Tip: From November 17th, Christmas Village at the Kaiserhof - Munich Old Town

Munich Residence: Kaiserhof Christmas Village

In the Kaiserhof Christmas Village of the Munich Residence, the elk sings amidst traditional Bavarian music and mulled wine.

Monday, November 17, 2025 to Monday, December 22, 2025, daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Deutsch, Italiano, English, Français)

Munich. On Monday, November 17, you should enter the Kaiserhof of the Residence and experience the romance of the "Christmas Village" with its fairytale forest. We remember previous years: Through the archway, you can catch a glimpse of the stage from afar, where traditionally dressed musicians and singers perform Upper Bavarian Christmas carols. The Kaiserhof, with its elegant facade, creates a truly festive atmosphere, and the aroma of roasted food and all sorts of sweets evokes memories of bygone days.Memories of bygone eras are awakened, as an elderly lady who was there with her grandchildren confirmed: "I come here every year. It's just like it used to be." This kind of romance is hardly found today. So, if you're looking for that Christmas romance of yesteryear in Munich: Look no further than the Kaiserhof of the Residenz, where the Munich Highlights art fair also takes place every October (when the entire courtyard is covered).

Munich Residence - in the Christmas Village, Photo: Helga Waess

Take the subway and tram to mulled wine, mulled beer, Feuerzangenbowle, and more

At the first corner, the air is filled with the aroma of coffee and crepes with chocolate spread, and at the next, the scent of mulled wine—which this year is also available in white. One stall is even serving mulled beer. Anyone wanting to try Feuerzangenbowle should definitely take the tram or subway, as high-proof alcohol not only warms you up, but a driver's license is also expensive.

Munich Residence - in the Christmas Village, Photo: Helga Waess

All that's missing from the weekend onwards is the snow.

A bag of hot roasted chestnuts also brings back memories for us.

What was it like back then, as a child, when you entered the Christmas market for the first time each year? A feeling of inner joy, indescribable today, would wash over you. The Christmas season was exciting. Here and now, children with wide, shining eyes are drawn to the fairytale forest in the Kaiserhof.

Munich Fairytale Forest in the Kaiserhof, photo: Helga Waess

Munich Fairytale Forest in the Kaiserhof

The little ones can't get enough of the sights and sounds.

Yes, listen too, because the moose moves its head and talks.

And there's so much going on here in the fairytale forest. The wolf and the witch are all there, telling their fairytales. And there:

From out of the woods he comes and wants to tell us: 

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

Residenz München: Elch im Weihnachtsdorf-Märchenwald, Foto: Helga Waess

There stands Santa Claus in the fir forest:

Residenz München Weihnachtsmann im Märchenwald, Weihnachtsdorf, Foto: Helga Waess

Alphorn players and brass band music

From afar, you can hear an alphorn player and the brass band playing Christmas carols. Yes, this is a lovely, manageable Christmas market where many an office group is celebrating the end of the workday, grandmothers are taking a quick photo with their grandchildren in Santa's sleigh, and the organic mulled wine is warming young and old alike.

Residenz München: Märchen im Weihnachtsdorf, Foto: Helga Waess

Back on Residenzstrasse

In the background, we can still hear the men's choir. Children are dragging their parents toward the puppet theater.

Munich Residence, entrance to the Kaiserhof, Photo: Helga Waess

Christmas Village at the Residence until 

December 22 – open daily from 11 a.m.

The program changes daily, is thoughtfully designed in a traditional Bavarian style, puts young and old in a pre-Christmas mood, and invites visitors to relax away from the hustle and bustle.

Incidentally, it's also a great place to meet up, as three students tell us:

"We always meet at the Elk!"

Only those in the know are aware of where that is!

We highly recommend a visit.

Munich Residence, Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof, Photo: Helga Waess

Text and photos (press photo archive) by Helga Waess

 

November 21 - Start: Munich Viktualienmarkt in its Winter Wonderland

TIP: Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt from November 21st

Winter Magic under the festively lit maypole at Munich's traditional Viktualienmarkt sweetens your Advent shopping experience – a Christmas market with a curling rink, music, freshly squeezed juices, mulled wine, Munich white sausage or fish sandwiches, and a carousel...

