🗺️ Where to drink mulled wine in Munich: 18 markets and 2026 dates

Munich in December smells of mulled wine and roasted almonds. The Bavarian capital opens around two dozen Christmas markets. The main one, Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz, runs from November 20 through December 24, 2026 (as of 09/2026, official Munich portal).

Advent in Munich is short, and demand is huge. Hotels in the center get more expensive, and on a Saturday evening a dense crowd gathers around the city's main Christmas tree. If you arrive in the afternoon, you will stand in line for mulled wine longer than you will walk between the stalls.

Below are the city's markets grouped by category, from classic to alternative. You will find the 2026 dates, opening hours, what to eat, and what to buy. Separately, there are three markets outside Munich: in Dachau, Salzburg, and in the airport terminal.

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When Munich Christmas markets take place

The markets open from mid-November and almost all close on December 23 or 24 (as of 09/2026, city events calendar). They stay closed for one day: on Totensonntag, November 22, 2026. Opening dates vary by market, and some start a week earlier.

💡 In short:

Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz runs from November 20 through December 24, 2026, admission is free.
Tollwood Winterfestival runs from November 24 through December 23, 2026 at Theresienwiese.
Come in the morning on weekdays: lines are shorter and the light is softer for photos.
Market dates and hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Munich website.

The main market at Marienplatz is open daily from about 10:00 to 21:00, and on December 24 only until 14:00 (as of 09/2026, muenchen.de). On Sundays it closes an hour earlier, and admission remains free.

Two events fall outside this window. Tollwood Winterfestival occupies Theresienwiese from November 24 through December 23, 2026, and on December 31 from 19:00 it hosts a New Year's party (as of 09/2026, festival page). The Christkindlmarkt in Dachau runs from November 20 through December 23, 2026, admission is free (as of 09/2026, Dachau market website).

Salzburg keeps the party going the longest: its Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz and Residenzplatz is open from November 19, 2026 through January 1, 2027 (as of 09/2026, Salzburg organizers). If you are going to Munich for a weekend, you can give one day to neighboring Austria.

Plan your visit for a weekday: on weekends lines are longer and there are fewer free tables in cafes. If you are going to Munich for one evening, two or three markets in the city center will be enough. Exact opening dates for some markets are announced only in October, so keep the official calendar handy.

You can walk between Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, and Viktualienmarkt in half an hour, so they are easy to see one after another. A trip to Dachau or Salzburg is better started in the first half of the day so you don't have to rush back.

Gilded statue of an angel on a column in Munich

What to bring to the markets

The markets are outdoors, and you will spend several hours there. In winter, Munich temperatures often hover around freezing and drop below by evening. From our travel experience, the most essential items are thermal underwear, a hat, touchscreen-compatible gloves, and waterproof boots with warm soles.

Bring a compact backpack and a power bank. In the cold, your phone drains faster, and navigating between markets eats battery especially quickly. Some stalls only accept cash, so withdraw some euros in advance. A plug adapter is useful if your devices use a different standard.

A separate note on footwear. The cobblestones in the squares get slippery quickly, and you will be standing a lot. For the branded mug at the market you pay a small deposit, which is returned when you bring the mug back, so don't throw it away until the end of your walk.

Where to stay: hotels near the markets

During Advent, available rooms in central Munich get booked quickly, and weekend prices rise noticeably. Book in advance if you want to stay within walking distance of Marienplatz. The square itself is your search reference: the city's main market is right there.

If quiet matters more to you, look at the Schwabing and Haidhausen neighborhoods. You can reach the center by U-Bahn in ten to fifteen minutes.

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Bright bedroom with a double bed and a window

The best Christmas markets in Munich: an overview

Every year, Munich hosts markets of all kinds. The classic ones stand in the old town squares, while the alternative ones stretch toward Theresienwiese and Werksviertel. Below, we have divided them into three groups to make it easier for you to choose.

