Münchner Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz

Munich's Landmark Market Since the 14th Century

The Münchner Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. Its roots date back to the 14th century, when a "Nikolaidult" was first documented on the eve of December 6th. The market has been held on Marienplatz itself, against the backdrop of the New Town Hall, since 1972. Today, it is a major tourist and cultural attraction in Bavaria's state capital, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each season.

137 Stalls Around Marienplatz

In 2026, approximately 137 stalls will be permitted at the Christkindlmarkt. The offerings range from handmade Christmas tree baubles, nativity figures made of wood and wax, pewter crafts, and Bavarian handicrafts to culinary specialties – mulled wine (Glühwein), mulled punch (Glühpunsch), sausages, gingerbread, roasted almonds, chestnuts, and Munich Christmas Stollen – as well as sustainable and ecological gift items. The stalls extend across Marienplatz itself, into Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauser Strasse, and Rindermarkt.

The Christmas Tree as a Landmark

The centerpiece of the market is the approximately 25-meter-high Christmas tree, traditionally donated by a Bavarian or Austrian mountain community – often from Tyrol or the Munich region. It is decorated with around 250 strings of lights and several thousand LED lights and shines daily from the opening day until Epiphany (January 6th), from 4 PM until the early morning hours.

Advent Singing from the Town Hall Balcony

A Munich specialty: the daily Advent singing from the town hall balcony. From Sunday to Thursday at 5:30 PM (times may vary, check the detailed schedule), brass ensembles, choirs, and school groups perform Advent songs from all over the world directly from the balcony of the New Town Hall. Singing together takes place under the Christmas tree – including traditional Bavarian Christmas carols.

Krampus Run – Ancient Tradition

Every December, the spectacular Krampus run takes place right in the middle of the market. Around 300 masked Krampus figures from about 30 Alpine folklore groups parade through the pedestrian zone – an ancient tradition from the Bavarian-Tyrolean Alps, where frightening devil figures with bells, furs, and carved wooden masks descend upon the city. Up to 50,000 spectators line the route.

Himmelwerkstatt and Kripperlmarkt

For children, the Himmelwerkstatt (Heaven's Workshop) opens in the historic festival hall of the town hall: a crafting and hands-on program with an angelic atmosphere, where gifts, cards, and Christmas tree decorations can be made. Directly next to the Christkindlmarkt, the Kripperlmarkt (nativity market) takes place at Alter Peter – Germany's largest nativity market, offering handmade nativity scenes, figures, accessories, and backdrops.

Bavarian Tradition and New Date

The Christkindlmarkt is not just a market for sales, but a place of identity for the city of Munich. It's where tourists, commuters from the Upper Bavarian region, Munich families, and curious onlookers mingle. From 2026, the market will begin one day earlier than before – on the Friday before Totensonntag, extending the season to about five weeks.