Munich's Viktualienmarkt is open year-round – the Christmas market, "Winter Magic," takes place there from November 21, 2025, to January 5, 2026 (closed Sundays and public holidays) – (open on December 24, 2019, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) (Deutsch, Italiano, English, Français)

Munich. The Viktualienmarkt is an integral part of Munich's culture. During the Christmas season, the many stalls offering treats, sights, and shopping enchant visitors. Everything is enveloped in a magical Christmas light display. A large nativity scene at the beer garden reflects market life with its figures. The popular Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich is an Advent and Christmas market with a curling rink, freshly squeezed juices, mulled wine, Munich white sausage or fish sandwiches, and a carousel. The atmosphere becomes especially magical after 5:00 pm when all the Viktualienmarkt stalls are bathed in festive light. The market's total area of ​​18,591 square meters offers excellent shopping opportunities. www.viktualienmarkt.de ... Stroll, feast, sample, shop, and enjoy a mulled wine, hot chocolate, or a Leberkäse roll – all with free admission!

 

Winter Magic Entrance to the Viktualienmarkt, Photo : A. Waess (Pressefoto-Archiv)

The large nativity scene at the Viktualienmarkt features carved wooden figures modeled after market vendors – it's worth taking a closer look

A very special winter magic awaits visitors at the Viktualienmarkt this year: in addition to the 110 established vendors offering tropical fruits, meat, game, poultry, a wide variety of cheeses, fish, bread and baked goods, and fragrant spices, 30 Winter Magic stalls will be added, promising a cozy shopping and strolling experience.

Alpine Tavern Atmosphere, Advent Market, and Culinary Specialties at the Viktualienmarkt

An unusual Alpine tavern atmosphere will soon envelop us at the Viktualienmarkt. The Christmas maypole will shine brightly from afar until January 5, 2025.

From Monday to Friday, wandering musicians entertain

visitors in the market square, spreading a cozy and festive atmosphere under the LED lights of the Winter Magic Viktualienmarkt in Munich.

Market stalls at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich, with the Old Town Hall and Toy Museum in the background. Photo:

• Carousel near Café Nymphenburg Sekt (Viktualienmarkt 2).

Nativity scene and culinary specialties from around the world and Bavaria

And of course, a nativity scene, hot drinks, gift stalls, and sweets are all part of the experience. How about a good bottle of olive oil or a fragrant floral arrangement for the holidays this year?

Winter magic under the illuminated maypole

The Viktualienmarkt embodies the Munich way of life. White sausage, Munich beer, fresh pretzels, and mulled wine are just some of the things that underscore the charm of the market and its many stalls. The Christmas lights and the nativity scene—modeled after the vendors—near the beer garden make it a must-see before Christmas. The woodcarvers captured the market scene in their nativity figures, enchanting young and old alike!

The Viktualienmarkt in Munich is a Bavarian gem

Whether you're a tourist or a local visiting the Bavarian capital, the Viktualienmarkt is a must-see during the Advent season. Located not far from Marienplatz, you can stroll from the city's largest nativity scene market, held in front of the beautiful Munich Town Hall, to the Viktualienmarkt.

Until January 5, 2025, the market square will once again be transformed into the glittering Winter Magic Christmas Market, with festive decorations at every stall.

Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt 2025

Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt

• Dates and Opening Hours
• November 21, 2025 to January 5, 2026
• Monday to Saturday; 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Closed Sundays and public holidays
• On December 24, 2025, the market is open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Admission prices for Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt 2025

Admission is free!

Website for more information: www.viktualienmarkt.de

Event ends on January 5, 2026

October 29 to November 2, 2025: Winter Magic at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover

Romantic Getaway Tip: October 29 to November 2, 2025 - Winter Magic at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony

A romantic getaway for Christmas enthusiasts: Winter Magic at Herrenhausen - pre-Christmas stalls between the Gallery and Orangery, a nostalgic carousel, and stilt walkers

October 29 to November 2 - Winter Magic invites you to stroll and enjoy the Herrenhausen Gardens again in 2025 (English, Nederlands, Deutsch)

Hanover. Christmas is in the air when the Courtyard of Honor at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover is illuminated for Winter Magic. Strings of lights and decorated Christmas trees are everywhere, even at the end of October. Yes, you heard right! If you can't wait any longer, hop on the ICE train and head to Hanover to enjoy the aroma of gingerbread and hot punch at Herrenhausen Palace, the adjacent Gallery, and the avenue. The train from Munich takes just over 4 hours. The gallery and the orangery provide a magical backdrop for the pre-Christmas stalls. The nostalgic carousel and several stilt walkers will delight young and old alike.

