November 20 – December 24, 2026: Munich Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) at Marienplatz in the Old Town
Things are getting festive in Munich: The Christmas tree at Marienplatz is already in place—and on November 20, the original Munich Christmas market begins: the romantic *Christkindlmarkt* at Marienplatz
November 20 to December 24, 2026: A Christmas market featuring a traditional nativity scene in the Town Hall courtyard and a mailbox for letters to the *Christkind* (Deutsch, English)
Munich – Marienplatz. The atmosphere becomes truly festive when the bells of "Alter Peter" (St. Peter’s Church) ring out. The tree was set up as early as November 3, and in the coming days, city lighting technicians will install the many lights. The market stalls will also be set up shortly, and on Friday, November 20, the traditional *Christkindlmarkt*—located in front of the Neo-Gothic Town Hall in the Bavarian state capital—will finally open. At 5:00 p.m., Munich Mayor Dominik Krause (Green Party), together with the Mayor of Sauerlach, Michael Hochleitner, will illuminate the grand Christmas tree, which this year comes from the municipality of Sauerlach. The Sauerlach brass band will perform, and the area beneath the large Christmas tree will host a cozy, festive market atmosphere until December 23. Experience a touch of Bavaria in this romantic, festively decorated village of stalls, where you can enjoy local delicacies and mulled wine. With traditional handicrafts and a dedicated nativity scene market, you are sure to find the perfect gift. The festivities also feature the traditional *Krampus* parade through the Christmas market, daily performances of traditional Bavarian folk music, and live appearances by brass ensembles and choirs on the balcony of the Town Hall—all helping to create a wonderful Advent season.
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| Münchner Rathaus, Mariensäule und Türme der Frauenkirche ... und davor der beleuchtete Christbaum, Foto: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv - Vorjahr) |
- The wind is whistling around the house right now. I’m sitting at my computer, looking outside. Snow is settling on the rooftops and trees—it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to visit a Christmas market. It’s the perfect moment to write about the magnificent, towering fir tree and the preparations underway at Munich’s Marienplatz. -
The nativity scene market at Marienplatz has existed since 1757
There is no such thing as a Bavarian Christmas without a nativity scene beneath the fir tree. This is arguably the largest nativity scene market in Germany. You can find complete nativity sets here, as well as individual pieces to add to your own display—from delicate little lanterns to illuminate the stable, to figures like the Three Wise Men, and much more.
A "Heavenly Workshop" for young creatives
Every year, visit this space to craft their own Christmas decorations and gifts—completely free of charge.
Local associations from Sauerlach
will be present with their stalls in the town hall courtyard ...
Christmas Market Guided Tours
- To learn about the history of the Christmas market, excellent guided tours of the market at Marienplatz are offered daily …
- please book well in advance!
Location: On and around Marienplatz, as well as in the pedestrian zone towards Sendlinger Straße.
Date: November 20 to December 24, 2026
Homepage: www.christkindlmarkt-muenchen.de
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| im Dezember auf dem Marienplatz beim Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Foto: Helga Waess |
We provide coverage of the Christmas markets in all districts of Munich:
- Old Town (Altstadt)
- Glockenbachviertel and Ludwigsvorstadt
- Neuhausen-Nymphenburg
- Haidhausen, Bogenhausen & Berg am Laim
- Schwabing
- Olympic Park (Olympiapark)
- Moosach
- Werksviertel-Mitte
- Slaughterhouse District (Schlachthofviertel)
- Giesing and Sendling
- Airport, Pasing, Freimann, and Feldmoching
