When the festival tents come down, Bavaria trades beer steins for mugs of mulled wine. From late November, Munich glows with Christkindlmärkte — Christmas markets full of twinkling lights, roasted almonds, and cozy Gemütlichkeit. Here’s how to do a Bavarian Christmas in 2026.
Munich’s main market: Marienplatz
The Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is the grand centerpiece, beneath the New Town Hall and a giant Christmas tree.
- Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2026 (Marienplatz and Rindermarkt).
- Hours: roughly 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mon–Sat, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun. Christmas Eve closes early (~2 p.m.).
- Size: 130+ stalls.
What to eat and drink
- Glühwein — hot mulled wine (small refundable mug deposit).
- Kinderpunsch — warm non-alcoholic spiced punch.
- Gebrannte Mandeln — candied roasted almonds.
- Lebkuchen — spiced gingerbread hearts.
Munich’s other markets
- Medieval Market (Wittelsbacherplatz) — costumed stalls and mead.
- Pink Christmas (Stephansplatz) — Munich’s LGBTQ+ market.
- Tollwood Winter Festival — a bigger alternative festival.
Beyond Munich
- Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt — world-famous (~1 hour by train).
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber — a medieval walled town made for Christmas.
Tips
- Dress warm and bring cash.
- Keep your Glühwein mug or return it for the deposit.
- Weekday evenings are less crowded.
See Things to Do in Munich, Neuschwanstein, or Oktoberfest 2026.
Munich Christmas markets: frequently asked questions
When do Munich’s Christmas markets open in 2026?
Munich’s main Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, spanning Marienplatz and the neighbouring Rindermarkt. Most of the city’s smaller markets run on a similar late-November-to-Christmas-Eve schedule.
What are the opening hours of Munich’s Christmas markets?
The Marienplatz market runs roughly 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. On Christmas Eve it closes early, around 2 p.m., so plan any last visit for the morning.
What is Glühwein, and what is the Pfand?
Glühwein is hot spiced mulled wine, the signature drink of Munich’s Christmas markets. You pay a small refundable deposit, the Pfand, on the souvenir mug, which you get back if you return the mug — or keep it as a souvenir and forfeit the deposit.
Which is the best Christmas market in Bavaria?
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, about an hour from Munich by train, is widely considered the best and most famous market in Bavaria. Munich’s own Marienplatz market is the strongest option if you don’t want to leave the city, with 130-plus stalls beneath the New Town Hall. Day trips to Nuremberg and guided market tours are bookable on Klook.
Are Munich’s Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes — like Oktoberfest, entry to Munich’s Christmas markets is free. You only pay for what you eat, drink and buy from the stalls.
Do Christmas market stalls in Munich take cards?
Often not — many stalls run on cash only, so bring enough with you rather than relying on a card. Small notes make it easier to pay for a quick Glühwein or a bag of Gebrannte Mandeln.
Updated August 2026.
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