Munich Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Munich and surrounding areas
Munich celebrates the holiday season at Marienplatz with the Münchner Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz anchoring a calendar full of Christmas markets, seasonal performances, and holiday activities amid the Neues Rathaus and Frauenkirche. Christmas lights twinkle across Odeonsplatz and Viktualienmarkt where artisans and food stalls create joyful atmospheres. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats, family activities, and plenty of holiday attractions while exploring Munich’s illuminated historic core.
Find the best Munich Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
67 eventsTraditional Christmas market with regional specialties.
Christmas Shows
15 eventsJohn Neumeier's unique interpretation of the classic Nutcracker.
Christmas Parties
6 eventsOver 35 varieties of mulled wine and hot beverages
Christmas Activities
9 eventsAncient Alpine Krampus tradition with elaborate costumes
Editor's Picks (6)
-
The Nutcracker Ballet
(München)
John Neumeier's unique interpretation of the classic Nutcracker.
-
Munich Krampus Run
Ancient Alpine Krampus tradition with elaborate costumes
-
Starnberger Christkindlmarkt
(Starnberg)
Traditional Christmas market with regional specialties.
-
Landsberger Christkindlmarkt
(Landsberg am Lech)
Historic Old Town setting for a traditional German Christmas market.
-
Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt
(Augsburg)
One of Germany's oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets
-
Friedberger Advent Market
(Friedberg)
Historic Christmas market with over 30 artisanal vendors.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Lights Near Munich
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Munich.
Munich Ice Magic at Stachus
Experience the magic of ice skating at Stachus Square, transforming Munich's vibrant heart...
View full details →Winterkulturweg 2025
The Winterkulturweg returns to Pfaffenhofen for its fifth year, transforming the city into...
View full details →Munich Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Munich
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Munich!
Munich Christmas FAQ
The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is Munich's largest and most traditional Christmas market. The Tollwood Winter Festival offers a more modern and diverse experience with international food and crafts.
Munich is known for its traditional Christkindlmarkt, Krampus parades (though these are often controversial and not universally celebrated), and the strong emphasis on Bavarian crafts and foods at its markets.
The city center, especially around Marienplatz and the pedestrian zones like Kaufingerstraße and Neuhauser Straße, is beautifully illuminated. Neighborhoods like Schwabing also often feature charming and extensive residential light displays.
The main Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz and the Tollwood Winter Festival, are excellent places to find local makers. Smaller, specialized markets also pop up throughout the city during the Advent season.
Enjoying the festive lights and window displays in the city center, browsing the free-to-enter Christmas markets, and attending free church services or concerts are great budget-friendly options.
Families often enjoy the children's sections of the Christmas markets, with carousels and treats, as well as potential appearances by Santa Claus. Look for family-friendly shows or ice skating rinks that are popular with younger visitors.