The Bavarian capital has a special charm before Christmas that captures you at first sight of the town hall on Marienplatz, from which Advent music drifts down from the balcony above more than 130 stalls of the main market. If you’re wondering where to head for Christmas markets in Germany, Munich is perfect for a weekend with overnight stay, because in a small area it combines the renowned Kripperlmarkt with colorful alternatives, so in a single afternoon you can move from stalls with nativity scenes to a medieval encampment with mead or to the Tollwood festival on Theresienwiese, where bio cuisine from around the world fills the air with aromas.
On your own, you set the pace yourself. In our guide, we’ve put together a complete overview of dates for 2026 and practical transport advice, so you know exactly where to park for a few euros and why you should watch out for one Sunday in November when the main markets remain closed. All you need to do is choose your accommodation in time and then look forward to hot mulled wine and gingerbread.
Summary
- When: Main market at Marienplatz November 20–December 24, 2026 (Residenz from November 16, Tollwood November 24–December 23).
- Watch out for closure: On Sunday, November 22, 2026 (Totensonntag) the main markets are closed.
- Admission: Free at Marienplatz, at the Residenz, at the medieval market and at the Tollwood grounds (you only pay for shows in the Grand Chapiteau and the New Year’s Eve party).
- Getting there: By car approximately 4 hours from major European hubs (383 km from Prague), about 5 hours 50 minutes from Brno via Austria; direct trains and buses available.
- Parking and environmental sticker: The center has an Umweltzone (green sticker required and older diesels banned), best to park at P+R on the city outskirts for €1.50–2 per day (2026 price list).
- Where to stay: In the historic center (Altstadt) for walking everywhere on foot, near Sendlinger Tor for a quieter area, or near the main station when traveling by train.
- For children: Fairy-tale Weihnachtsdorf in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz and the Himmelswerkstatt workshop on Marienplatz.
- Prices: Admission is free. In 2025, a mug of mulled wine in Munich cost around €5–6; prices for 2026 have not yet been announced.
The full destination guide: Germany — guide and what to see
All 2026 Christmas markets: a calendar of dates and tips on markets across Europe
Munich Christmas Markets 2026 Dates
The Munich Advent season awakens gradually from mid-November: first of all the major markets to open is the Weihnachtsdorf at the Residenz on November 16, 2026, while the main Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz begins on Friday, November 20. This very diversity ranks the Bavarian capital among the best Christmas markets in Europe, where it’s worth spending a whole weekend. An overview of all city markets can be found on the official city portal.
Watch Out for Totensonntag on November 22
When planning your first November trip, mark Sunday, November 22, 2026 in your calendar, which falls on the memorial day Totensonntag in Germany. The main markets at Marienplatz, at the Residenz, at Sendlinger Tor and the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz remain closed all day on this Sunday, so plan your visit to the stalls for Friday or Saturday.
Which Markets Run After Christmas
Most Munich markets close just before Christmas, and Marienplatz and Schwabing close on Thursday, December 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM. If you’re heading to Bavaria between the holidays, according to event overviews the airport runs a Wintermarkt until December 27, 2026 (check the date before traveling), on Theresienwiese the Tollwood festival New Year’s Eve party takes place on December 31 from 7:00 PM (ticketed event), and the Christmas tree at Marienplatz stays lit until Epiphany on January 6, 2027.
