit again. If you wish to maintain the mug as a memento, think about the mug deposit the price of the mug. In Munich, you’ll be able to count on to pay €5 as a mug deposit.
Morning: Frauenkirche
- Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: half-hour (longer for those who go up the tower)
Subsequent, take a break from Christmas market buying to go to the Frauenkirche (Cathedral Church of Our Woman). The long-lasting twin towers of this church are a logo of Munich, and you may even go up the South Tower (by way of elevator!) for some wonderful Munich views.
The Frauenkirche can be residence to “the satan’s footprint” close to the doorway, mentioned to be made by the Satan himself (who wears sneakers, apparently).
Late morning: Residenz Palace
- Closest public transit cease: Odeonsplatz (U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: 2 hours
From the Frauenkirche, you’ll be able to stroll to the Residenz München, or Munich Residence – the biggest metropolis palace in Germany. Going right here is definitely a two-fer: you’ll be able to tour the palace, AND go to the Christmas market that takes place throughout the palace’s largest courtyard!
Should you’re getting hungry for lunch, I might head to the Christmas market first (you’ll be able to enter the Kaiserhof courtyard without cost from Odeonsplatz), and get one thing from one of many stalls. There are additionally handicraft workshops right here, alongside meals stalls and even kids’s puppet exhibits.
After which head to the palace entrance to buy a ticket (they do not promote tickets on-line sadly) and tour the Residenz. This huge constructing was the previous royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria, who dominated this area from the 1600s till 1918. Right now, you’ll be able to tour a superb portion of the palace, visiting many opulent rooms, chapels, and halls.
You may as well get some good views out over the courtyard Christmas market from contained in the palace (the place the above photograph was taken)!
Permit as much as 2 hours to completely go to the Residenz Palace – and be aware that there is a free cloakroom for cumbersome coats and backpacks.
Afternoon: Medieval market
- Closest public transit cease: Odeonsplatz (U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: half-hour
From the Residenz Palace, it is a quick stroll over to Wittelsbacherplatz for Munich’s distinctive medieval market. Right here, distributors put on interval garb and promote medieval-themed items, clothes, and meals.
Some of the standard issues to attempt here’s a Feuerzangenbowle, which interprets actually to “Fireplace Tongs Punch.” This “punch” is principally mulled wine with a shot of rum that is poured over a sugar dice, which is then lit on fireplace. You may do that drink throughout Munich, but it surely’s most original on the medieval market, the place it is served in an enormous clay goblet. (Observe that you will pay a bigger deposit on the goblet.)
Late afternoon: Englischer Garten
- Closest public transit cease: Nationalmuseum/Haus D.Kunst (tram or bus) for the Eisbachwelle; Tivolistraße (tram) and Chinesischer Turm (bus cease) for the Chinese language Tower
- Time really helpful: 1 hour
After getting warmed up by your fireplace punch, it is time to head slightly additional north to the Englischer Garten (English Backyard), which is principally Munich’s Central Park.
On the best way, I extremely suggest stopping on the Eisbachwelle on the south entrance of the park. Right here, in the course of the town, individuals surf on a steady wave within the river. (And sure, even within the winter there might be individuals browsing the wave!)
Then, if it is good, stroll north by the park to the Chinesischen Turm, or Chinese language Tower. Dwelling to a really enjoyable beer backyard in the course of the hotter months, the Chinese language Tower is surrounded by a comfortable Christmas market in the course of the holidays. There’s often reside music, a kids’s carousel, and cute market stalls.
Elective: Mulled wine pageant
- Closest public transit cease: Cosimabad (tram or bus), or Arabellapark (U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: 1 hour
IF the Chinese language Tower market does not curiosity you, then I would skip the English Backyard and head a bit additional east by public transit to the winter pageant grounds outdoors the Cosimabad swimming pool*.
This space hosts a Glühwein Pageant from mid-November by January sixth every year, the place there are 30+ several types of mulled wine to attempt. There are cozy tents to lounge in (uncommon for a German Christmas market, if I am sincere!), plus stalls outdoors promoting meals and artisan items and items.
I’ve not been to this pageant, but it surely’s on my checklist for subsequent time in Munich at Christmas!
*I do not realistically assume you’ll be able to slot in each the Chinese language Tower market and Glühwein Pageant in the identical afternoon. I might select only one, until you wish to skip the Residenz Palace or the Pink Market listed beneath.
Night: Pink Market and Sendlinger Tor
- Closest public transit cease: Sendlinger Tor (U-bahn or tram)
- Time really helpful: 1 hour
Munich’s Pink Market does not open till the night, so head to Stephansplatz after it begins to get darkish. This pink-lit queer market is small, however actually enjoyable. Anticipate reside music or a DJ, rainbow market mugs, and plenty of enjoyable issues on the market. Simply seize a drink right here!
From the Pink Market, it is a quick stroll over to Sendlinger Tor, the place a handful of market stalls are arrange beneath one among Munich’s three remaining metropolis gates. This one is simply cool to see, contemplating this gate dates again to round 1300. Within the night, this small market seemed to be a preferred spot for locals to go for a drink.
Dinner: Rindermarkt
- Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: half-hour
My absolute favourite factor I ate on the Munich Christmas markets might be discovered on the Rindermarkt market stalls that you might have visited earlier within the day. I do not care; return for this!
The dish known as Flammlachs, and it is salmon that is cooked on a plank round an open fireplace after which shredded right into a sandwich. That is SO GOOD. I nonetheless dream about it.
