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 27 November to 24 December 2023.
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.
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.
Every year, the opening also marks the beginning of the musical programme.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2023: 27 November to 24 December
More information on the christmas market and all events can be found here.