| Market | 2026 Dates | Opening Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Münchner Christkindlmarkt (and Kripperlmarkt) | Nov 20–Dec 24, 2026 | Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–8pm, Dec 24 10am–2pm (closed Nov 22) | Marienplatz (and near Alter Peter church) |
| Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz | Nov 16–Dec 22, 2026 | Daily 11am–9pm, Dec 22 until 8pm (closed Nov 22) | Residenz München, Kaiserhof |
| Münchner Adventsspektakel (medieval market) | Nov 20–Dec 23, 2026 | Daily 11am–9pm (closed Nov 22) | Wittelsbacherplatz |
| Tollwood Winterfestival | Nov 24–Dec 23, 2026 (New Year’s Eve Dec 31) | Mon–Fri from 2pm, Sat–Sun from 11am; closes Mon & Sun 10:30pm, Tue–Sat 11:30pm, Dec 23 until 10pm | Theresienwiese (U4/U5) |
| Christkindlmarkt am Sendlinger Tor | Nov 20–Dec 22, 2026 | Daily 10:30am–9pm (closed Nov 22) | Sendlinger Tor |
| Pink Christmas | Nov 20–Dec 20, 2026 | Mon–Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat–Sun 2pm–10pm (Nov 20 from 4pm) | Stephansplatz, Glockenbachviertel |
| Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt | Nov 25–Dec 24, 2026 | Mon–Fri 12pm–8:30pm, Sat–Sun 11am–8:30pm (food until 9pm), Dec 24 11am–2pm | Münchner Freiheit (U3/U6) |
| Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm | not officially announced (event portal lists Nov 19–Dec 23, 2026; last year Nov 20–Dec 23, 2025) | not announced (event portal lists Wed–Sun from 11:30am; last year Wed–Fri 11:30am–8:30pm, Sat–Sun & Dec 22–23 11am–8:30pm) | Englischer Garten, at Chinese Tower |
| Münchner Eiszauber (ice rink and stalls) | 2026 dates not yet announced (last year Nov 21, 2025–Jan 11, 2026) | not announced (last year daily 10:30am–10pm) | Karlsplatz / Stachus |
| Wintermarkt am Flughafen München | Nov 13–Dec 27, 2026 (unofficial source, verify before traveling) | from 11am (detailed hours not announced) | MAC-Forum, Munich Airport |
| Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt | 2026 dates not yet announced | not announced | Weißenburger Platz, Haidhausen |
Where to Stay in Munich for the Christmas Markets
Good hotels in Munich before Christmas disappear quickly and Advent weekends tend to sell out early, so don’t delay your reservation. Although the city has the U-Bahn metro and S-Bahn trains, walking from the stalls straight to your heated room has its charm in winter.
Altstadt
The historic core around Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and the Isartor gate is probably the most convenient choice for those who want to walk to all the main markets, because from here you can reach Marienplatz, Kripperlmarkt, the Residenz, Wittelsbacherplatz, Sendlinger Tor and Pink Christmas on foot. However, expect this to be the most expensive part of the city, and when arriving by car, the Umweltzone environmental zone applies here.
Sendlinger Tor and Glockenbach
The districts around Sendlinger Tor gate, Glockenbachviertel and neighboring Isarvorstadt represent a nice compromise, from where you’re a few minutes’ walk to Marienplatz and staying right by the Sendlinger Tor and Pink Christmas markets. To the Tollwood festival at Theresienwiese you’ll only travel one or two U-Bahn stops, and in the area you’ll find more restaurants and somewhat lower prices than in Altstadt itself.
Near the Main Station
The area around Hauptbahnhof and the Ludwigsvorstadt district will be especially appreciated when you’re arriving in Munich by train or bus, because the ZOB bus station is nearby at Hackerbrücke station. You can walk to Karlsplatz and to Theresienwiese with the Tollwood festival, the S-Bahn takes you to Marienplatz in two stops, and hotels here are usually cheaper than in the center.
Specific Hotel Recommendations
- Hotel Bayerischer Hof: luxury classic in Altstadt at Promenadeplatz 2–6, from where you can reach Marienplatz in about 6 minutes on foot.
- Platzl Hotel: hotel in Altstadt at Sparkassenstraße 10 near Hofbräuhaus, just steps from the main market at Marienplatz.
- Hotel Torbräu: family hotel at Tal 41 near Isartor, which traces its tradition back to an inn from 1490, close to Marienplatz and the Feuerzangenbowle stall at Isartor.
- Louis Hotel: design hotel in Altstadt right at Viktualienmarkt 6, just a short walk from Marienplatz.
- Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor: budget option at Herzog-Wilhelm-Straße 28 by the Sendlinger Tor market, from where you can walk to the center.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll immediately see how much the price changes a few blocks away.
Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz
The heart of Munich’s Advent season is the Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, the city’s oldest and largest market, where over 130 stalls (the city portal sometimes lists around 140) await you, including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free food options. New for 2026 is an earlier opening on the Friday before Totensonntag: stalls open November 20–December 24, 2026 (Mon–Sat 10:00 am–9:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am–8:00 pm, on Christmas Eve until 2:00 pm, and closed Sunday November 22).
Christmas Tree Lighting
The centerpiece of the square is the Christmas tree, which will be lit for the first time at the opening of the market on November 20, 2026, although the city has not yet announced the exact time. The decorated tree then remains lit on Marienplatz until Epiphany on January 6, 2027.
Kripperlmarkt, Germany’s Largest Nativity Market
A few steps from the main action, in front of the Alter Peter church toward Rindermarkt, the specialized Kripperlmarkt continues. According to the city, this is Germany’s largest nativity and figurine market, where you can buy cribs and figurines for your home nativity scene.
Program: Music from the Town Hall, Krampuslauf December 13
The atmosphere on the square is enhanced by Advent music from the town hall balcony and singing directly by the Christmas tree. For children aged 6 to 12, the Himmelswerkstatt workshop runs from November 26 to December 13, 2026, and on Sunday December 13, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the traditional Krampuslauf takes place near Marienplatz in the Altstadt.
Weihnachtsdorf in the Residenz, Best Market with Kids
A short walk from Marienplatz, with an entrance from Residenzstraße at Odeonsplatz, lies the Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz in the palace courtyard, which begins as early as November 16 as the first of the major markets (you’ll find the exact opening hours in the table above). Admission is free and it is the best market for families with young children.
The main attraction for little ones is the fairy-tale world with puppet scenes where stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Mother Holle come to life. Among the craft cottages, live music occasionally plays and St. Nicholas also visits.
Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
About 500 meters north of Marienplatz (at Brienner Straße), from November 20, the Münchner Adventsspektakel, a medieval Christmas market, takes place with free admission. The backdrop here features replicas of historic buildings and you can look forward to medieval music, dance and sword-fighting demonstrations.
The drinks selection in cups that warm passersby’s hands is also different. Mulled wine is served here under the name “Hexentrunk” and alongside it you can taste mead or traditional Feuerzangenbowle.
Tollwood on Theresienwiese, Alternative and Organic
You’ll experience a completely different side of Advent from November 24 at the U4 and U5 Theresienwiese metro station, where the Tollwood Winterfestival springs up. Part of it is the alternative Markt der Ideen with approximately 200 exhibitors, many of whom offer products in the spirit of fair trade.
In the grounds you’ll count over 50 stalls with organic food from around the world and thanks to the late closing time (details in the table), you can head here for a late dinner as well. Admission to the grounds is free as is more than 90% of the program; you only pay for performances in the Grand Chapiteau tent (“Made to move you”) and for the New Year’s Eve party on December 31.
💡 Tip: Since the markets on Marienplatz and in the Residenz close at 9:00 pm (on Sundays on Marienplatz already at 8:00 pm), combine an evening metro ride to Theresienwiese with dinner at the Tollwood festival, which is open until 11:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Other Markets Worth Visiting
If you’re spending a whole weekend in Munich, venture beyond the main square to neighborhood districts that host smaller and unique markets. You’ll find exact opening times in the overview table above.
Sendlinger Tor
On the southern edge of the Altstadt right by the historic city gate, you’ll find from November 20 the small Christkindlmarkt am Sendlinger Tor with a tradition dating back to 1886. Here you can buy socks, wooden products or hand-drawn candles, and for food and drink there are sausages, potato specialties, gingerbread, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Pink Christmas (Glockenbachviertel)
At Stephansplatz in the Glockenbachviertel district, from November 20 to December 20, 2026, Pink Christmas runs, a queer Christmas market open to all visitors. Evenings here are enlivened by a DJ from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 pm and a Sunday drag show.
Schwabing, Münchner Freiheit
At the U3 and U6 Münchner Freiheit metro station, the Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt begins on November 25, focusing on arts and crafts. Each year new creators present themselves here with glass, ceramics and leather, complemented by stalls with mulled wine and Christmas food.
