Christmas in Munich Germany: Where to Stay, What to Eat & My Top Christmas Markets (2025)

Lately I’ve been writing so many Christmas-in-Germany guides that I feel like a broken record saying how much I love it here during the holidays. But honestly, I really do. So if you’ve read any of my other guides, sorry not sorry, I’ll say it again: Christmas in Germany is magical. And if I had to pick just one city, Christmas in Munich would be at the top of my list.

What makes it so special? For starters, the Christmas markets. There’s just something about wandering around with a mug of hot mulled wine, nibbling on roasted nuts, and checking out all the festive stalls. But it’s not only the markets,  Munich itself in winter has its own kind of magic. Nymphenburg Palace or even Neuschwanstein Castle dusted with snow is just so beautiful.

I know a lot of you love doing a classic Germany–Austria–Switzerland Christmas trip, and Munich is the perfect stop for that. Which is why I wanted to pull together this full guide to Christmas in Munich Germany, from where to stay and what to eat to my favorite Christmas markets. So, let’s get into it.

Christmas in Munich Germany – My Experience

I recently spent Christmas in Munich and honestly had the best time. I might be a little biased since I’m German and grew up here, so naturally I love Christmas markets and the whole festive season in Germany.

That said, I actually grew up closer to Cologne (about 8 hours from Munich), which feels quite different. Out of all the big cities, I’d say Munich has the most cultural, historical, and festive vibe. Quick geography note: Munich is in Bavaria (in case you didn’t know), and Bavaria is basically the Germany everyone imagines with palaces, castles, cobblestone alleys, lederhosen, sausages, beer, Oktoberfest… Munich is all of that wrapped into one city.

Add Christmas markets and a few cozy snowy days on top of that, and it becomes pure magic. My favorite thing to do was wander around the Christmas markets every evening, sipping mulled wine after a day of sightseeing. It became a little tradition, we would explore in the morning, visit markets at night. It was my perfect day.

If you have a bit of extra time, I highly recommend a side trip to Salzburg, Austria. It’s only a couple of hours away by train (no extra visa needed if you’re already in the EU), and it’s stunning at Christmas. Plus, fun fact: it’s where The Sound of Music was filmed.

When to Visit Munich for Christmas & Tips for Planning

Best time to visit Munich: This might sound obvious, but let’s make it clear: Munich Christmas markets are only open for a limited time each year. If you want the full festive experience, plan your trip in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Most markets open around November 28 and close on December 24. Some of the bigger ones open in mid-November and stay open until New Year’s, but in general, the sweet spot is the four weeks before Christmas Eve.

Book early: Hotels in Munich sell out fast during special events like Christmas and Oktoberfest, and prices skyrocket the longer you wait. I always make sure to book my hotels as early as humanly possible. If you need ideas, I have a full guide on where to stay in Munich that’s worth checking out.

Pack accordingly: Munich in winter is cold. Like, properly cold, below freezing with a good chance of snow. I always pack extra layers, and honestly, thermals or at least leggings and thick socks under my jeans are lifesavers. There’s nothing I hate more than trying to enjoy a Christmas market when my feet have turned into ice blocks.

Get an eSIM: I swear by eSIMs now. I don’t even bother with local SIM cards anymore. They’re just easier. I use Sim Local, and it’s literally one button when I land at the airport: boom, I’ve got data and signal. So simple, and I’ll never go back.
(Sign up here for Sim Local and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA.)

Where to Stay in Munich for Christmas

One of the biggest questions I get is: “Where should I stay in Munich for the Christmas markets?” Honestly, the answer is pretty simple, there are Christmas markets scattered all over the city, so no matter where you stay, chances are there will be one nearby.

That said, when I went to Munich for Christmas, I made sure to book a hotel in the Old Town (Altstadt), basically the city center. For me, being able to walk everywhere is key. I’d much rather stroll back to my hotel after an evening of mulled wine than squeeze onto public transport late at night.

Staying central also puts you within easy walking distance of multiple Christmas markets. In fact, there are at least four or five in the Old Town alone, including the big one at Marienplatz in front of the New Town Hall. From my hotel, I could reach any of them in about 20 minutes max on foot, which was perfect.

To give you an idea of where to start, here are a couple of hotels I stayed at (or would happily recommend):

Book Here: Cortiina Hotel Munich

Book Here: Maximilian Munich

My Top Christmas Markets in Munich Germany

Christmas Market at Marienplatz

My favorite Munich Christmas Market is probably the most obvious one,  the market at Marienplatz, right in front of Munich’s famous New Town Hall. 

It’s definitely the busiest and most popular, but it’s also absolutely stunning. The whole square surrounded by historic buildings, with the town hall lit up in the background, feels like something out of a postcard.

I went here a couple of times during my trip. Once earlier in the day, when it’s quieter and easier to wander around without the big crowds. And then I went again in the evening around 7 p.m., when it’s at its busiest, which is also when it feels the most festive. 

I did all the classics: grabbed a mug of mulled wine and some food. Personally, I love a bratwurst in a Brötchen (bun), but if you see a Thüringer sausage, go for that, it’s a slightly different type of sausage and honestly my favorite. Definitely worth trying new things while you’re here.

Christmas Market at the Munich Viktualienmarkt

I also really enjoyed the Christmas market at the Viktualienmarkt. For context, the Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s daily farmers market right in the middle of the Old Town. Normally it’s open year-round from 8 a.m. and even has its own little beer garden in the middle, which I love visiting anyway, Christmas or not.

But during December, it transforms into a mix of farmers market and Christmas market, which I thought was fantastic. 

When I visited, I was able to try lots of traditional Bavarian foods alongside all the Christmas snacks. And yes, you can even sit in the beer garden, don’t worry, they have heaters. My tip would be to come here earlier in the day for a relaxed vibe, and then head to another market in the evening when you’re ready for more festive chaos.

