Munich: Christmas market on Marienplatz
The large fir tree in front of the town hall and the lively hustle and bustle of the stand operators awaken the anticipation of the pre-Christmas state capital with mulled wine, Krampus run and Christmas crafts
Christmas market on Marienplatz from Monday, November 25th to Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 (see opening times and program below)
Munich. The wind is currently whistling around the house. I sit at the computer and look out. The snow remains on roofs and trees and somehow you feel like visiting the Christmas market. You can write about the big, beautiful Christmas tree and the preparations on Munich's Marienplatz. - FYI: The winter magic at the Viktualienmarkt has already begun (November 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025). - The Munich Christmas tree at Marienplatz stood in the municipality of Antdorf for 44 years, measured around 23 meters and stood in the hamlet of Breunetsried - the felling was important because the tree stood between two buildings. So our tree still has a great meaning! The highlight is traditionally the lighting of the tree to mark the opening of the Christmas market. The official lighting will take place on Monday at 5 p.m. From November 25, 2024, this beautiful Christmas tree from the Bavarian Oberland will shine above the Christmas market at Marienplatz. The Munich Christmas trees on Marienplatz have traditionally been donated by Bavarian communities since 1977. The communities' waiting list for a Christmas tree donation is very long. Thanks from the Bavarian state capital: The donor towns are allowed to set up a stand at the Munich Christmas market in the magnificent courtyard of the town hall and, for example, to present themselves here as a tourist destination. By the way, the trees can also be donated from Italy or Austria.
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| The landmark of the Christmas market at Marienplatz this year is the 44-year-old coastal fir tree from the community of Antdorf, which has 1,400 inhabitants, photo: Waess (November 21, 2024) |
Where does the Munich Christmas tree in front of the New Town Hall come from?
This year the Christmas tree was donated by the community of Antdorf in the Weilheim-Schongau district. The over 200 fairy lights with over 3000 LEDs will shine on Monday at 5 p.m. when Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter officially opens the central Christmas market. The Christmas tree will delight visitors on Marienplatz until January 9, 2025. This is where Munich residents and their guests meet at the foot of the town hall, where they can chat comfortably over mulled wine, hot chocolate or delicious Bavarian delicacies.
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| The stands are currently being festively decorated, photo: Waess, Nov. 21, 2024 |
Mulled wine stand of the donor community: Antdorf in the inner courtyard of the new town hall
In the inner courtyard of the town hall - passage under the large music box - 12 local clubs from the municipality of Antdorf will be running a mulled wine stand in the town hall courtyard throughout Advent (until December 23rd). In addition to mulled wine, you can also enjoy other hot drinks and culinary Bavarian "snacks" - including ham and cheese sticks or nut plaits.
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| Behind the Christmas tree on the right is the entrance to the town hall courtyard with the nativity scene and the stand from the municipality of Antdorf, photo: Waess ( Nov. 21, 2024) |
We were there yesterday and felt the anticipation of the stand operators as they decorated their stalls at the Christmas market with Christmas decorations and various gift ideas. This beautifully located Christmas market between the old and new town halls with the Marian column and a view of the Frauenkirche towers has a long tradition: a Munich Christmas market has been passed down in writings from the 14th century.
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| Kripperlmarkt is set up in front of the Old Peter, photo: Waess (November 21, 2024) |
Around the Munich Christmas Market 2024 - Christmas carols and Krampus run
The tree will light up every day from 4 p.m. Traditionally, the Christmas program includes music from the town hall balcony, choirs singing and the Krampus Run contributing to the winter fun. This year, 25 guest groups are invited to the Krampus Run, which is again organized by the Sparifankerl-Pass group. The date for the Krampuslauf 2024 is Sunday, December 8th, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Munich.
The program at the Munich Christmas market is very entertaining for young and old
- There is Advent music from the town hall balcony
- Kripperl market in front of the Old Peter
- From November 27th, every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., singing Bavarian Advent and Christmas carols together - organized by Traudi Siferlinger - location: at Alten Peter
- And Punch and Judy is also a traditional guest in the town hall courtyard and asks “Are you all there?” -Nikolaus Zettl plays stories with Punch and Judy here
- Krampus Run (December 8th) - 300 Krampus run from Sendlinger Straße to the Viktualienmarkt and then to the Old Town Hall - scaring spectators and children with their terrible masks
- Heaven's workshop for children (November 28th - December 15th, 2024) - takes place in the festively decorated Ratstrinkstube. Here, children aged 6 to 12 can make Christmas decorations and Christmas tree decorations under professional guidance (daily from 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., register using the link (please enter in the browser): www.kindermuseum-muenchen.de
- There is a lighting concept with a glowing dachshund as a selfie point
- Micro Art Gallery from November 25th until 15.12. - Temporary gallery of over 90 artists who offer their small-format works in the town hall
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| Marienplatz with Christmas market stalls and fir tree decorations in front of the New Town Hall with the famous music box - Photo: Waess (Nov. 21, 2024) |
The Munich Christmas Market 2024
- from November 25th until December 24, 2024 at Marienplatz and Rindermarkt
- ceremonial opening on November 25th. at 5 p.m. by Mayor Dieter Reiter
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (also on opening day)
- Sundays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m
- On December 24th: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
