Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz
Munich's Christmas market fills Marienplatz every Advent, with free entry and paid food, drink and goods.
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The Munich Christkindlmarkt is the Christmas market held on Marienplatz, the central square of Munich, in the weeks before Christmas. Its roots go back to the 14th century, which makes it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. The market is held in November and December. Entry to the market is free. You pay for food, drink and goods at the stalls, so plan a budget for mulled wine, sausages and gifts. Marienplatz is reached by U-Bahn and S-Bahn, and the trains are the simplest way in from most parts of the city. The busiest times are weekend evenings, when the square is most crowded. Weekday afternoons are quieter. This page covers the basic facts, and the guide covers tickets, where to stay and what to see nearby.
Munich Christkindlmarkt in short
The Munich Christkindlmarkt is held in November and December on Marienplatz in the city center. Entry is free, and food, drink and goods are paid for at the stalls. Weekend evenings are the busiest, and the easiest way there is the U-Bahn or S-Bahn to Marienplatz.
The Munich Christkindlmarkt guide
What the Christkindlmarkt is
The Christkindlmarkt is Munich's traditional Christmas market, held on Marienplatz, the central square of the city. Its stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts, food and drink during the weeks of Advent. The market is among the oldest in Germany, with roots going back to the 14th century.
The New Town Hall stands on the square, so the market sits among the city's main sights. The old town around it is compact, and most of the market can be seen on foot in one visit.
When and how long
The market is held in November and December. It follows the Advent season and ends around Christmas.
Earlier editions followed the same pattern, held on Marienplatz in the weeks before Christmas. Check the date line at the top of this page for the current run.
Where it is and getting around
Marienplatz is in the city center of Munich. The easiest way in is the U-Bahn or S-Bahn. Take the train to Marienplatz station, which is served by the S-Bahn and by the U3 and U6 U-Bahn lines. From the station, you walk up to the square.
Trains are crowded in the evening peak, especially on weekends when the market is busiest. Once you are on foot, the Frauenkirche and the Viktualienmarkt are both within a short walk of the square.
Tickets and costs
Entry to the market is free. You pay for food, drink and goods at the stalls. Those costs are the only ones you will meet on the square, so plan a budget for mulled wine, sausages and gifts.
Prices differ from stall to stall, so compare a few before you buy something larger.
Where to stay
Stay in the old town near Marienplatz if you want to walk to the market in a few minutes and return late. The Hauptbahnhof, Munich's main station, is a short ride from the square on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn, so it is a practical base if you want a quieter area to sleep in.
Tips for a first visit
Go on a weekday afternoon if you want more room on the square. Weekend evenings are the heaviest times, so arrive early or late on those days.
Dress for cold weather, since you will be outdoors for the whole visit. Eat a meal at the stalls, then walk the side streets to see more of the old town.
What else is nearby
The Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral, is a few minutes' walk from the square. The New Town Hall on Marienplatz has a glockenspiel that plays at set times during the day.
The Viktualienmarkt, a food market, is a short walk south of the square. It makes a good stop before or after the Christkindlmarkt.
Where to stay for Munich Christkindlmarkt
Tours and tickets
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Munich Christkindlmarkt FAQ
When is the Munich Christkindlmarkt held?
It is held in November and December, during the Advent season before Christmas.
Do I need a ticket to enter?
No. Entry to the market is free. You pay for food, drink and goods at the stalls.
Where is the Christkindlmarkt?
On Marienplatz in the city center of Munich, the square where the New Town Hall stands.
How do I get there?
Take the U-Bahn or S-Bahn to Marienplatz station. The S-Bahn and the U3 and U6 lines stop there.
When is the market busiest?
Weekend evenings are the heaviest times, so come earlier or later in the day if you want more room.