Some markets appear in the city for only a couple of weeks, so check the official Munich calendar before your trip. We verified the dates in September 2026, and organizers sometimes shift the schedule.

Traditional Christmas markets in Munich

The city's classics: wooden stalls, handmade goods, and endless mulled wine. These locations look exactly like the Christmas postcard you imagine. Artisans bring ceramics, wood carvings, and glass here, and at many stalls you can watch the work in progress. In one evening, you can visit three markets because they stand close together in the old town.

Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz

Munich's main Christmas market occupies Marienplatz and the neighboring shopping streets. Stalls line the square, with the neo-Gothic new town hall as a backdrop. Ceramics, ornaments, candles, and food are sold here.

The market runs from November 20 to December 24, 2026, and admission is free (as of 09/2026, official market website). Stop by the town hall's inner courtyard: there is a Christkindl post office tent where postcards get a special holiday stamp. The stamp is free; you only need an envelope.

In the evening, climb the tower of St. Peter's Church. From the observation deck, the market and the old town lights are fully visible, and there are fewer people up there than down below. Buy your tower ticket on site. The tower has no elevator; a staircase leads to the top. If you want to avoid the crowd below, come at opening time or after 8:00 PM.

Where: Marienplatz, old town.
Cost: admission free (as of 09/2026, christkindlmarkt-muenchen.de).
The catch: this is the city's busiest market; on weekends it gets crowded between the stalls (according to the city tourism office).

Sternenplatzl am Rindermarkt

A small spot just a stone's throw from Marienplatz, and many people miss it. Star garlands are strung above the walkways here, and mulled wine is served in little red boots. The atmosphere is quieter than at the city's main market.

A separate reason to stop by is the Feuerzangenbowle. A sugar loaf soaked in rum is placed over the mug and set on fire until the sugar melts into the wine. The drink is strong, so one serving is usually enough.

Where: Rindermarkt, 300 m from Marienplatz (according to the map).
Who it's for: those who want a romantic market without a huge crowd.

Christmas pyramid and stalls at Rindermarkt

Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz

The festive village is set up in the inner courtyard of the Residenz, a stone's throw from Odeonsplatz. The stalls are small, but the selection is classic: ornaments, ceramics, Christmas tree decorations, and snacks. Puppet displays are arranged along the perimeter.

The venue is small, so it quickly gets crowded on weekends. Check the organizers' website for the full event program and schedule changes (as of 09/2026, dasweihnachtsdorf.de).

Where: Residenzstrasse 1, Residenz courtyard, near Odeonsplatz.
Not for: those who cannot stand tight spaces.

Entrance to the Residenz Christmas Village with garlands

Winterzauber am Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt is Munich's famous food market, and it transforms for the holidays: stalls, garlands, and lighting are added. This is the place to look for food gifts, because the selection of local cheeses, honey, and delicacies here is the widest in the city.

If you want active fun, try curling: it is added to the market's program during the season. In the evenings, musicians play near the stalls.

Where: Viktualienmarkt, 200 m from Marienplatz (according to the map).
Who it's for: those looking for edible gifts and handmade gifts.

Snow-covered pavilions at Viktualienmarkt on a winter evening

Chinesischer turm im englischen garten

This market sits in the Englischer Garten, one of Europe's largest urban parks. The selection is familiar: jewelry, ceramics, souvenirs, and food. The atmosphere here is calmer than in the center, so people come for a relaxed evening.

Snow-covered Chinese Tower with a carousel in the evening

On weekends, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered on the square. A bit further, toward the Universität station, there's a kiosk with mulled wine and snacks: you can sit in a gondola taken from a cable car.

Where: Chinesischer Turm, Englischer Garten.
Who it's for: couples and anyone looking for a quiet market away from the crowds.

If you come during the day, you can see almost the entire park. Bring a thermos with you, because the lines at the kiosk are shorter than at the main stalls.

