Easy methods to Spend the Excellent 1 Day in Munich, Germany at Christmas

Final yr, I deliberate to spend 1 day in Munich earlier than embarking on a Christmas market road trip via southwest Germany and the Alsace area of France. However a freak snowstorm actually introduced town to a halt, and turned my 1 day in Munich into… a number of.

However being caught in Munich round Christmas time shouldn’t be a horrible factor; town could be very historic, and it boasts a surprisingly giant variety of distinctive Christmas markets! I used to be capable of discover lots of them (and have additionally visited Munich a number of occasions within the final couple of years), which means that I can now share with you my model of an ideal day in Munich in the course of the Christmas season.

Munich’s Christmas markets

Cities across Germany (and different cities all through Europe) rework within the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas into vacation wonderlands. It is no completely different in Munich, the place there are actually dozens of Christmas markets to select from.

Munich’s important and largest market (the Münchner Christkindlmarkt) takes place on Marienplatz, with greater than 130 market stalls promoting every thing from meals and wine to Christmas decor and items. This one dates again to not less than the 1600s, however presumably way back to the 14th century. After which there are all of the smaller markets, too.

Simply a number of the main Christmas markets in Munich embody:

• Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz – The biggest in Munich on the primary sq.. (Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2024)
• Kripperlmarkt at St. Peter’s – 10 stalls promoting solely nativity-related issues.
• Christmas Village on the Residenz – Munich’s metropolis palace, the Residenz, has its personal Christmas market in its largest courtyard. (Nov. 18-Dec. 22, 2024)
• Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – A small market with medieval-inspired items, meals, and drinks. (Nov. 25- Dec. 23, 2024)
• Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor – A small market beneath certainly one of Munich’s remaining metropolis gates. (Nov., 25- Dec. 22, 2024)
• Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz – Town’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market is small, however so enjoyable! With pink lighting, enjoyable items, and stay music/DJs. (Nov,. 25-Dec. 23, 2024)
• Tollwood Winter Pageant – Another, artsy model of a Christmas market, this one takes place on the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground) and options arts, crafts, and theater productions. (Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 2024, with the market ending on Dec. 23)
• Haidhausen Christmas Market – To the southeast of central Munich, this market on Weissenburger Platz is alleged to be essentially the most stunning in Munich, and has stay Christmas music day by day. (Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2024)
• Christmas market at Chinesischer Turm – This market surrounds the Chinese language Tower contained in the Englischer Garten (assume: Munich’s model of Central Park) with artisan stands and a youngsters’s carousel. (Nov. 27-Dec. 23, 2024)
• Fairytale bazaar at Olympiapark – In search of barely completely different winter market vibes? Head to Olympiapark, the place circus tents home artisans, cozy bars, and small efficiency levels.

You may also discover a festive ambiance on the Viktualienmarkt meals market, an ice rink at Karlsplatz-Stachus, and the mulled wine competition on the Cosimabad wave pool. There’s even a Christmas market on the Munich airport! Discover a full checklist of ALL the Munich space Christmas markets here.

1 day in Munich itinerary (at Christmas)

And now here is the place my Munich Christmas market information goes to vary from all of the others on the market… as a substitute of merely itemizing all of the Munich Christmas markets for you – which could be overwhelming since there are such a lot of of them! – I will offer you a steered 1-day Munich itinerary that may permit you to go to all the most effective ones.

That is itinerary is predicated by myself go to(s) to Munich, together with at Christmas. I will let you know what I ate and when, and in addition counsel one or two non-market-related issues to do alongside the way in which.

A good warning although: this could be a very busy day of sightseeing and market-going if you’d like it to be!

Morning: Marienplatz market

• Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
• Time really useful: 1 hour

Begin your day on the Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, town’s important and largest Christmas market. This grand sq. could be very well-known and really photogenic, with the ornate New City Corridor at its middle. No must rush this morning because the market stalls do not open till round 10 a.m., however going within the morning is totally completely different than later within the day (which you will expertise later, don’t be concerned!).

Stroll among the many stalls as they open this morning, and seize a espresso or scorching chocolate. Certainly one of my favourite morning market snacks are Apfelkücherl, or deep fried apple rings.

Head down the lane in entrance of St. Peter’s church subsequent to see the Kripperlmarkt. Right here, a handful of stands are solely promoting nativity units, nativity figures, and extra objects associated to nativity scenes. Should you’re in search of a singular handmade reward in Munich, these stalls are price a browse. You may also pop into St. Peter’s, which is the oldest church in Munich.

You possibly can comply with the road right down to the Rindermarkt, the place there are a number of extra Christmas market stalls and normally an enormous Christmas pyramid (a tiered wood construction adorned with nativity scenes and different Christmas figures that rotates). That is one other great place to seize a morning snack!

Morning: Frauenkirche

• Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
• Time really useful: half-hour (longer if you happen to go up the tower)

Subsequent, take a break from Christmas market purchasing to go to the Frauenkirche (Cathedral Church of Our Girl). The long-lasting twin towers of this church are an emblem of Munich, and you’ll even go up the South Tower (through elevator!) for some wonderful Munich views.

