Winter wonderland at the Munich Christmas market on Marienplatz

First mentioned as the "St Nicholas Market" in 1310, Munich's Christmas market has a long history behind it. A permanent fixture on Marienplatz since 1972, today it attracts visitors with around 130 stalls offering culinary delights, artistic crafts and lovingly designed gifts. The historic nativity scene market in front of St Peter's is particularly worth a visit: it has been the largest nativity scene market in Germany since 1757 and offers an impressive selection of alpine and oriental nativity scenes, figures and rarities.

Festive sounds from the town hall balcony

Every evening, festive Advent music fills Marienplatz with Christmas cheer live from the town hall balcony. Wind ensembles, choirs and traditional parlour music get you in the mood for the Christmas season, and the Grünwald tower wind players provide an atmospheric end to the market season on 24 December at noon. These musical performances, which combine German Christmas classics and international Christmas carols, provide a wonderful accompaniment to a stroll through the market.

A highlight for the little ones: The sky workshop and the Punch and Judy show

Children's eyes will light up when they enter the festively decorated sky workshop. In the Ratstrinkstube of Munich City Hall, children aged 6 to 12 can get creative and make their own Christmas tree decorations or Christmas decorations. This popular activity takes place daily from 28 November to 15 December 2024 and is an ideal opportunity for the little ones to become part of the Christmas magic themselves. Further entertainment is provided by the Punch and Judy show in the town hall courtyard, where Nikolaus Zettl makes the little guests laugh with the classic adventures of Punch and Judy.

The spectacular Krampus run: an experience for young and old alike

On 8 December 2024, visitors can look forward to a special tradition: the Krampus run, which starts at 3 pm and leads from Sendlinger Straße to Marienplatz. Around 25 Krampus and Perchten groups present their impressive costumes and masks, which can weigh up to 10 kg. With their two or more horns, the Krampuses and Perchten drive away the winter and at the same time bring the traditional Alpine culture to life at the Munich Christmas market. Don't worry - the run is family-friendly and above all offers an impressive show that will delight all generations.

A place of enjoyment and encounters

The numerous food stalls, which offer traditional Christmas treats such as mulled wine, roasted almonds and bratwurst sausages, will delight your taste buds. Whether with family, friends or as a couple - the Munich Christmas Market is a place to meet and share experiences, where you can leave your hectic everyday life behind and enjoy the magic of the pre-Christmas period.

Travelling to the Christmas market

Travelling to the Munich Christmas Market could hardly be more convenient: The Marienplatz S-Bahn station is located directly below the market and puts you right in the centre of the action. Marienplatz can be reached in just a few minutes from the main railway station and Ostbahnhof station on all S-Bahn lines. This means you can enjoy the market stress-free and without having to search for a parking space. Various underground lines also stop at Marienplatz and offer fast connections from all parts of Munich.