Sendlinger Tor

The market sits by one of the few surviving city gates of Munich. It's smaller than the central venues, but in the evenings it has a lively atmosphere. People come here for handmade souvenirs from around the world, not just Bavarian classics.

There are many bars and restaurants around, so the market is easy to combine with dinner. The market opens in the afternoon and closes late in the evening. The selection here goes beyond Bavarian classics: stalls bring jewelry, textiles, and crafts from different countries. People come here for gifts after they've already covered the main markets in the center.

Where: Sendlinger Tor, old town.
Who it's for: those who want to combine the market with an evening out in the city.

Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt

The market on Rotkreuzplatz has been running for decades and keeps a local character. The stalls are filled with Christmas tree ornaments, costume jewelry, and handmade toys, and live music plays in the evenings.

Sometimes puppet shows are staged on the square, so you can come here with children. Locals consider this market one of the coziest in the city.

Where: Rotkreuzplatz, Neuhausen district.
Who it's for: families with children and anyone looking for a calm neighborhood market.

Entrance to the Neuhauser Christmas market with wooden huts

Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt

A small market on Weissenburger Platz draws a local crowd. Besides wooden crafts and felt hats, it sells posters and pop-culture-style souvenirs.

Above the square, a mini Santa rides a bicycle along a wire: he points the way to the mulled wine stall. Alongside the classic version, they pour berry varieties here, such as raspberry and cherry.

In the evening, garlands in the trees and the Glaspalast fountain light up the square. Photos from here turn out better than during the day.

Where: Weissenburger Platz, Haidhausen district.
Who it's for: those who want to see a local market rather than a tourist one.

Santa Claus on a rope above a Christmas hut in Haidhausen

There are plenty of lights at the market, but little space, so bring only the essentials.

If you arrive at opening time, there are almost no lines at the stalls. Later, a crowd of locals gathers, and the line for mulled wine grows.

Unusual and alternative Munich markets

Some of the city's best markets look completely different: no gingerbread houses, but modern music and street art instead. They're worth adding to your plan if you already know the classics. The crowd here is younger, and the menus and goods are noticeably more diverse.

Tollwood Winterfestival

Tollwood takes place on Theresienwiese, the same grounds where Oktoberfest roars in the fall. It's not a market in the usual sense, but a festival with tents, a stage, installations, and cuisine from around the world.

The festival runs from November 24 to December 23, 2026, and entry to the grounds is free (as of 09/2026, Tollwood page on muenchen.de). Concerts and performances in the Grand Chapiteau are sold separately, and the market of ideas stays open until late evening. In the evening, music plays until late at night, and concerts usually start after eight.

Every year, Tollwood has a new theme tied to a social idea. It's more of a party than a quiet family stroll.

Where: Theresienwiese.
Who it's for: those who want a festival, not a classic market.
The catch: you need to watch for concert tickets in advance, some evenings sell out.

Illuminated Tollwood tents at night in the snow

The food here is made from organic products, and the stalls feature handmade and fair-trade goods. The crowd is mixed, but it gets loud in the evening.

Besides the market, Tollwood also hosts concerts and theater productions. It's worth studying the program in advance to pick an evening that suits your taste.

Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt

The medieval market on Wittelsbacher Platz takes you back in time, a couple of minutes from Odeonsplatz. Here you drink hot rum from clay cups, buy drinking horns, and forged goods.

On weekends, costumed jugglers and musicians perform. The atmosphere here is the most unusual among Bavarian markets, and the stalls differ noticeably from the classic ones.

Where: Wittelsbacher Platz, near Odeonsplatz.
Who it's for: those interested in history and craft rather than souvenir magnets.

Night Christmas market on a square seen from above

Märchenbazar

Märchenbazar is an art market with a fairground aesthetic. It sits in the south of Olympiapark and combines street food, handmade goods, and music. The venue used to be located near Leonrodplatz.