The Frauenkirche can also be dwelling to “the satan’s footprint” close to the doorway, mentioned to be made by the Satan himself (who wears footwear, apparently).

Late morning: Residenz Palace

• Closest public transit cease: Odeonsplatz (U-bahn)
• Time really useful: 2 hours

From the Frauenkirche, you may stroll to the Residenz München, or Munich Residence – the biggest metropolis palace in Germany. Going right here is definitely a two-fer: you may tour the palace, AND go to the Christmas market that takes place throughout the palace’s largest courtyard!

Should you’re getting hungry for lunch, I might head to the Christmas market first (you may enter the Kaiserhof courtyard without cost from Odeonsplatz), and get one thing from one of many stalls. There are additionally handicraft workshops right here, alongside meals stalls and even youngsters’s puppet exhibits.

After which head to the palace entrance to buy a ticket (they do not promote tickets on-line sadly) and tour the Residenz. This large constructing was the previous royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria, who dominated this area from the 1600s till 1918. At present, you may tour a superb portion of the palace, visiting many opulent rooms, chapels, and halls.

You may also get some good views out over the courtyard Christmas market from contained in the palace (the place the above photograph was taken)!

Permit as much as 2 hours to totally go to the Residenz Palace – and notice that there is a free cloakroom for cumbersome coats and backpacks.

Afternoon: Medieval market

• Closest public transit cease: Odeonsplatz (U-bahn)
• Time really useful: half-hour

From the Residenz Palace, it is a quick stroll over to Wittelsbacherplatz for Munich’s distinctive medieval market. Right here, distributors put on interval garb and promote medieval-themed items, clothes, and meals.

Some of the common issues to strive here’s a Feuerzangenbowle, which interprets actually to “Hearth Tongs Punch.” This “punch” is mainly mulled wine with a shot of rum that is poured over a sugar dice, which is then lit on fireplace. You possibly can do that drink throughout Munich, but it surely’s most original on the medieval market, the place it is served in an enormous clay goblet. (Observe that you’re going to pay a bigger deposit on the goblet.)

Late afternoon: Englischer Garten

• Closest public transit cease: Nationalmuseum/Haus D.Kunst (tram or bus) for the Eisbachwelle; Tivolistraße (tram) and Chinesischer Turm (bus cease) for the Chinese language Tower
• Time really useful: 1 hour

After getting warmed up by your fireplace punch, it is time to head a bit additional north to the Englischer Garten (English Backyard), which is mainly Munich’s Central Park.

On the way in which, I extremely suggest stopping on the Eisbachwelle on the south entrance of the park. Right here, in the midst of town, folks surf on a steady wave within the river. (And sure, even within the winter there will likely be folks browsing the wave!)

Then, if it is good, stroll north via the park to the Chinesischen Turm, or Chinese language Tower. Dwelling to a really enjoyable beer backyard in the course of the hotter months, the Chinese language Tower is surrounded by a comfortable Christmas market in the course of the holidays. There’s normally stay music, a youngsters’s carousel, and cute market stalls.

Elective: Mulled wine competition

• Closest public transit cease: Cosimabad (tram or bus), or Arabellapark (U-bahn)
• Time really useful: 1 hour

IF the Chinese language Tower market does not curiosity you, then I might skip the English Backyard and head a bit additional east by public transit to the winter competition grounds exterior the Cosimabad swimming pool*.

This space hosts a Glühwein Pageant from mid-November via January sixth annually, the place there are 30+ several types of mulled wine to strive. There are cozy tents to lounge in (uncommon for a German Christmas market, if I am sincere!), plus stalls exterior promoting meals and artisan items and items.

I’ve not been to this competition, but it surely’s on my checklist for subsequent time in Munich at Christmas!

*I do not realistically assume you may slot in each the Chinese language Tower market and Glühwein Pageant in the identical afternoon. I might select only one, until you need to skip the Residenz Palace or the Pink Market listed under.

Night: Pink Market and Sendlinger Tor

• Closest public transit cease: Sendlinger Tor (U-bahn or tram)
• Time really useful: 1 hour

Munich’s Pink Market does not open till the night, so head to Stephansplatz after it begins to get darkish. This pink-lit queer market is small, however actually enjoyable. Anticipate stay music or a DJ, rainbow market mugs, and plenty of enjoyable issues on the market. Simply seize a drink right here!

From the Pink Market, it is a quick stroll over to Sendlinger Tor, the place a handful of market stalls are arrange beneath certainly one of Munich’s three remaining metropolis gates. This one is simply cool to see, contemplating this gate dates again to round 1300. Within the night, this small market gave the impression to be a well-liked spot for locals to go for a drink.

Dinner: Rindermarkt

• Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
• Time really useful: half-hour

My absolute favourite factor I ate on the Munich Christmas markets could be discovered on the Rindermarkt market stalls that you’ll have visited earlier within the day. I do not care; return for this!

The dish is known as Flammlachs, and it is salmon that is cooked on a plank round an open fireplace after which shredded right into a sandwich. That is SO GOOD. I nonetheless dream about it.