Chinese Tower in Englischer Garten
In the middle of Englischer Garten park, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm attracts visitors with small stalls featuring local crafts, brass music from the tower and Eisstockschießen (Bavarian curling). However, the city has not yet officially announced the dates for 2026 on muenchen.de: the event portal lists November 19–December 23, 2026 (Wed–Sun from 11:30 am), while last year the market ran November 20–December 23, 2025, so check the times before your trip.
Eiszauber at Stachus and Airport Market
At Karlsplatz square (Stachus) there is usually a winter ice rink with stalls called Münchner Eiszauber and skate and helmet rental for a fee; dates for 2026 have not yet been announced (last year skating ran November 21, 2025–January 11, 2026). Also without announced 2026 dates is the family neighborhood Haidhauser Weihnachtsmarkt at Weißenburger Platz with weekend music and Kasperl puppet theater.
When arriving or departing, the Wintermarkt am Flughafen München with a covered ice rink in the MAC-Forum space at the airport serves well regardless of weather. Event listings show dates of November 13–December 27, 2026 from 11:00 am, but detailed evening opening hours have not yet been announced, so check them before your visit.
How to Get to Munich and Where to Park
The route from Central Europe is straightforward, but on Advent weekends expect traffic jams on the A9 and A8 motorways around Munich and note the low-emission zone in the center. The stated travel times apply without stops and traffic delays.
By Car from Prague, Brno and Ostrava
From Prague the route measures 383 km and takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes via D5 through Plzeň and Rozvadov/Waidhaus, then via A6, A93 and A9; you only need a Czech electronic motorway vignette, as motorways in Germany are free for cars.
From Brno the fastest route is through Austria (Mikulov, S33, Linz A1, A25 at Wels, A8 Innkreis Autobahn toward Passau, then A94) spanning 507 km in about 5 hours and 50 minutes, for which you need an Austrian digital motorway vignette; the detour through Prague and D5 is longer.
From Ostrava you’ll take the same Austrian route via D1 and Brno (671 km, about 7 hours and 30 minutes) with both Czech and Austrian vignettes.
Green Badge and Euro 4 Diesel Ban
Inside the Mittlerer Ring, the Umweltzone low-emission zone applies, where even foreign cars may only enter with a green badge (order it online from TÜV, DEKRA or GTÜ). At the same time, there is a ban on Euro 4 and older diesels even with a green badge; the fine is €100 plus fees, so we don’t recommend driving into garages in the Altstadt due to the zone and heavy traffic.
P+R Parking for €1.50–2
The easiest option is to park on the city outskirts at a P+R park-and-ride lot and continue by U-Bahn metro to Marienplatz. The discounted P+R rate only applies with a connecting public transport journey and you must keep your valid ticket until exit. Paper tickets have ended and the P+R Zehnerkarte is no longer sold at MVG centers as of September 1, 2026, so you pay parking at the machine or in the EasyPark app.
| P+R Parking | Public Transport Line | Price per 24 h (with transit, 2026 tariff) | Additional days / Arrival note |
|---|---|---|---|
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| P+R Fröttmaning | U6 | €1.50 | Each additional day €4. Near Allianz Arena, exit from A9 (direction from Prague). Caution: ramp repairs from October 19, 2026 with planned completion December 6, 2026, verify operations. |
| P+R Messestadt Ost | U2 | €1.50 | Each additional day €4. East at A94 (direction from Passau, for routes from Brno/Ostrava through Austria). Higher rates during trade fairs if not using transit. |
| P+R Studentenstadt | U6 | €2.00 | Max. 24 h. Northern edge of city. |
| P+R Neuperlach Süd | U5 / S7 | €1.50 | Max. 24 h. Southeastern part of city. |
💡 Tip: If you arrive from the direction of Prague before December 6, 2026 and P+R Fröttmaning is limited due to ramp repairs, use as an alternative on the same U6 line the P+R Studentenstadt parking lot (€2 / 24 h).