Here you can buy vegan döner, crepes, and other dishes from around the world, and the stalls feature ceramics and posters. On weekends from 11:00, they serve breakfast with Weisswurst sausages.

Where: Olympiapark Süd, Olympiapark district.
Who it's for: young people and those looking for an alternative to the classics.

Large Märchenbazar tent on a snow-covered square

The only market in the city that operates on the holiday itself. If you need a Christmas evening on December 25, this is your place.

The selection here is mixed: from vegan food to ceramics and clothing. Plan your visit for the evening, when the lights come on.

Pink Christmas

Pink Christmas sits on Stephansplatz in the Glockenbachviertel district. It's a pink and inclusive market with cocktails, DJs, and a stage with constant performances.

The atmosphere here is the friendliest in the city. Come in the evening, when the pink lighting is visible from neighboring streets.

Where: Stephansplatz, Glockenbachviertel.
Who it's for: those looking for a party and an open crowd.

Night Christmas bazaar with pink lanterns and a crowd

Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt

The market near Münchner Freiheit station keeps the bohemian character of the Schwabing district. There are many artists, craftspeople, and art installations here, and the crowd is mostly local.

The main draw here is the art tent. Stop by if you're looking for unusual handmade gifts.

Where: Münchner Freiheit, Schwabing.
Who it's for: those interested in crafts and the local scene.

Night Christmas market in Schwabing with lights

Zauberhafter Weihnachtsmarkt im Werksviertel

This market appeared quite recently and is still little known even to locals. It's set up behind Ostbahnhof, on the site of a former industrial zone and the Pfanni factory, where potato dumplings were made.

The shops here are built from shipping containers, with murals and garlands hanging between them. All together it looks like a modern quarter with Christmas stalls added in.

Where: Werksviertel-Mitte, behind Ostbahnhof.
Who it's for: those who want to see modern Munich.

The Munich Hi-Sky Ferris wheel stands nearby. From it you can see the entire Werksviertel and part of the city center.

Sternenflotte auf der Alten Utting

The most unusual address in the city: the market is set up on board the old passenger ship Alte Utting, which sits on a railway bridge. The atmosphere here is unique, with murals, performances, and a campfire.

The stalls offer many vegan and vegetarian dishes. You have to travel to get there, but the view and the setting are worth it.

Where: Alte Utting, on the bridge near Sendlinger Berg.
Who it's for: those looking for an unusual location for the atmosphere and photos.

Ship on the Alte Utting bridge in Munich during the day

In the evening, the deck lights come on, and the ship is visible from the surrounding streets. Come after sunset.

Markets near Munich

If you have an extra day, head out of the city. Here are three markets that are easy to reach by train or directly through the airport terminal. Each can be combined with seeing the place itself: the memorial in Dachau, the old town in Salzburg, or a flight out of Munich.

Weihnachtsmarkt im Flughafen München

The market operates right inside the airport, in the MAC Forum area under a roof. If you arrive in December, you can start the celebration right after passport control.

The market has been around for almost twenty years and is open throughout Advent. The selection here is simpler than in the city center: more mass-produced goods.

Where: Flughafen München, MAC Forum area.
The catch: souvenir quality is lower than at the markets in the city center.

Christmas huts under the colored canopy at MAC Forum

Festive lighting greets passengers right at the exit. You can't get here on a layover, because MAC Forum is outside the transit zone.

For quality gifts, it's better to head into the city. Here, it's only worth picking up small items and a snack.

Christkindlmarkt Dachau

Dachau is a half-hour ride from Munich and is known for the memorial at the site of the former concentration camp. Less well known is its Christmas market on Rathausplatz.

It has all the classics: roasted chestnuts, sugar-coated almonds, sausages, and mulled wine. The stalls sell hand-painted Christmas ornaments and sheepskin products.

The main local feature is the largest Advent calendar in Bavaria, covering about 300 m² (as of 09/2026, christkindlmarkt-dachau.de). The market runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026, and admission is free.

