Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz

Dates & opening hours 2026

New from 2026: the market opens on the Friday before Totensonntag. Source: City of Munich (muenchen.de) and the municipal market statute.

From St Nicholas market to Christkindlmarkt

The market's roots go back to the 14th century, when it was called the Nikolaimarkt – named after St Nicholas, whose feast day on 6 December was the focus of pre-Christmas trade. Merchants sold food, wax, toys and winter supplies in the heart of the medieval town.

Over the centuries the market moved around the old town several times. After the Reformation, the "Christkind" (Christ Child) gradually became the gift-bringer at Christmas, and in southern Germany the name Christkindlmarkt took hold. Today Marienplatz is its permanent home, framed by the New Town Hall, built in neo-Gothic style in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Its signature features are the tall Christmas tree in front of the town hall, the red-and-white stalls and the Advent music programme. Learn more about mulled wine, gingerbread and Krampus in history & traditions.

The crib market (Kripperlmarkt)

Part of the Christkindlmarkt is dedicated to the Kripperlmarkt, the nativity crib market. It sits at Rindermarkt in front of St Peter's Church, the "Alter Peter". You will find everything for a nativity scene: carved figures, stables, moss, lanterns and tiny accessories. Many Munich families add a new piece every year. It is considered one of the largest crib markets in Germany and a great place for unusual gifts.

Tip: climb the tower of Alter Peter for a view over the market (fee applies, check the church's opening times).

Programme highlights 2026

• Krampus run: Sunday 13 December 2026, 3–5pm. Groups in fur and wooden masks parade through the market – loud, wild and part of Alpine folklore.
• Himmelswerkstatt ("heaven's workshop"): 26 November – 13 December 2026, crafts and baking for children in the town hall.
• Advent music: choirs and brass bands; the City of Munich publishes the daily programme. Individual dates: to be announced.

Getting there from Central Station

Marienplatz is easy to reach: S1–S8 take about three minutes from Central Station (two stops via Karlsplatz/Stachus). U3 and U6 also stop at Marienplatz. On foot it is about 1.5 km – via Karlsplatz, Neuhauser Straße and Kaufingerstraße, roughly 20 minutes through the pedestrian zone. Details on Central Station to the Christmas market.

Around Marienplatz

The Christkindlmarkt sits right in the old town, so it is easy to combine with other sights. The town hall Glockenspiel chimes several times a day. Viktualienmarkt is just steps away, as is the twin-towered Frauenkirche. To keep exploring, the Christmas Village in the Residenz and the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz are about ten minutes on foot – see all markets in the guide.

With children, the Himmelswerkstatt in the town hall is worth a visit. There is Kinderpunsch for kids, but don't expect fairground rides at Marienplatz: the market is compact and historic, not a funfair.

Tips for your visit

• It is quietest on weekdays until about 3pm.
• Friday and Saturday evenings are very crowded – big bags really get in the way.
• Mugs carry a deposit; each year's design is a popular souvenir.
• Moving on: Wittelsbacherplatz and the Residenz are about 10 minutes' walk away, as is Sendlinger Tor.