The best Christmas markets in Munich

This traditional market is not to be missed. Located right in the heart of the city, the market on Marienplatz invites you to feast, browse and linger. Why not combine a stroll through the city centre or some Christmas shopping with a visit to this market? A particular highlight every year is the enormous Christmas tree in front of the town hall – it's well worth a visit just to see it!

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 5 minutes on foot (400 metres)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 15 minutes by public transport (approx. 4 km)
• Nearest subway station: Marienplatz (U3, U6)

Just a short walk from the Christmas market on Marienplatz, you will find another of Munich's most popular Christmas markets: the Christmas village in the Residenz. The lovingly decorated huts give this Christmas market a very special charm. Here, you can find all kinds of handmade gifts, Christmas delicacies and, of course, a delicious mulled wine or two. As it can get a little crowded here, we recommend visiting the Christmas village during the week.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 10 minutes on foot (600 metres)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 20 minutes by public transport (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest subway station: Odeonsplatz (U3, U4, U5, U6)

If you would like to be transported back in time, we recommend a visit to the medieval Christmas market on Wittelsbacherplatz. Here you can experience ancient crafts, costumes and authentic food such as mead or fish soup.

Tip: It's quieter during the week.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 15 minutes on foot (1 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 20 minutes by public transport (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest subway station: Odeonsplatz (U3, U4, U5, U6)

Munich’s residents love their Theresienwiese – and not just for the Oktoberfest. In winter, the festival meadow is transformed into the famous Tollwood Winter Festival. At this alternative Christmas market, you can expect handicrafts from all over the world, organic specialties, numerous free events and a wonderful international atmosphere. The festival is committed to sustainability, with all products being fair trade and eco-friendly. The event runs until New Year's Eve, ending with fireworks and the traditional midnight waltz.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 20 minutes by subway (approx. 3 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 25 minutes by public transport (approx. 6 km)
• Nearest subway station: Theresienwiese (U4, U5)

No holiday in Munich would be complete without a visit to the English Garden? In the extensive city park, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, take a lovely winter walk and also visit one of Munich's most beautiful Christmas markets. The Christmas market at the Chinese Tower exudes a particularly contemplative Christmas atmosphere, paired with Bavarian tradition. Treat yourself to delicious winter dishes, mulled wine and traditional Christmas treats. And if you're still looking for a handmade gift, you'll find it here, too.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bike (2 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 25 minutes by public transport (approx. 6 km)
• Nearest subway station: Giselastraße (U3, U6)

The Olympiapark also becomes beautiful and almost magical at Christmas time when the fairytale bazaar opens its doors again. In colorful circus tents and at lovingly decorated stands, you can look forward to handicrafts, the odd treat and a varied program. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the Märchenbazar (fairytale bazaar) and experience a very special Christmas.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 20 minutes by subway (approx. 4 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 25 minutes by public transport (approx. 7 km)
• Nearest subway station: Olympiazentrum (U3/U8)

The small Christmas market in Haidhausen on Weißenburger Platz is a real insider tip for all romantics. Idyllic, homely and cosy – there's no better way to describe it. It is usually less crowded here than at the big markets in the city centre and you have the opportunity to enjoy your mulled wine in peace and quiet, stroll from stall to stall, and browse for Christmas trinkets.

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 25 minutes by subway or streetcar (approx. 3,5 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 10 minutes on foot (900 metres)
• Nearest subway station: Ostbahnhof (U5)

For those who like it colourful, a little flashy and above all special, we recommend a trip to the queer Pink Christmas market in the Glockenbachviertel district. Here, diversity and tolerance are celebrated in the most beautiful way. Look forward to sparkling drinks, delicious food and a fantastic programme of music and drag shows on stage. Don't miss out on this bright pink experience!

• Distance to Platzl Hotel: 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by public transport (approx. 1.5 km)
• Distance to Marias Platzl: 20 minutes by public transport (approx. 3 km)
• Nearest subway station: Sendlinger Tor (U1, U2, U3, U6)

• Glühwein: a hot, spiced red or white wine and the ultimate drink for Christmas markets, perfect for keeping you warm on cold nights.
• Lebkuchen: soft gingerbread biscuits, often decorated with icing, and make a great festive souvenir.
• Stollen: a rich fruit bread dusted with powdered sugar. It is perfect with coffee or tea.

• Transport: All markets are easily accessible by Munich’s underground (U-Bahn) or tram network. Buy a day ticket for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like FreeNow are also convenient.
• Weather: Expect cold winter temperatures (often around freezing). Bring warm coats, scarves and gloves.
• Language: Most stallholders and all Platzl Hotel staff speak English, so communication is effortless.
• Beyond the markets: Why not visit Munich’s ice rinks, take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in the snow or enjoy a concert at the Residenz?

• Which is the most beautiful Christmas market in Munich? They are all beautiful! The Platzl team's favorites are the Christmas markets at the Residenz, Isartor, and Weißenburger Platz. If you like something alternative and colorful, we recommend the Tollwood Winter Festival or Pink Christmas.
• Which Christmas markets are particularly suitable for families and children? The Christmas village in the Residenz is particularly good for families, with its lovely design and wide range of gifts.
• Are the Platzl Hotels close to the Christmas markets? The Platzl Hotel is only a few minutes' walk from Marienplatz, making it ideal for a stroll through the Christmas market. The Marias Platzl in Haidhausen is also perfectly located for the Christmas market at Weißenburger Platz, for example.
• When do the Christmas markets in Munich start? Most markets open at the end of November and run until 24 December. The Tollwood Winter Festival even lasts until New Year's Eve.
• Do I need cash at the Christmas markets? Although many stalls now accept credit cards, it’s still a good idea to bring some euros in cash, particularly for food and drink.