Where: Rathausplatz, Dachau.

Salzburger Christkindlmarkt

Salzburg has its own historic Christmas market on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. It sits in the city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The market is open from November 19, 2026 to January 1, 2027, and admission is free (as of 09/2026, christkindlmarkt.co.at). The train from Munich takes about an hour and a half, so it's best to plan the trip as a full day.

Check Munich-Salzburg trains on Trip.com

Where: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Salzburg.

Christmas stalls on a square in Old Salzburg

If you like planning your evening in advance, check out city and area tours.

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What to eat and drink at the Christmas markets

Food and drinks are half the fun. The menus are similar across markets, so choose by taste rather than by stall name. Every venue has several spots with baked goods and sweets, and nearby you'll find cheese, sausages, and bread to go.

Glühwein. Hot spiced wine, the season's most popular drink. Try the white versions too: they're milder than the classic reds. The alcohol content is about the same as regular wine.

Feuerzangenbowle. A stronger mulled wine: a rum-soaked sugar cone is set on fire over the mug. It's a potent drink, and one serving is usually enough.

Eierpunsch. A warm egg-based drink, similar to spiked eggnog. Great after a long walk in the cold.

Kinderpunsch. The same hot drink but without alcohol: spiced juices. Kids and designated drivers go for this one.

Gebrannte Mandeln. Roasted almonds in a sugar glaze, their aroma carries from far away. A great snack while you wander between stalls.

Wurst. German grilled sausages: from large bratwursts to small Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, served three to a plate with a roll.

Käsespätzle. Bavarian dumplings with cheese and fried onions. A hearty dish that can easily replace dinner.

Rohrnudel. A sweet dumpling with vanilla sauce, sometimes with jam inside.

Lebkuchen. Glazed gingerbread: often prettier than it is tasty, but hard to resist.

Apfelkücherl. Apple rings in batter, deep-fried. Similar to apple fritters.

Ordering is simple: you point at the dish or say its name in German and pay on the spot. Utensils are usually handed out at the stall. Mulled wine is served in the market's signature mug, which you return or keep as a souvenir.

If you don't drink alcohol, there's still plenty to choose from. Besides Kinderpunsch, the markets offer hot chocolate, sea buckthorn tea, and non-alcoholic punch. Ask the vendor, and they'll point you to an alcohol-free option.

A note on prices. A serving of mulled wine costs about the same as a glass of wine in central Munich, and snacks run a few euros. Prices change every season, so check the board at the stall. Cash comes in handy at smaller markets.

Gingerbread hearts reading Frohes Fest at a Christmas market

What to buy at the Christmas markets

Munich's markets are known for handmade gifts, not mass-produced souvenirs. At many stalls, artisans work on site, so you can see the whole process. Here's what to look for.

Christmas ornaments. Hand-painted balls and carved wooden figurines. Many stalls demonstrate how they're made.

Paper star lanterns. Delicate glowing stars that you hang as lamps or place on top of the tree.

Candles and candle holders. Wooden log-shaped candle holders and stands with rotating metal figurines.

Sheepskin products. Slippers, vests, and jackets: warm and practical winter gifts.

Nutcrackers. German markets have elevated the nutcracker to a collector's item. Pick up a small one as a souvenir.

It's better to buy expensive items early in your trip: by the weekend, popular items sell out, and ask for fragile souvenirs to be wrapped separately and carry them in your hand luggage.

At the alternative markets, the selection is wider: ceramics, posters, vinyl, and clothing from young designers. If you're shopping for several people, compare prices at different stalls: sometimes the same item costs less at another stall in the same market. Your wallet takes a hit on these strolls, so decide in advance how much you're willing to spend.

Evening Christmas market: shopper at a souvenir stall

Map of Munich Christmas markets

To fit several markets into one day, use the map. Most central venues are connected by walking routes: Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, and Viktualienmarkt are close together.