Night time: Marienplatz + New City Corridor

• Closest public transit cease: Marienplatz (each S-bahn and U-bahn)
• Time really useful: 1-2 hours

Or, I suppose if you happen to do not like fish, then I might suggest heading again to Marienplatz for dinner. There’s a lot good (and inexpensive!) meals right here, together with sausages (my favourite are the small Nürnberger Rostbratwurst on a bun), Käsespätzle (tacky egg noodles topped with crunchy onions), and a lot extra.

Then, for an additional good view of Munich’s largest market, head up a close-by tower!

I had initially deliberate to climb the tower at St. Peter’s, but it surely closes pretty early. A fair higher choice (for my part) is to go up the New City Corridor Tower. This tower is open later (till 8 p.m.), and two elevators take you as much as the statement deck 280 ft (85 meters) above Marienplatz.

You possibly can both purchase tickets on the vacationer data middle, or pre-book a timed ticket online (I went with this feature). It was snowing once I went up, and it was magical!

After which simply benefit from the Marienplatz market till you are prepared to move again to your lodge.

When you’ve got extra time…

Would I like to recommend greater than in the future in Munich at Christmas? Sure, undoubtedly! You may simply fill 2-3 days with largely Christmas actions and Christmas markets.

With extra time in Munich, I might additionally:

• Go to the English Backyard or Glühwein Pageant (whichever you did not do on today)
• Store on the Viktualienmarkt meals market
• Go ice skating at Karlsplatz
• Take public transit out to Nymphenburg Palace
• Go to both the Tollwood Winter Pageant or Fairytale bazaar at Olympiapark for a unique vibe
• Perhaps take a WWII-themed tour, or go on a Night Watchman walking tour

And in case you have even MORE time, then you may plan a day journey from Munich to someplace like Neuschwanstein castle and even Salzburg.

Easy methods to get round Munich

Inside central Munich, you may truly stroll to most locations inside 10-Quarter-hour. However for a number of the spots which might be a bit additional out, public transit is the simplest and most effective approach to get round.

Munich has a wonderful system of trains, trams, and buses, all operated by the Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV). The simplest approach to get tickets is to obtain the MVV app in your smartphone, and purchase tickets immediately via there.

Should you assume you will use public transit for greater than only one or two rides, it is price it to get a Single Day Ticket, which is nice for twenty-four hours (and for in every single place on this itinerary, you simply want an M-Zone ticket, which prices €9.20 for the day). The ticket is validated in your cellphone whenever you buy it, and also you typically haven’t got to indicate/scan it anyplace.

The place to remain in Munich

Munich is one main metropolis in Europe the place the world round the primary practice station (Hauptbahnhof) is definitely pretty good, with many good accommodations to select from. I typically keep close to the practice station to make attending to/from the airport simpler (you may take a practice on to the airport).

My favourite lodge in Munich (to this point) is the NH Collection München Bavaria, which is a 4-star lodge throughout the road from the practice station, with an entrance to S-bahn and U-bahn trains (plus a tram cease) proper exterior.

Different good picks in Munich embody Hotel Metropol (additionally close to the practice station) and Hotel Torbraeu (close to the Outdated City).

What to put on in Munich in December

You may be in Munich in December for Christmas markets, and the climate can differ a bit in early winter. Normally, it is chilly in December – however normally not bitterly so.

Excessive temperatures in Munich in December are normally round 40 levels F (4.4 levels C), with lows dipping into the low- to mid-30s F (proper round 0-2 levels C). It will probably after all be barely hotter or barely colder than this, relying on climate patterns. (It dipped under 20 levels F, or -6.6 levels C, in the course of the snowstorm I acquired caught in, for instance.)

You may need to put together for the prospect of each rain and snow in December – I had a little bit of each on my journey.

My prime suggestions for packing embody:

1. Heat layers – Pack layers that you would be able to combine and match relying on the forecast. On hotter days, a sweater and denims below your coat may be positive, whereas on colder days I normally go for a merino or moisture-wicking base layer below a sweater/cardigan on prime, and probably fleece-lined leggings (like these) below denims or different pants on the underside.
2. A winter coat – You may desire a good jacket, too, both a light-weight down jacket or heavier winter coat, relying on the forecast. (Final yr, I wore this one and was glad for the heavier coat throughout that snowstorm.)
3. Heat, waterproof footwear/boots – Your footwear may be a very powerful merchandise in your Christmas market wardrobe! Remember to convey not less than one pair of heat and waterproof footwear/boots that may sort out any climate. (These Columbia boots are my go-to.)
4. Hand/ft heaters – Talking of staying heat, these HotHands hand/toe warmers are must-packs for me for any winter journey. You possibly can put them in your gloves or boots, they usually’ll keep heat for as much as 8 hours.

I’ve a full Christmas market packing list you may try for extra particular strategies and outfit concepts!

And that is how I might spend in the future exploring Munich at Christmas! It is a probably lengthy day, sure, however I believe you will be happy that you simply noticed the most effective of Munich’s Christmas markets and vacation traditions!

Who’s prepared to go to Munich at Christmas?

Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!