THE TOURISTIN: Travel Germany. 2022 Guide to Christmas Markets in Munich

Munich has it all, it is easy to reach, modern and charming, trendy and traditional, it is a friendly and welcoming town. Munich Christmas markets are the epitome of Christmas market culture. Nutcrackers, incense-makers, angels, snow globes, gnomes, baubles, Christmas trees made from wood, cinnamon stars, gingerbread, cheese fondue, felt shoes, wooden pendants, wooden toys, bookends, ceramic cups, bowls, plates, cards, paper, spices, tea. You will find it all on one of Munich’s Christmas markets. The Christmas season is here. The long wait is over. If you are only going to visit five Christmas markets in Munich, why not make it the following ones? Snow is (usually) forecasted for Munich. It is winter, and if you spent time outside, you regularly need hot drinks to stay warm.

Travel Germany. 2022 Guide to Cheerful Christmas Markets in Munich

It can get very busy, there are going to be thousands, if not millions, of Christmas market lovers all around you, why not read Christmas Market Etiquette - How to Have a Merry Visit before you go.

Christkindlmarkt on picture-perfect Marienplatz 2022

Stalls are on pretty Marienplatz under the tower of the Old Town Hall, where you can admire a 24 meters high tree decorated with 2,500 candles, as well as along the Kaufinger- and Neuhauser Street all the way to the Richard Strauss fountain and from Weinstrasse to the Sternenplatzl on Rindermarkt. The Christkindlmarkt has been in this location ever since 1972; however, during Christmas time in Munich markets have been around since the 14th century. There are 160 stalls where you can buy everything from traditional Bavarian Christmas delicacies to handmade Christmas tree decoration. It is in the centre of town, and it is the market most people visit. Understandably. The setting is terrific, it couldn’t be more enchanting.

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich Marienplatz The Touristin

Information: 21 November to 24 December 2022, Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm. Sunday 10am to 8pm. 24 December 2022: 10am to 2pm. Tickets: Free.

Christmas Market Chinese Tower in the English Garden (cancelled in 2022)

It is a little adventure to get to this market if you visit in the evening. Hang on; this might be the reason that it is so special. If you start your walk on Leopoldstrasse to get here, you’ll have to make your way through the deserted and dark English Garden, and when I say dark, I mean sort of pitch dark. From afar one can see a light glow in the woods, very fairy tale like, it looks so romantic, and that is the light that guides you towards the market. Your bravery and effort will be rewarded with one of the prettiest of Christmas markets. This cute market offers Christmassy food and drinks but also ice curling rinks. Trumpeters and choirs create a magnificent atmosphere by performing traditional carols. On weekends one can go on horse-drawn carriage rides through the English Garden. Best of all is there is no traffic near and far.

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich English Garden The Touristin

Information: Englischer Garten 3, 80538 Munich. Info: It will not take place in 2022. Tickets: Free.

Haidhauser Christmas Market on Weissenburger Square 2022

This quaint little Christmas market that runs around the fountain on Weissenburger square in the Munich borough of Haidhausen is perfect for all the ones who are after a more local experience. The nativity scene in a rustic, original Austrian Ziller valley wooden cottage is a true draw-card too. You will find organic products, local specialities, as well as all things made from honey, think honey soaps, honey candles, honey gummy bears, honey sweets and honey cosmetics and wooden handmade goods.

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich Haidhausen Honey Products The Touristin

Information: Weissenburger Platz, 81667 Munich. Hours: 22 November to 24 December 2022, 11am to 9pm. 24 December 2022: 10am to 2pm. Tickets: Free.

Christmas Village Emperor’s Courtyard at the Residence 2022

This is the market off Odeonsplatz. You will have to search for it for a moment since it is hidden in the large courtyard of the Residence. The residence, a former palace built for Bavarian royals is directly at Odeonsplatz, a square in the centre of town. There are 130 (impressive number) lavishly gold decorated rooms, packed to the rafters with paintings, miniature paintings, mirrors, tapestries, furniture, cutlery and china. Today one can still see and walk through the sumptuous ruler's residence with its courtyards and gardens. Visit the Renaissance Hall of Antiquities built between 1568 and 1571. It is one of the oldest Renaissance Halls in Europe.

Traditions play a big role in this Christmas village. In the rustic wooden huts, artists show their craftsmanship, think glassblowers and goldsmiths. Listen to the live music while snacking on Christmas goodies and marvel at the architecture that surrounds you.

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich. Inside of the Residence The Touristin

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich Residence at night Lights

Information: Emperor’s Courtyard at the Residence. 17 November to 22 December 2022, Monday to Sunday 11am to 9pm. Tickets: Free.

Schwabinger Christmas Market Muenchner Freiheit 2022

At no other Christmas market in the city is drinking mulled wine as big as on this one, you can go so far as to say that visitors go here primarily for the drinking and the fun and festive atmosphere. You can also see and buy art by Munich painters, sculptors and designers.

rmany. Christmas Market Munich Schwabing The Touristin

Travel Germany. Christmas Market Munich Decoration The Touristin

Information: Schwabinger Christmas Market, Münchner Freiheit. 25 November to 24 December 2022. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11am to 8.30pm. Monday to Friday 12pm to 8.30pm. 24 December 2022: 11am to 2pm. Tickets: Free.

How to get to Munich?

Take the train, buy tickets here.

Fly into town; visit the website of the airport (there is a Christmas Market too). Say no to domestic flights. Do not fly within Germany but use the train.