Photo of the flyer announcing the Winter Magic event at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover, photo of the organizer's flyer: Helga Waess

Starting Wednesday, October 19, 2025, around 130 exhibitors will be welcoming visitors.

Winter Magic promises delights and a fantastic culinary selection in front of the castle:

• finest almond nougat,
• winter stollen,
• doughnuts,
• fresh Baumkuchen (tree cake),
• roasted chestnuts,
• delicious wild boar burgers,
• raclette specialties,
• Finnish flame-grilled salmon,
• mulled wine,
• apple punch, coffee, hot chocolate, and teas are all available.

The wait for Christmas is already getting romantic in Hanover

The castle's courtyard, the gallery, and the magnificent avenue will be transformed into a fairytale setting for a pre-Christmas market.

Everything that warms and delights body and soul during the cold season will be offered here starting October 29:

• mulled wine, cookies, handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and wonderful gifts for a cozy home.

As a special highlight, the Great Garden will be open free of charge

•  from 4:30 pm for all Winter Magic visitors with a Winter Magic ticket.

In the evening twilight, which, thanks to the time change, now falls as early as 5 pm, the Great Baroque Garden will be romantically illuminated.

... Winter Magic at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover

Location

Herrenhäuser Str. 3

30419 Hanover

• www.gartenfestivals.de

• Tickets are available on-site at the box office every day
• or online in advance - available on the organizer's website

Winter Magic Opening Hours in the Palace Courtyard and Gallery of Herrenhausen Palace

• October 29, 2025 - 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• October 30, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• October 31, 2025 - November 1, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• November 2, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Winter Magic is also open on the public holiday, October 31!

                

Opernhaus, Hannover - Foto: Helga Waess

TIP for 2025: Christmas Market at Marienplatz

Pre-Christmas Season in Munich - Christmas Markets and Markets

The large Christmas market in the heart of Munich's Old Town creates a romantic atmosphere during the colder months: In front of Munich City Hall, a heavenly workshop, the Christkindlpostamt (Christmas Post Office), colorful Christmas stalls, and the popular nativity market are being set up. There will be a Krampus Run and mulled wine and festival beer

November 24 - December 24, 2025: Christmas Market on Munich's Marienplatz (English, Italiano, Français, Deutsch)

Munich. With the chilly November comes the anticipation of cozy days and pre-Christmas markets. In the heart of the Old Town, the Munich Christmas Market takes place every year on Marienplatz in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall. This market has been documented in the city center since the 14th century. When the large Christmas tree is erected in front of the City Hall, the Old Town becomes truly romantic. Around the Marian Column, an old Bavarian market with a craft market and a nativity market at the Alter Peter church gradually emerges. Because, as is also Bavarian tradition, a nativity scene with the Three Wise Men belongs under the Christmas tree. This year's Christmas market on and around Marienplatz will take place from November 24th to December 24th, 2025. There will also be exciting craft stalls, two large nativity scenes, a sheltered mulled wine bar, and a sparkling Christmas tree in the Town Hall's grand courtyard, directly in front of the Town Hall Gallery. And the Christkindl (Christmas tree) also has its own mailbox under the Town Hall tower: those who post their letters and cards here can surprise their loved ones with a stamp from the Munich Christkind! 

Munich City Hall, Marian Column and towers of the Frauenkirche ... and in front of it the illuminated Christmas tree, photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv - Vorjahr)

The Heavenly Workshop for Children

During the pre-Christmas season, the popular Heavenly Workshop will once again be open for children aged six to twelve. Here, young creatives can indulge their passion for crafts and make gifts, free of charge and under supervision.

Christkindl Postbox under the Town Hall Tower at Marienplatz

A real "Christkindl" stamp should be displayed on Christmas mail. Well, then take your letter or postcard straight to the Christkindl Postbox, because here you can find the special postmark from the Munich Christkindl. At the entrance to the Town Hall, right next to the gate – under the Town Hall Tower at Marienplatz in Munich – you will find a special postbox during the Christmas market. A highlight for Christmas mail for philatelists: Letters and postcards posted here will receive the special postmark of the Christmas market.

