Tollwood Winter Festival 2026
Tents, lights and the scent of organic mulled wine: during Advent, Tollwood turns Theresienwiese into a festival of market stalls, culture and food – just one metro stop from Central Station.
Dates & opening hours 2026
Source: tollwood.de. Programme and New Year's Eve tickets are published by the organiser; individual dates: to be announced.
What is Tollwood?
Tollwood is a Munich culture festival that has existed since 1988 and takes place twice a year: in summer at the Olympic Park and in winter at Theresienwiese – the same grounds that host Oktoberfest in autumn. It combines culture, market and environmental commitment.
The heart of the winter festival is the Market of Ideas with around 200 exhibitors: crafts, design, fair-trade goods and gifts from around the world. Add food stalls with international cuisine, mostly organic. More than 90 percent of events are free – music, theatre and activities in the tents and on the grounds.
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.
Tollwood or Christkindlmarkt?
Both! The Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is traditional and historic, right in the old town. Tollwood is more modern and international, with a stronger focus on culture and later evenings. Many visitors do Marienplatz by day and Tollwood at night. More markets in our guide to all Munich Christmas markets.
Market of Ideas and food
The Market of Ideas is more than a Christmas market. In heated tents and outdoors, craftspeople, designers and small makers show their work: jewellery, textiles, wooden toys, ceramics, cosmetics and homeware. Many goods are fair-trade or sustainably made, in line with the festival's ethos.
The food ranges from Bavarian classics to dishes from around the world. Tollwood focuses on organic quality and reusable tableware. You can easily spend a whole evening tasting your way from stall to stall – plan three hours rather than one.
Culture, music and New Year's Eve
A daily programme of music, cabaret and hands-on activities runs across the grounds and in the tents, mostly free of charge. Tickets are sold for selected shows in the big tent. To close the year, there is a New Year's Eve party on 31 December 2026 from 7pm at Theresienwiese. Programme and prices: to be announced – check tollwood.de.
Afternoons are best with children: it is quieter and there are family activities. Pushchairs are fine on the paths, but packed tents get tight in the evening.
Getting there from Central Station
- U-Bahn: U4 or U5 from Central Station to Theresienwiese – one stop, about 2 minutes.
- On foot: around 15 minutes via Bayerstraße and Schwanthalerstraße.
- From Marsstraße 13: 5 minutes to Central Station, then U4/U5 – about 15 minutes in total.
More routes: Central Station to the Christmas market.
Tips for your visit
- Weekend evenings are very busy; weekdays right after opening are more relaxed.
- Dishes and cups carry a deposit – Tollwood uses reusables.
- Theresienwiese is wide open: bring warm shoes, a hat and gloves.
- Dragging a suitcase through packed tents is no fun. Drop it off first.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tollwood Winter Festival 2026?
From 24 November to 23 December 2026 at Theresienwiese, plus a New Year's Eve party on 31 December from 7pm.
What time does Tollwood open?
Monday to Friday from 2pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am.
Is Tollwood free?
Entry to the grounds and over 90 percent of events are free. Some shows and the New Year's Eve party require tickets.
How do I get from Central Station to Tollwood?
Take U4 or U5 one stop to Theresienwiese, or walk for about 15 minutes.
Where can I leave my luggage?
At Bavarian Lockers, Marsstraße 13, five minutes from Central Station – from €4.00 per day, daily 7:15am–9pm.