THE MUNICH CHRISTKINDLMARKT IS THE OLDEST IN THE BAVARIAN CAPITAL:
Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz
When it comes to German Christmas markets, Munich has plenty of choices for visitors – there are over twenty Christmas markets in the Bavarian capital. The main Munich Christkindlmarkt (Münchner Christkindlmarkt) and the oldest in the city is the one at the historical Marienplatz.
Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
Marienplatz is a charming square and at Christmas the atmosphere here is magical. The Christmas market is located in front of the elegant Gothic Neue Rathaus (New Town Hall) and extends eastwards to the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall).
The biggest attraction of the Munich Christkindlmarkt, and literally so, is the 25-meter high Christmas tree. Standing in front of the Rathaus, this giant Serbian spruce Christmas tree with its 3,000 LED candles add to the atmosphere of the Christmas market on the square. There are over 130 stalls, packed with all kinds of Christmas decorations, handicraft and Christmas gifts. Chocolate Rudolfs, Kletzenbrot and gingerbread houses are just some of the Christmas treats you’ll find at the market stalls.
A warming mug of glühwein
And then of course there’s plenty of glühwein stalls about. A mug of this favourite Christmas brew helps fend off the winter chill and put you into the Christmas spirit. Even the Santa Clauses and Santarinas enjoy a mug of glühwein before they set off on their evening’s work.
Santas enjoying glühwein
Christkindltram – A favourite at the Munich Christmas Market is the Christkindltram. This popular Christmas-decorated streetcar will once again be delighting market attendees.
The starting point is Sendlinger-tor-Platz and it makes its rounds through the Old Town. On board you can enjoy mulled wine, children’s punch and gingerbread. This 30-minute service starts on November 29 and runs till December 22nd. Departures are every 45 minutes on Fridays between 3:30 pm and 7:15 pm.
Santa visits the Munich Christkindlmarkt 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.
The Glockenspiel in the tower balcony of the New Town Hall has delighted Munich visitors since 1908. During the Christmas season, there is more than the Glockenspiel to enjoy at the Rathaus. Live Bavarian Stubenmusic (traditional folk music) and Advent music fill the air from the Rathaus balcony from Sunday to Thursday evening at 17:30.
Glockenspiel on Rathaus tower balcony
If you see some mythological characters running through the Christmas market, you’ll know that the 500 year-old traditional Krampus Run (Krampuslauf) is on. On Sunday, December 8, 2024, these wild creatures will be out and about, starting at 3 p.m. from Sendlinger Strasse. From here the more than 300 Krampus parade will make its way through Rindermarkt, past the Kripperlmarkt to Marienplatz and then on to Kaufingerstrasse. They do make quite a racket, so you’ll know if they are in the vicinity, and the characters are quite scary looking.
Munich Krampus Run
Other Christkindlmarkt Activities:
Nativity scenes: For Nativity scenes, head to the Kripperlmarkt in front of St Peter’s Church on Neuhauserstrasse. This Nativity market is only a few steps from Marienplatz. Here you’ll find one of the largest manger markets in all of Germany. It has everything that you’ll need to create your own Christmas manger. They also have a repair and restoration service and custom-made products.
Tony heading for the Krippelmarkt
Food and Drinks – Just off the Marienplatz is the Christkindlmarkt on Rindermarkt, with its eye-catching Christmas pyramid. There are plenty of food and drink stalls at this small and less touristy Christmas market and it seems to be a popular meeting place for locals.
The Viktualienmarkt is also around the corner from here and you’ll find more places to eat at this food market and beer garden.
Christmas Market on Rindermarkt
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 Sendlinger Tor, Marienplatz, the Nativity Scene at the Old City Hall, Christmas Village in the Royal Palace Courtyard and the Medieval Market near Odeonsplatz.
Children’s Activities: Kids can enjoy themselves doing handicrafts at the “Himmelswerkstatt” (Angels’ Atelier) in the Town Hall. The Angels’ Atelier runs daily at from November 28 to December 15, 2024. Bookings are recommended – get more information at www.kindermuseum-muenchen.de.
Carols under the Christmas Tree: Enjoy a Sing-Along experience of Advent and Christmas carols, led by well-known radio and television personalities. This takes place on November 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 4:30 to 5 pm.
Christmas Concerts: There’s nothing like some of your favourite Christmas music to put you into the spirit of Christmas. You can enjoy Christmas concerts at some amazing Munich venues. See the list of Christmas concerts HERE.
Other Munich Christmas Markets
Some of the other Munich Christmas markets include the Sendlinger Tor market, the Munich Residenz Christmas Village and the Medieval Market near Odeonplatz. Details of these Munich Christmas Markets are yet to be available.
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 the best way to get to the Christmas Market. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn train stations are right on the Marienplatz.
- 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
If you’re planning on staying in Munich, you have a large choice of luxury and budget hotels to choose from.
Munich Christkindlmarkt 2024
Dates: November 25 – December 24, 2024
Place: Marienplatz
Opening Times:
Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 21:00
Sun : 10:00 – 20:00
Dec. 24 : 10:00 – 14:00
If you’re in Munich for a few days, you may wish to head for the Chinesischer Turm Weihnachtsmarkt in the English Garden. This is a smaller, more romantic Christmas market.
See more photos of the Munich Christkindlmarkt Here.
Map of Munich Altstadt:
80331 Munich, Germany
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Hello, corona virus not withstanding, do you know anything about a 2020 Krampus run in Munich? I live in the US and last year I didn’t find any information until it was too late to book a flight so I’m trying to find schedules as early as I can this year.
Hi Luther,
The program for the 2020 Munich Christkindlmarkt has yet to be finalized. You could check for updates on this site: https://www.muenchen.de/veranstaltungen/event/15626.html.
We too missed the Krampus Run last year by one day. We sincerely hope the coronavirus situation will be under control by mid-year so that organizers of events can plan with confidence.
Stay safe and all the best,
Helen