Munich’s Christkindlmarkt is the Oldest in the Bavarian Capital:
Munich has over 20 Christmas markets, but the main Christkindlmarkt and the oldest in the Bavarian capital is held at the historical Marienplatz each year.
Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
Marienplatz is a beautiful square at any time of the year but at Christmas the atmosphere is magical. A sparkling giant Christmas tree overlooks the traditional Christmas market in the square. There are over 150 stalls that are packed with all kinds of Christmas decorations, handicraft and Christmas gifts. Chocolate Rudolfs, Kletzenbrot, gingerbread houses and glühwein are just some of the Christmas treats you’ll find at the market stalls.
Santa visits Munich’s Christkindl every afternoon from 16:00 to 18:00 and chats with grown-ups and children alike. If you’d like to capture this Santa-moment, he loves having his picture taken as a reminder of this memorable Christmas market visit.
During the Christmas season, visitors will have more than the Glockenspiel to enjoy at the Rathaus. There is live music every day from the Rathaus balcony from 17:30 – 18:00. And if you see some mythological characters running through the Christmas market, you’ll know that the traditional Krampus Run is on.
Other Christkindl Activities
ChristkindlTram: Every year the Munich Transport Association runs a ChristkindlTram ride through the city centre. Get on board the tram and in addition to your sightseeing highlights, you will be served with hot mulled wine, gingerbread and other surprises. There is a program for children and kids of course get served a children’s punch. The ChristkindlTram runs daily from Dec. 1 – 23, 2012. (Mon-Friday 15:30 – 19:00 | Sat-Sun 11:00 – 19:30.)
Nativity scenes: For Nativity scenes, head to the Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Christmas Market tours: With more than 20 Christmas markets in Munich, let a local guide take you to the best on a Christmas Market Tour. The itinerary for this tour covers Sedlinger Tor, Marienplatz, the Nativity Scene at the City Hall, Christmas Village in the Royal Palace Courtyard and the Medieval Market near Odeonsplatz.
Children’s Activities: Kids can play and do handicrafts free of charge at the ‘Himmelswerkstatt.
You can also visit the Christmas market held by artists and artisans in Schwabing, Munich’s Bohemian district that goes back over 1,200 years.
Christmas Concerts: There’s nothing like some of your favourite Christmas music to put you into the spirit of Christmas. Visitors to Munich at Christmas can enjoy Christmas concerts at some amazing venues. See the list of Christmas concerts HERE.
How to get to Munich Christmas Market by public transport:
There are no parking facilities in the vicinity of Marienplatz so travel by public transport is best way to get to the Christmas Market. Marienplatz train station is right on the square.
- By Train – Marienplatz Stop – S1–S8, U3, U6
- By Bus - Lines 52 and 131 to Marienplatz
- By Tram – Tram 19 to Theatinerstrasse.
Places to Stay in Munich
Visitors have a large choice of luxury and budget hotels in Munich to choose from.
Munich Christkindlmarkt 2012
Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2012
Place: Marienplatz
Opening Times:
Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 20:30
Sat : 09:00 – 20:30
Sun : 10:00 – 19:30
Dec. 24 : 10:00 – 14:00
Map of Munich Altstadt:
Liked this post? Share it!