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.
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