So that November in Munich does not become too dull and dark, the first Christmas markets are already opening. The literature festival with its “book show“ also helps against rainy days as well as a stroll around a charity flea market in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Münchner Bücherschau is the largest regional book exhibition. Here, visitors can browse through all genres for 15 hours a day and meet the authors.
Münchner Bücherschau, 16 November to 3 December 2023, Literaturhaus, Gasteig and other venues
Every year, the Christmas market in the Residenz is the first to bring light into the darkness. From 23 November to 22 December 2023, visitors to the picturesque Kaiserhof on Odeonsplatz will find themselves in a Christmas village with a small chapel and life-size nativity scene. In the wooden huts, glassblowers, goldsmiths or horn carvers will present their handicrafts – mulled wine, bratwurst and rubbing cakes are of course also available. From the stage in the middle, contemplative Christmas carols sound out of alphorns or trumpets – but also sometimes swinging evergreens, to which children dance with their parents.
Christmas Village at Residenz, 23 November to 22 December 2023, Kaiserhof of the Residenz
Munich loves the autumn. And as the light gets warmer and the colours intensify, this is the time of year when Munich’s residents really get adventurous.
From 23 November to 31 December 2023, the Tollwood Winter Festival enchants with its colourfully illuminated tent tops on the Theresienwiese. What makes this alternative Christmas market so special are its street theatre, artistic masterpieces, concerts, a children's programme, organic food and colourful handicrafts from all over the world. Most events are free of charge. In the multimedia tent of the “World Salon“, politicians, scientists and artists appear to discuss ecological and social issues with the audience.
Tollwood Winter Festival, 23 November to 31 December 2023, Theresienwiese
The electronic dance music/pop band SHRX, founded in 2020 by three young people from Munich, is organising the Neon Music Festival in the Olympiahalle on 17 November 2023. In addition to SHRX, pronounced “Sharks“, many other newcomers will perform there. The festival's motto is “Diversity“ and it will surprise the audience with light and show effects such as UV black light.
Neon Music Festival, 17 November 2023, Olympiahalle
For horse lovers the “Munich Indoors“ are a fixed date in the calendar. The international horse show will take place in the Olympic Hall. International jumping and dressage classes, U21 classes as well as the FUNDIS Youngster Tour for seven- and eight-year-old horses. Additionally, the Gold-Cup and two dressage tours on Grand Prix level highlight the program in the Olympic hall. Absolute highlights are the Meggle Grand Prix on Saturday night as well as the Große Preis Kreditbank AG.
Munich Indoors, 23 to 26 November 2023, Olympiahalle
For dawdlers, there will be bargain hunting in the MVG Museum. On the “MS-Winterbazar“ there are many nice things for a good cause. Those who find used treasures here not only save their wallets and, out of sustainability, protect nature, but also help many people in Bavaria who suffer from multiple sclerosis. Because the proceeds of this flea market are destined for them.
MS Winterbazar, 18 to 19 November 2023, MVG Museum
What's a real Bavarian restaurant has a hold on its Martinsgans. This speciality is available around St. Martin's Day on 11 November. In the past, the farming business year ended on this day: farmhands and maids were dismissed or hired, farmers paid their landlords a tithe. This was often done in the form of geese – which were promptly strangled to celebrate the day. Nowadays, the landlords usually announce their St. Martin's Goose dinner with notices or on the Internet - in case of doubt, ask more in advance. The Pauliwirt country inn near Mühldorf (Neuhäusl 1, 84513 Erharting) is worth a visit. On the way you can take a detour to the old town of Mühldorf. The town houses there are built in the so-called Inn-Salzach style: high, mighty looking facades that block the view of the roof.
When the autumn wind blows, kite lovers are driven out into Munich's parks. A popular hotspot is the Olympiaberg, popularly called Schuttberg (mountain of debris), because it consists largely of building rubble from the period of reconstruction after the Second World War. At the top of the Olympiaberg one has best wind conditions and a beautiful view over Munich. The Hirschgarten with its large meadows offers a lot of space. It is easy to reach with the S-Bahn (stops Hirschgarten and Laim). If you are careful and pay attention to traffic and passers-by, you can also try the large green spaces on Königsplatz. Wind speeds of around 17 or 18 kilometres per hour are usually enough to fly a kite, which corresponds to wind force three in the weather forecast. If you don't own a kite and want to build one yourself, the best place to look is the “Kunst und Spiel“ (Art and Play) at Leopoldstrasse 48. The handicraft supplies in Schwabing have everything you need.
You can find a detailed calendar of events here.
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