Every year it seems Christmas starts a little earlier. The first chocolate Santas already reach the shelves in autumn. That is quite all right, since you now have all the time in the world to enjoy at leisure what Munich has to offer during the pre-Christmas season. Visitors in Munich has variety of indulgences to choose, from Christmas pastries and the Angel’s workshop, to festive concerts, from expeditions to the shops and the Christmas markets, to a stroll through the palace park of Nymphenburg and the glazing New Year’s Fireworks.
Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz
This traditional Christmas market dates back to the 14th century and is the most original and authentic in Munich. The romantic setting in front of the neo-Gothic town hall in Marienplatz adds to the magic of the many stalls radiating traditional Bavarian charm.
November 25 – December 24, 2016, Location: around Marienplatz
Christmas on Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s permanent open market, always offers an abundance of freshness and a vivid experience of Munich’s way of life. Visitors can also enjoy Christmas carols and feel the magic of Advent with a glass of Glühwein(mulled wine). Well worth visiting is the nativity scene at the beer garden, where the figures reflect perfectly the life of the market.
November 26 – December 24, 2016, Location: Viktualeinmarkt
Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz
This Christmas village is situated in the large courtyard of Munich City Palace, the Residenz, well protected from cold winds and snow. The market offers the local crafts workshops, including goldsmiths, furrier and glass blowers.
November 23- December 22. 2016, Location: Munich Residenz, entrance on Residenzstrasse, Odeonplatz
Winter Market at the Munich Airport Center
As of November 21, the aroma of roasted sugarcoated almonds and hot mulled wine will begin to pervade the largest covered winter market in Bavaria. With over 50 stalls, numerous show acts, a 15 meter giant tree, over 400 Christmas trees and ice-skating rink of all its own, this winter market does count as a very special attraction.
November 19- December 30, 2016, Location: Munich Airport center, Forum
Ring in the New Year
Locals and visiting fans of New Year festivities can get together to celebrate the turn of the year in a fitting manner. One of the many options to celebrate New Year’s Eve is at the Tollwood festival- a tried and true party venue for the welcoming New Year. Patrons can celebrate at the Sylvester gala, with a fine menu and artists, and/or with live music and DJ doings.