Evening: Marienplatz + New City Corridor
- Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
- Time really helpful: 1-2 hours
Or, I suppose for those who do not like fish, then I would suggest heading again to Marienplatz for dinner. There’s a lot good (and inexpensive!) meals right here, together with sausages (my favourite are the small Nürnberger Rostbratwurst on a bun), Käsespätzle (tacky egg noodles topped with crunchy onions), and a lot extra.
Then, for an additional good view of Munich’s largest market, head up a close-by tower!
I had initially deliberate to climb the tower at St. Peter’s, but it surely closes pretty early. A fair higher possibility (for my part) is to go up the New City Corridor Tower. This tower is open later (till 8 p.m.), and two elevators take you as much as the commentary deck 280 ft (85 meters) above Marienplatz.
You may both purchase tickets on the vacationer info middle, or pre-book a timed ticket online (I went with this feature). It was snowing once I went up, and it was magical!
After which simply benefit from the Marienplatz market till you are prepared to go again to your resort.
You probably have extra time…
Would I like to recommend greater than sooner or later in Munich at Christmas? Sure, positively! You would simply fill 2-3 days with principally Christmas actions and Christmas markets.
With extra time in Munich, I might additionally:
- Go to the English Backyard or Glühwein Pageant (whichever you did not do on at the present time)
- Store on the Viktualienmarkt meals market
- Go ice skating at Karlsplatz
- Take public transit out to Nymphenburg Palace
- Go to both the Tollwood Winter Pageant or Fairytale bazaar at Olympiapark for a unique vibe
- Possibly take a WWII-themed tour, or go on a Night Watchman walking tour
And you probably have even MORE time, then you can plan a day journey from Munich to someplace like Neuschwanstein castle and even Salzburg.
The best way to get round Munich
Inside central Munich, you’ll be able to truly stroll to most locations inside 10-Quarter-hour. However for among the spots which might be slightly additional out, public transit is the simplest and most effective method to get round.
Munich has a wonderful system of trains, trams, and buses, all operated by the Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV). The simplest method to get tickets is to obtain the MVV app in your smartphone, and purchase tickets straight by there.
Should you assume you may use public transit for greater than only one or two rides, it is price it to get a Single Day Ticket, which is sweet for twenty-four hours (and for all over the place on this itinerary, you simply want an M-Zone ticket, which prices €9.20 for the day). The ticket is validated in your cellphone if you buy it, and also you usually do not have to indicate/scan it anyplace.
Professional tip: Should you’re touring as a pair or small group (as much as 5 adults, or 2 adults and as much as 6 children), then getting a Group Day Ticket will truly prevent cash. A gaggle ticket for twenty-four hours prices simply €17.80, and can be utilized a vast variety of occasions for the entire group on U-bahn and S-bahn trains, trams, and buses.
The place to remain in Munich
Munich is one main metropolis in Europe the place the world round the principle prepare station (Hauptbahnhof) is definitely pretty good, with many good motels to select from. I usually keep close to the prepare station to make attending to/from the airport simpler (you’ll be able to take a prepare on to the airport).
My favourite resort in Munich (thus far) is the NH Collection München Bavaria, which is a 4-star resort throughout the road from the prepare station, with an entrance to S-bahn and U-bahn trains (plus a tram cease) proper outdoors.
Different good picks in Munich embrace Hotel Metropol (additionally close to the prepare station) and Hotel Torbraeu (close to the Outdated City).
What to put on in Munich in December
You may be in Munich in December for Christmas markets, and the climate can differ a bit in early winter. Normally, it is chilly in December – however often not bitterly so.
Excessive temperatures in Munich in December are often round 40 levels F (4.4 levels C), with lows dipping into the low- to mid-30s F (proper round 0-2 levels C). It will probably in fact be barely hotter or barely colder than this, relying on climate patterns. (It dipped beneath 20 levels F, or -6.6 levels C, in the course of the snowstorm I acquired caught in, for instance.)
You may wish to put together for the possibility of each rain and snow in December – I had a little bit of each on my journey.
My prime suggestions for packing embrace:
- Heat layers – Pack layers that you may combine and match relying on the forecast. On hotter days, a sweater and denims below your coat could be effective, whereas on colder days I often go for a merino or moisture-wicking base layer below a sweater/cardigan on prime, and doubtlessly fleece-lined leggings (like these) below denims or different pants on the underside.
- A winter coat – You may desire a good jacket, too, both a light-weight down jacket or heavier winter coat, relying on the forecast. (Final yr, I wore this one and was glad for the heavier coat throughout that snowstorm.)
- Heat, waterproof sneakers/boots – Your footwear could be crucial merchandise in your Christmas market wardrobe! You should definitely deliver at the least one pair of heat and waterproof sneakers/boots that may deal with any climate. (These Columbia boots are my go-to.)
- Hand/ft heaters – Talking of staying heat, these HotHands hand/toe warmers are must-packs for me for any winter journey. You may put them in your gloves or boots, and so they’ll keep heat for as much as 8 hours.
I’ve a full Christmas market packing list you’ll be able to take a look at for extra particular ideas and outfit concepts!
Take a look at these different Christmas market posts:
And that is how I might spend sooner or later exploring Munich at Christmas! It is a doubtlessly lengthy day, sure, however I believe you may be happy that you just noticed the very best of Munich’s Christmas markets and vacation traditions!
Who’s prepared to go to Munich at Christmas?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
