Christmas angels in a sales booth at the christmas market in Munich.

Christmas market at Marienplatz

The magic of the Christmas season

Every year, Munich's residents and their guests from near and far let themselves be enchanted by the charm of this atmospheric traditional market in the best parlour of the Bavarian capital. We look forward to seeing you again at Marienplatz from 25 November to 24 December 2024.

When it gets dark and the snow on the roofs of the market stalls shines in the bright glow of countless lights, the Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz is the most beautiful. The approximately 2,500 lights of the large Christmas tree, which is the landmark of the market, glitter against the romantic backdrop of the Neues Rathaus (new town hall). Year after year, visitors from far and wide mingle with the Munich locals in the city’s „best parlour” to join in the festive spirit and yuletide traditions celebrated at this charming Christmas market.

Video: simply Christmas market

Gingerbread and plum manderl, wood products from Oberammergau, South Tyrol and the Erzgebirge and everything else that belongs to the Advent and Christmas season are offered in over a hundred stalls around the Marienplatz (city center).

One of the great pleasures of a visit to the Christkindlmarkt is the opportunity to enjoy its particular culinary delights. There’s mulled wine and mead to give visitors that inner glow as well as freshly roasted almonds and chestnuts to keep body and soul together. Other traditional features of the Christkindlmarkt include tempting grilled sausages and Advent sweetmeats such as spicy “Pfeffernüsse” biscuits and “Magenbrot” cake.

“O, how joyful….”

Every year, the opening also marks the beginning of the musical programme.

 

The “Krampus Run”

The “Krampus Run” across the Christmas Market is great fun for locals and tourists alike. The 500-year old tradition of the “Krampus Run” dates back to the Christian mythological character of Bishop Saint Nicholas and his companion, “Krampus”. The members of “Sparifankerl Pass”, Munich's first “Krampus group”, dress up in archaic costumes, take a thrilling run across the Christmas Market and show up in the most unlikely places.

Munich Christmas Market Tours

Who participates in a Tour of the Munich Christmas Market will not only find lots of interesting facts about the past and present, but with a bit of luck also a chat with the stall owners. When there isn't too much going on, they tell you about their products, some of them have been on sale here for decades. Click here for booking.

Songs Beneath the Christmas Tree

At the Munich Christkindlmarkt, you have the opportunity to learn traditional Bavarian and German Advent and Christmas carols. Every Thursday at 5 p.m., musicians invite you to the half-hour sing-along on the forecourt of St. Michael's Church. For people with disabilities, there is barrier-free access, texts in large print and Braille, sign language interpreters, and induction loops for the hearing impaired. Assistance dogs are allowed.

Participation in the singing sessions is free of charge, as is the music material provided. Registration is not required.

 

 

Kripperlmarkt

At St. Peter church, just a few steps from Marienplatz, Germany's largest Kripperlmarkt (meaning literally the “market of the holy manger”) is located. From the lantern for the stable to the offerings of the Three Magi, everything that belongs to a real crib can be found here.

Cribs have a long tradition in Munich. In 1757 an independent crib market took place for the first time from the 1. Advent to Epiphany.

Twelve stalls offer cribs, crib figures and accessories at the Kripperlmarkt. Almost every stand also has a special offer in the assortment: From the big oriental pompous crib to the alpine mini-version.

 

Date christmas market 2024

2024:  25 November to 24 December

 

More information on the christmas market and all events can be found here.

 

Frequently asked questions about the Christmas market on Marienplatz

 

The Christmas market on Marienplatz will take place every year from the end of November to 24 December.

The Christmas market is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, on Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm and on 24 December from 10 am to 2 pm.

The state capital of Munich has been receiving a Christmas tree donation since 1977: This year, the Serbian spruce was a donation from the district of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen and is decorated with around 3,000 LED lights.

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photos: Christian Kasper, Lukas Barth, MVG
Decorated Christmas trees and gifts decorate shop windows

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Christmas angels in a sales booth at the christmas market in Munich.

Christmas market

Christmas magic

When the snow shines in the glow of countless lights, the Christmas market on Marienplatz is the most beautiful.

When it gets dark and the snow shines in the glow of countless lights, the Christmas market on Marienplatz is the most beautiful.

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