Munich Christmas Market 2026
Mulled wine on Marienplatz, organic punch at Theresienwiese, handmade art in Schwabing: here are Munich's main Christmas markets for 2026 with official dates, the fastest routes from Central Station and how to explore without your suitcase.
Key dates for 2026
From 2026 the Munich Christkindlmarkt opens on the Friday before Totensonntag (Germany's Sunday of remembrance) – this year on 20 November. On 22 November 2026 the city markets stay closed. The dates below come from the organisers and the City of Munich (as of 25 Oct 2026):
| Market | Location | Dates 2026 | Opening hours | From Central Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich Christkindlmarkt | Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, crib market by Alter Peter | 20 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 (closed 22 Nov) | Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–8pm, 24 Dec 10am–2pm | S1–S8 to Marienplatz (2 stops) or approx. 20 min on foot |
| Tollwood Winter Festival | Theresienwiese | 24 Nov – 23 Dec 2026, New Year's Eve party 31 Dec from 7pm | Mon–Fri from 2pm, Sat/Sun from 11am; closing 10:30pm–midnight depending on area | U4/U5 to Theresienwiese (1 stop) or approx. 15 min on foot |
| Christmas Village at the Residenz | Kaiserhof of the Residenz, near Odeonsplatz | 16 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 (closed 22 Nov) | daily 11am–9pm, 22 Dec until 8pm | U4/U5 to Odeonsplatz |
| Medieval Christmas Market | Wittelsbacherplatz | 20 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 (closed 22 Nov) | daily 11am–9pm | U4/U5 to Odeonsplatz, 3 min walk |
| Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor | Sendlinger-Tor-Platz | 20 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 (closed 22 Nov) | daily 10:30am–9pm | U1/U2 to Sendlinger Tor (1 stop) |
| Pink Christmas | Stephansplatz (Glockenbach) | 20 Nov – 20 Dec 2026 | Mon–Fri 4–10pm, Sat/Sun 2–10pm | U1/U2 to Sendlinger Tor, approx. 5 min walk |
| Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower | English Garden | 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026, Wed–Sun only (plus 21–23 Dec) | Wed–Fri 11:30am–8:30pm, Sat/Sun 11am–8:30pm | U3/U6 to Giselastraße, approx. 15 min walk |
| Schwabing Christmas Market | Münchner Freiheit | 25 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 | Mon–Fri 12–8:30pm, Sat/Sun 11am–8:30pm, food until 9pm, 24 Dec 11am–2pm | U4/U5 to Odeonsplatz, then U3/U6 to Münchner Freiheit |
| Haidhausen Christmas Market | Weißenburger Platz | 23 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 (per City of Munich) | Opening hours: to be announced | S1–S8 to Rosenheimer Platz, approx. 5 min walk |
No guarantee. Organisers publish short-notice changes on their own websites.
Which market suits you?
Classic and central: The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the oldest and largest market in town, with more than 130 stalls, the huge Christmas tree in front of the town hall and the crib market at Rindermarkt. It is about a 20-minute walk from our drop-off point.
Culture and organic food: The Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese combines the "Market of Ideas" with around 200 exhibitors, organic food and a programme that is over 90 percent free of charge.
Atmospheric and smaller: The Christmas Village in the Residenz courtyard, the market at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden and the medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz are smaller but full of character. See all markets with addresses and hours in our complete guide.
Art and neighbourhood feel: The Schwabing Christmas Market at Münchner Freiheit celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is still run by the artists themselves. Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz is Munich's queer Christmas market.
Explore the Christmas markets hands-free
Between stalls, mulled wine stands and crowds, a suitcase only gets in the way. Drop it off at Bavarian Lockers: Marsstraße 13, 80335 Munich, about five minutes from the north exit of Central Station. Staffed storage instead of lockers, any size, from €4.00 per item per day (plus a €1.75 service fee per booking). Open daily 7:15am–9pm.
All details on luggage storage at Munich Central Station.
A Christmas market walk in one afternoon
Many visitors arrive by train with only half a day. A proven walking route through the old town:
- Marsstraße 13: drop off your luggage (approx. 5 min from Central Station).
- Sendlinger Tor: small, historic market – one stop on U1/U2 or a 20-minute walk.
- Marienplatz & Rindermarkt: main market and crib market, about 10 min on foot from Sendlinger Tor.
- Wittelsbacherplatz & Residenz: the medieval market and the Christmas Village are just a few minutes apart near Odeonsplatz.
- Back: U4/U5 from Odeonsplatz to Central Station, collect your bags.
Allow three to four hours including browsing. All routes and travel times are on Central Station to the Christmas market.
Understand the traditions
Why is it called "Christkindlmarkt"? Where do mulled wine, gingerbread and Krampus come from? And what does a 14th-century St Nicholas market have to do with it? Read our article on Christmas market history & traditions.
Practical tips
- Come early on weekdays: weekday afternoons at Marienplatz are much calmer than Saturday nights.
- Mug deposit: most markets charge a deposit on mugs. Return it or keep the mug as a souvenir.
- Cash and card: many stalls take cards, but some cash is handy.
- Dress warmly: December temperatures in Munich are often around freezing.
- Avoid big bags: suitcases and large backpacks are awkward in crowds and attract pickpockets.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Munich Christmas market 2026?
The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, closed on 22 November. Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–8pm, Christmas Eve 10am–2pm.
When is Tollwood in winter 2026?
The Tollwood Winter Festival runs from 24 November to 23 December 2026 at Theresienwiese, plus a New Year's Eve party on 31 December.
Which Munich Christmas market opens first?
Among the big central markets, the Christmas Village at the Residenz opens first on 16 November 2026, followed by the Chinese Tower market on 19 November.
Where can I leave luggage near Munich Central Station?
At Bavarian Lockers, Marsstraße 13, about five minutes from Central Station. Staffed storage from €4.00 per day, open daily 7:15am–9pm.
Are the Christmas markets open on 24 December?
Some are, briefly: Marienplatz until 2pm and Schwabing from 11am to 2pm. Many others close on 22 or 23 December.