For our December trip last year, we knew we wanted to go somewhere that really put us in the Christmas spirit. Boy, did we find it! Munich, Germany is bursting at the seams with Christmas cheer. Boasting multiple Christmas markets, it’s impossible to not feel merry and bright while you’re there.

From my experience, at German Christmas markets you can expect to find Glühwein (mulled wine), potatoes cooked in a wine sauce (usually in an absurdly large skillet), gingerbread with colorful icing, candied nuts, Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, paper lanterns, and other handcrafted bits and bobs. The vendors typically set up in cute little wooden booths, specially made to look like alpine huts. Everywhere you look, there are lights: Twinkling in the trees, bordering vendor booths, across the tops of streets, and lining the buildings. You will feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairy tale.

Booking.com

Here are my favorite Munich Christmas Markets:

Marienplatz Market

The largest Christmas market in Munich is the one around the Marienplatz, which has served as the city’s main square since 1158. With the famous Glockenspiel standing tall and proud at its center, the Marienplatz Christmas Market contains loads of vendors selling Christmas ornaments, jewelry, paper lanterns, traditional festive foods, and much more! It is here that you can also find the mammoth of a tree that is erected every year and adorned with lights to kick off the Christmas season.

Rindermarkt

Walk south of Marienplatz, and you will shortly find a huge Christmas pyramid selling Glühwein and German sausages. I ordered a sausage and it was amazing. Nearby, you can find other special treats such as potato pancakes with applesauce, Käsespätzle (a German twist on macaroni and cheese), and candied nuts. My favorite booth at Rindermarkt was one selling vintage Christmas ornaments. The owner let me inside, where he had beautiful trinkets. I bought a gorgeous antique jewelry box with a picture of the Glockenspiel on the lid. I keep it on my dresser to remind me of the wonderful time I had with my love in Munich.

Market at the Chinese Tower

We almost did not make it out to this market which would have been a huge mistake. It ended up being one of my favorites. Nestled in the English Garden is a giant Chinese Tower (where you can have a traditional tea in warmer months). The market that encircles the tower is not nearly as crowded as some of the others, because it is farther removed from the city center. We found some great Christmas gifts for family and friends there. The market also had curling lanes, a place for children to meet a “granny” who would read aloud to them in a cute little house, “carpenter grandpa” who taught children little projects to build, and the opportunity to go on a romantic carriage ride through the park. If you want to get away from the crowds, this market is spaced out and you can explore the rest of the park while you’re there too.

Market at Sendlinger Tor

Around the fully intact medieval gate of Sendlinger Tor, you will find a smaller Christmas market. In addition to the usual Christmas gifts, this market also has vendors selling unique goods from around the world such as ceramics and essential oils. Sip on some Glühwein and unwind with friends while looking at the city gate lit up for Christmas.

The Christmas Village in the Imperial Court of the Residence

The Imperial Court is located right across from Feldherrnhalle, which was modeled after the Loggia dei Lanzi of Florence in 1841. If you have children, they will love this market because there is a “Christmas village” set up, with each booth featuring various animatronic characters singing songs and telling stories. They were an unexpected find that were fascinatingly odd. There is also a small stage set up for live traditional music in the square.

You can see a picture of the Loggia dei Lanzi and the square where it is located in my post Fun in Florence.

Ice Skate on the Strachus in Karlsplatz

This ice rink was just down the street from our hotel, The Royal Bavarian (which I highly recommend staying at). Check out the ice rink’s schedule to read about their themed nights and to find out about their special hours for different age groups. If you don’t feel like skating, there is a bar built around the rink where you can grab something to drink and watch the fun.

Medieval Market (Officially Known As the Munich Advent Spectacle)

The Medieval Market was my favorite market we visited! It is set up in Wittelsbacherplatz (say that 10 times fast), a small square across from the famously expensive Steiff Bear Store. I knew I would love this market when I got to the entrance and came face to face with a ginormous wooden spoon proffering candied nuts. The vendors’ booths are made to look like old timbered houses and the sellers are dressed for the time period also. You can find food like stews and smoked salmon. Some of my favorite booths there were the ones selling jewelry, knitted stocking caps, medieval weapons, and wooden kitchen utensils. You may also find interesting entertainment that departs from the norm. While we were there, we watched a trio of acrobats perform!

Winter Wonderland at Munich Airport

Have a long layover at Munich Airport in December and don’t want the Christmas fun to end? Head over to the large outdoor space between terminals, known as the MAC Forum, where you will find a large Christmas market complete with live music and an ice skating rink.