By Train and Bus (Leo Express from December 13)
From Prague, direct trains run via Plzeň and Regensburg with a journey time of around 6 hours (formerly “Bavarian Express” by ČD). In the middle of Advent, from December 13, 2026, Leo Express (8 connections daily at two-hour intervals) is set to take over the Czech section of the route in cooperation with Die Länderbahn. Check the timetable from December 13 before traveling at leoexpress.com or cd.cz. From Brno and Ostrava you’ll travel with a connection via Prague or via Vienna and Linz (ÖBB Railjet), while direct FlixBus and RegioJet buses from Prague to München ZOB take around 4.5–5 hours according to timetables; their price depends on how early you book, so check current connections with the carrier.
How Much Things Cost
The good news for your budget is that admission to Munich’s main markets is free: you pay nothing at Marienplatz, in the Residenz, at the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz or when entering the Tollwood festival grounds. For reference, in 2025 a mug of mulled wine in Munich cost around €5–6; prices for 2026 have not yet been announced. All-day parking at P+R costs €1.50–2 for 24 hours and check current prices for daily public transport tickets before traveling at mvg.de.
What to Combine with a Trip to Munich
The route to Bavaria passes several beautiful places where you can easily enhance your long weekend.
- Regensburg: lies right on the A93 motorway on the route from Prague, so on your way there or back you can walk through the historic center and the Regensburg Christmas markets.
- Nuremberg: on a larger Bavarian Advent circuit you can easily add the famous Nuremberg Christmas markets to your itinerary.
- Salzburg and Linz: You pass Linz on the A1 when driving from Brno or Ostrava. Salzburg is a detour: instead of the route via Passau, you can take the A1 through Salzburg and continue on the A8 to Munich, which invites you to stop at the Salzburg Christmas markets or discover other Christmas markets in Austria.
- Therme Erding: large thermal baths near Munich airport are a great addition for families with children (check prices and opening hours at therme-erding.de).
💡 Tip: From Brno or Ostrava you can take the A1 through Salzburg instead of the route via Passau and stop there for lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas markets in Munich 2026 start?
The main Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz begins on Friday, November 20, 2026, the fairytale Weihnachtsdorf in the Residenz opens as early as November 16, the Tollwood festival starts on November 24, and the market in Schwabing on November 25, 2026.
Until when do the Christmas markets in Munich last?
The markets at Marienplatz and in Schwabing run until December 24, 2026 (closing at 2:00 PM that day). The Weihnachtsdorf in the Residenz and the market at Sendlinger Tor end on December 22, and the Tollwood festival and the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz run until December 23, 2026.
What are the opening hours of the market at Marienplatz?
Monday to Saturday it’s open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, and on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. On Sunday, November 22, 2026 (the memorial day Totensonntag), the entire market is closed.
Where can I park in Munich?
The cheapest parking is at the Park+Ride lots on the edge of the city (for example Fröttmaning near the A9 or Messestadt Ost near the A94) for €1.50 per 24 hours with a valid public transport ticket, and you can take the U-Bahn metro into the city center.
Do I need an environmental badge for Munich?
Yes, inside the Mittlerer Ring, an Umweltzone applies, where even foreign cars need a green badge, and Euro 4 diesel vehicles and older are not allowed at all. Violations carry a fine of €100 plus fees.
How do I get to Munich from abroad?
By car the journey takes around 4 hours from major European hubs (e.g. 383 km via motorways). You can also use direct trains (around 6 hours, with an announced carrier change to Leo Express from December 13, 2026) or buses like FlixBus and RegioJet with journey times of around 4.5–5 hours according to timetables; check current connections with the carrier.
Which Christmas market in Munich is best for children?
For younger children, the Weihnachtsdorf in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz is best, with fairytale puppet scenes and free admission. For children aged 6 to 12, the Himmelswerkstatt workshop operates at Marienplatz from November 26 to December 13, 2026.
How much does mulled wine cost in Munich?
In 2025, a mug of mulled wine in Munich cost around €5–6; prices for 2026 have not yet been announced.
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