The southern German city of Munich, the seat of Bavaria, is a magical city around Christmastime. With snow covering the buildings and icicles dangling from gutters and tree branches, the city becomes a fairyland. A total of twenty Christmas markets pop up across Munich, with the oldest one being in Marienplatz and having been there since 1310. Stars, angels, and Christmas trees surround the city, and a seasonal tram runs only for Christmas. There are places to go ice skating, including indoor rinks, and occasions when the Isar River freezes over. Celebrations at the opera, meals at five-star restaurants, and other live entertainment help keep the Christmas mood alive.
Christmas Traditions in Munich
Christmas traditions in Munich, Germany, create an atmosphere that is uniquely Bavarian. These traditions, along with the city’s decorations and the snow-capped Alps, make Munich a place to celebrate Christmas. Below are some of the key Christmas traditions:
Christmas Markets
Munich’s famous Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz (Münchner Christkindlmarkt rund um den Marienplatz) dates back to 1642. It is celebrated in the Old Town with a 100-foot-high Christmas tree that towers over traditionally decorated booths. You can warm your hands and your heart with mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle and lebkuchen (gingerbread), or buy gifts like Bavarian woodcarvings, handmade toys, and ornaments.
The beer garden of this market showcases a unique Nativity scene, and the market is also famous for its Advent enchantment. The market stays open from November 27th through December 24th. The Christmas Village at the Residenz is another famous market; it’s located in the biggest courtyard of the city palace in Munich.
Christmas Music at the Cathedral
One of the best spots to listen to German Christmas music in one of its two towers is the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Throughout December, Bavarian choirs and musicians announce the season with concerts, organ recitals, and music-filled church services. A classical music concert in Munich’s St. Luke’s Church is sure to be an experience like no other. You may also hear carefully selected classics during Christmas concerts held at the Allerheiligen-Hofkirche of the Munich Residence.
Tollwood Winter Festival
The Tollwood Winter Festival is held on the same fairgrounds as Oktoberfest and features an international Christmas market in Munich. Here, you can hunt for treasures from around the world and sample organic ethnic food. It stays open every year, from November 23 to December 31. Live music and performances, foreign arts and crafts, and organic treats are a few of the attractions.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” goes the festival’s slogan, and the goal is to provide a space where people may meet and be moved by art. At this festival, you can see the Limbo Unhinged variety show, a talking Christmas tree, a fire theater, live music, and illuminated artwork. Access to the festival grounds and the “Market of Ideas” is available at Munich’s Theresienwiese for free.
Ice Skating
Munich has several ice skating rinks to choose from, but the best is Munich’s largest open-air ice skating rink, Muenchner Eizsauber (Munich Ice Magic). It is set up every November through January in Munich’s shopping district at Karlspatz Square. From the last weekend in November all the way into January, you can enjoy the Eiszauber on the Stachus, which has an ice rink, tasty refreshments, and nighttime parties. Located on Karlsplatz-Stachus, the biggest movable ice rink in Bavaria, it is open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Another alternative is the ice-skating rink located at the Prinzregentenstadion.
Krampuslauf: Krampus Parade
Munich sees its large Krampuslauf the Sunday after December 6 during the Christmas period. Krampus groups from all over Europe travel to Munich for a march through the Marienplatz. More than 300 Krampus wow onlookers with their carved masks, large goat horns, furs, and long hair as they make their way across Marienplatz. Tourists from Europe go to see the Krampus Parade, which features the punishment character from the folklore of St. Nicholas and his entertaining antics. Even though the Krampus looks scary, this centuries-old Alpine custom is a lot of fun for visitors.