Below is a map with all the markets from this article. Open it on your phone and plan your route by geography, not alphabetically. Start in the center and move in one direction: that way you won't waste time on transit, and you'll end the evening at Tollwood or Alte Utting.

Munich's Christmas markets

Places on the map

Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz The city's main market, 20 November to 24 December 2026, free admission
Sternenplatzl am Rindermarkt A quiet spot 300 m from Marienplatz, Feuerzangenbowle
Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz A festive village in the Residenz courtyard near Odeonsplatz
Winterzauber am Viktualienmarkt A food market with garlands, local cheeses and honey, curling
Chinesischer Turm im Englischen Garten A market in the English Garden, horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends
Milchhäusl A mulled wine kiosk in a former cable-car cabin near Universität
Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market By the city gate, crafts from around the world, bars and restaurants nearby
Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Rotkreuzplatz, puppet shows, good for families
Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt Weissenburger Platz, berry mulled wine, mini Santa on a bicycle
Tollwood Winterfestival A festival on Theresienwiese, 24 November to 23 December 2026
Mittelalterlicher Weihnachtsmarkt A medieval market on Wittelsbacher Platz, hot rum served from goblets
Märchenbazar An art market in the south of Olympiapark, open even on 25 December
Pink Christmas A pink, inclusive market on Stephansplatz with DJs
Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt A market by Münchner Freiheit, a tent with art
Zauberhafter Weihnachtsmarkt im Werksviertel Stalls made of shipping containers behind Ostbahnhof, next to Munich Hi-Sky
Sternenflotte auf der Alten Utting A market aboard an old ship on the railway bridge
Weihnachtsmarkt im Flughafen München The MAC Forum area, open throughout Advent right at the airport
Christkindlmarkt Dachau Rathausplatz, Bavaria's largest Advent calendar

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When do Munich Christmas markets open?

Most markets open in mid-November and close on December 23 or 24. The main market at Marienplatz is open from November 20 to December 24 in 2026, and admission is free (as of 09/2026, city calendar). The city takes one day off: on November 22, Totensonntag, the stalls are closed.

How much does it cost to enter the markets?

Admission to Munich's markets is free, you only pay for food, drinks, and gifts (as of 09/2026, organizer). Tickets for Tollwood concerts and performances are sold separately, so get those in advance. There is a small deposit for the signature mug, which is refunded when you return it.

Which market should you choose if it's your first visit?

Start with the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz: it's the largest market in the city. Then walk over to Rindermarkt and Viktualienmarkt, they're right next to each other. For something different, head to Tollwood or Werksviertel. All of it fits into one packed day.

What should you definitely try at the markets?

Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, and roasted almonds are the classics. For food, go for sausages, Käsespätzle, and Apfelkücherl. The non-alcoholic option is Kinderpunsch. Portions are small, so you can try several dishes in one evening.

Are the markets open on December 24 and 25?

On December 24, most stalls close by early afternoon, and the main market shuts down after 2:00 PM. On December 25, almost all markets in the city are closed. The exception is Märchenbazar, which is open even on the first day of Christmas.

How do you get to the markets?

The central markets are within walking distance of the Marienplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations. You can walk to Tollwood from Theresienwiese, and take the tram to the English Garden. Trains run to Dachau and Salzburg, with travel times ranging from half an hour to an hour and a half.

In short: what to book

Plan your trip in advance: during Advent, hotels in central Munich sell out quickly, and weekend prices go up.

If you have one evening: go to Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz and have dinner at Viktualienmarkt. If you have a full day: add Tollwood and one alternative market, such as Märchenbazar. If you're traveling with kids: choose Neuhauser Weihnachtsmarkt and a carriage ride in the English Garden.

What to book first: accommodation. Rooms in the center sell out weeks before the markets open.

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Munich Christmas markets 2026: dates, food and souvenirs