The Krampus Run through the Christmas Market

And when the Krampus run, both young and old rejoice. During the traditional Krampus Run, the spooky figures with their carved masks and shaggy fur coats terrify young and old alike, and that's how it should be!

Marienplatz with the Old Town Hall in Munich - Photo: Helga Waess (press photo archive)

 

Christmas music from the Town Hall balcony

Yes, right where FC Bayern celebrates its trophies and cups, contemplative Christmas carols can be heard time and again in the run-up to Christmas. The Bavarian Stubenmusik, brass bands, and various choirs perform live daily on the Town Hall balcony, brightening up the Advent season for stall visitors.

Only the BEST is served in Munich for the holidays.

And so, Munich's wine taverns are serving—hear it and be amazed—vegan elderberry mulled wine. All organic!

Delicious Schupfnudeln and Käsespätzle will be available again next year at Marienplatz in Munich, Photo: A. Waess 

FEST BEER from the Munich Christmas Market!

And: what can't be missed in Munich? Not even at a Christmas market! Yes, mulled wine is almost right. But Munich also needs a good beer!

At Sternenplatz, Haderner Bräu will be serving a beer specially brewed for the Christmas market at the town hall.

That's something typically Munich!

The history of the Christmas market

will be explained to interested visitors during guided tours of the market. Those interested can book these directly at Marienplatz. Sample mulled wine and delicacies and simply enjoy.

Munich Christmas Market

Location: Around Marienplatz, in front of the Old Town Hall (with the Toy Museum), and in the pedestrian zone.

Dates: November 24 to December 24, 2025

Website: www.christkindlmarkt-muenchen.de

 … in December on Marienplatz at the Munich Christmas market, photo:

Munich-Bogenhausen: Christmas magic forest at the Cosima Wellenbad

Munich - Winter Magic Forest from now untill January 6, 2025

Mulled wine festival with 35 different types of mulled wine in the Christmas Magic Forest in Munich-Bogenhausen - As always, entry is free!

 

A Christmas magic forest  from now untill January 6, 2025, in Bogenhausen in front of the Cosima Wellenbad

Munich. Today the Christmas Magic Forest started in Bogenhausen in front of the Cosima Wellenbad. A romantic, fairytale-like and glittering winter magic forest awaits visitors. The mulled wine selection suggests a creative palate, as the selection of 35 varieties suggests many days of testing. At the Christmas market there are also crepes, waffles, langosch, bratwurst, schnitzel, burgers, and Ugandan specialties - i.e. hearty snacks and delicacies. A children's carousel, various weekend craft activities and a Christmas wheel of fortune. In addition, decorated, illuminated and heated tents invite you to linger - e.g. for family or friend gatherings and much more. For Christmas gift ideas, there are good things from glassblowers, poinsettias, singing bowls, children's stools and various fashionable clothing such as jackets, hand-knitted hats, cuffs or gloves. And: why not go to the Christmas market after swimming?! As always, entry is free!

 

Winter world placeholder from the Art - Culture - Blog, photo: Helga Waess

The mulled wines in Bogenhausen have such tempting names as

•     Alpenglühn
•     Apple dream
•     Berry glow
•     Brown bear
•     Captain Jack
•     Dragon fire
•     Columbus egg
•     Fairy magic
•     Angel wings
•     Fairy luck
•     Mother Hulda
•     Summit happiness
•     Mulled wine hammer
•     Hot Caipi
•     Hot Caipi without alcohol
•     Hot Dauiquiri
•     Hot Dauiquiri non-alcoholic
•     Hot Spicy Orange
•     Hot Spicy Orange alcohol-free
•     Jenner wine
•     Cherry magic
•     Goblin potion
•     Rapunzel
•     Bad weather
•     Dead aunt
•     Winderdream
•     Wolfblood
•     Magic potion

Christmas magic forest in Bogenhausen in front of the Cosima wave pool

Cosimastraße 5, 81925 Munich

Opening hours    

•     Mon - Wed 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
•     Thu./Fri./Sat. 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m
•     Sun/holidays 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
•         12/24/24: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
•         December 25th/26th: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
•         December 31st: 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m

Closed on

    Remembrance Day / Sunday of the Dead (closed November 17th and 24th, 2024)

The Santa Clauses are already waiting for Christmas - press photo archive: Helga Waess