Food in Munich – Where and What to Eat for Christmas

Food is always a big deal for me when I travel, and Munich was no exception. I try to sample as much local cuisine as possible wherever I go, and in Bavaria, that means a delicious mix of festive Christmas market treats and hearty traditional dishes in beer halls or restaurants.

What to Try at the Christmas Markets Munich

Of course, mulled wine (Glühwein) is the classic. But there are a few twists and other market staples you should definitely look out for:

• Mulled wine with amaretto – a little stronger, a little sweeter, and one of my personal favorites.
  
• White mulled wine – not as common, but worth trying if you see it.
  
• Feuerzangenbowle – this is next-level. It’s basically mulled wine with a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire and dripped into it. If you see a proper setup with the big cauldron and the sugar burning away, go for it. My mom actually prefers it over regular mulled wine, but fair warning: two mugs of this and you’ll be tipsy.

Food-wise, my go-to’s are:

• Bratwurst im Brötchen – a sausage in a bread roll. My tip: mustard only. Ketchup is for kids (same rule as hot dogs, basically). If you can find Thüringer sausage, try that, it’s more seasoned and has better flavor in my opinion.
  
• Roasted almonds – the smell alone will pull you in.
  
• Pretzels – a Bavarian classic, soft and salty.
  
• Mushrooms in garlic sauce – surprisingly popular at markets, and super tasty.
  
• Reibekuchen – like a German hashbrown, but served with apple compote. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.

Traditional Bavarian Dishes to Try in Restaurants

Once you’ve had your fill of market food, don’t skip the more traditional dishes you’ll find in Munich’s restaurants and beer halls. A few worth trying:

• Schnitzel or currywurst – simple, not overly “authentic,” but still good.
  
• Pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) – a Bavarian staple.
  
• Dumplings (Knödel) – usually served with gravy, and very filling.
  
• Sauerkraut – classic German side dish.
  
• Leberkäse – kind of like a Bavarian meatloaf.
  
• Weißwurst with sweet mustard – a white Bavarian sausage. Personally, it’s not my favorite, but it’s so typical for the region that I’d say it’s worth trying at least once.
  

Restaurants in Munich Recommendations

Here are a couple of restaurants I’d recommend for a proper Bavarian dinner in Munich (and I also have a full guide on food in Munich with all my favorite spots for traditional German food):

• Augustiner Klosterwirt München
  
• Tattenbach Wirtshaus München

What to Do in Munich That’s not Christmas Markets (Activities in Munich)

1. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

My absolute favorite thing to do near Munich is taking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. We did a full guided tour, and it was honestly the highlight of my trip. I mean… it’s basically a real-life Disney castle, how could I not be obsessed? 

The trip took all day. We stopped in another little town and saw another cute little castle before we ended up at the Neuschwanstein Castle which was just gorgeous.

2. Visit Nymphenburg Palace

Not quite as impressive as Neuschwanstein, but still gorgeous, is Nymphenburg Palace. We hopped on the tram from Munich Old Town, which took only about 15 minutes. The palace itself is stunning, and the grounds are beautiful. 

I’ve visited both in winter and summer, and while I preferred the gardens in summer, it’s still magical in the snow.

3. Explore Old Town

I love wandering around Munich’s Old Town, especially if you’re staying in the city center. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic sights make it so much fun to explore on foot. Some of my favorite spots include:

• New Town Hall
  
• Old Town Hall
  
• Viktualienmarkt
  
• Frauenkirche

4. Munich Residenz

For museum lovers, the Munich Residenz is a must. This was the former palace of the Bavarian kings, and now it’s a museum showcasing some of the most stunning interiors I’ve ever seen. 

We did a guided tour, which I highly recommend. I learned so much about the history and architecture, and it made the experience even better and more worth it.

FAQs About Christmas in Munich Germany

What are the best Christmas markets in Munich?

I personally think the Christmas market at Marienplatz and the Christmas market at Viktualienmarkt are the most beautiful. Yes, they’re super popular, but I loved the atmosphere and the food at both.

Is Munich for Christmas worth it?

100% yes. Honestly, I think it’s the most worth-visiting city for Christmas in Germany. Munich has this traditional, cultural vibe all year, and with Christmas on top, it feels extra festive and authentically German.

Where to stay in Munich for Christmas markets?

I always recommend staying in the Old Town, whether it’s for Christmas or not. From there, I can explore a huge part of the city on foot and reach several Christmas markets within a short walk.

What is the best place to stay in Munich for Christmas markets?

I personally love Cortiina Munich. It’s a cute little boutique hotel in an old German building, modern yet traditional at the same time and it’s perfectly located for exploring the city. This is my go-to spot every time I visit Munich.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in Munich, Germany

If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Germany, I genuinely think Munich is the best city to do it. For international visitors (from the USA, Australia, etc.), it’s ideal because it matches the classic idea of Germany: Bavaria, castles, palaces, lederhosen, Oktoberfest, beer gardens, old buildings, and stunning architecture, all of that is Munich.

On top of that, Christmas in Munich is magical. The markets in the Old Town are set against gorgeous architecture, palaces, and cobblestone alleys, making the festive atmosphere even more enchanting.

I hope this little guide to Christmas in Munich Germany helps you plan your next trip, enjoy the markets, the mulled wine, and the Bavarian charm!

Check Out My Other Munich Travel Guides

Is Munich Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Munich: My Munich Season Guide

Things to Do in Munich: My Favorite Activities

Is Munich Expensive: My Munich Budget Guide

3 Days in Munich Germany: Munich 3 Day Itinerary

Food in Munich: A Munich Restaurants Guide

Where to Stay in Munich: My Favorite Areas & Hotels