Munich Christmas Markets 2025: Dates, Traditions, Krampuslauf & Private Tours

Updated November 12, 2025 • Plan your festive visit to Munich

🌃 Marienplatz at Night

Munich sparkles each winter as its world-famous Christkindlmärkte fill the city with lights, music, and the scent of roasted almonds. Starting as early as mid-November, these markets are among the first to open in Germany.

This guide covers:

• The best Munich Christmas markets
• Must-try treats like Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, and Plätzchen
• The story of Krampus and the Krampuslauf parade
• How to explore it all with a private city tour by InMunich Tours

🎅 The Origins of the Christmas Market Tradition

Christmas markets trace their roots to medieval Central Europe. There are written records that date back to the 15th century. What began as winter fairs for essentials evolved into beloved celebrations of light, food, and craftsmanship.

Munich’s own Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz dates back to the late Middle Ages and remains one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the world.

🎁 Top Munich Christmas Markets in 2025

🎄 Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz

Dates: 24 November – 24 December 2025

Opening Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Christmas Eve: 10:00am – 2:00pm

This is Munich’s most famous Christmas market, with over 140 stalls, Advent music Sunday to Thursday from the Town Hall balcony at 5:15pm, and the much-loved Krampuslauf parade also know as the Krampus run happening on 14 December (there are more details below!).

🏰 Residenz Christmas Village (Weihnachtsdorf in der Residenz)

The Residenz Christmas Village is one of Munich’s most picturesque markets, tucked inside the historic courtyard of the Munich Residenz. Wooden alpine huts, twinkling lights, and cozy corners make it feel like a fairy-tale village in the middle of the city. You’ll find artisan crafts, regional foods, and even a small stage for live music and puppet shows for children.

Dates: 17 November – 22 December 2025

Hours: Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

It’s especially beautiful at night when the façades of the Residenz glow under soft golden light (an absolute must-see for photographers and romantics alike ❤️).

⚔️ Medieval Christmas Market (Mittelaltermarkt am Wittelsbacherplatz)

If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to the Mittelaltermarkt on Wittelsbacherplatz. This medieval-themed market recreates old Bavarian and European traditions with period costumes, live minstrels, blacksmith demonstrations, and hearty food served in clay mugs and wooden bowls.

Openining ceremony: November 24 at 6pm

Dates: 25 November – 23 December 2025

Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm

Don’t miss the mead (honey wine) and roasted wild boar sandwiches — and be sure to bring your camera! The atmosphere here feels straight out of the Middle Ages, complete with flickering torches and rustic stalls.

🍷 What to Eat & Drink at Munich’s Markets

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

The classic winter warmer — gently heated red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and sugar. Each market has its own recipe, often served in collectible mugs you can keep as souvenirs.

🔥 Feuerzangenbowle

A show-stopping punch where a rum-soaked sugar loaf is set alight and caramelizes as it drips into hot mulled wine below. It’s Insta-worthy, aromatic, and delicious. Watching it being made is half the joy, especially on cold Bavarian nights!

🍪 Plätzchen (Christmas Cookies) — Especially Vanillekipferl

From buttery spritz cookies to jam-filled stars, Plätzchen are a Christmas staple in every Bavarian home. A personal favourite is Vanillekipferl, a delicate, crescent-shaped almond cookie dusted with vanilla sugar that melts in your mouth.

Local Tip: Many stalls also sell Kinderpunsch (a non-alcoholic, spiced fruit punch) so everyone can join the toast.

👹 The Krampus Tradition

In Alpine folklore, Krampus is the horned, furry counterpart to Saint Nicholas. While St. Nick rewards the good, Krampus playfully warns the naughty. It’s an old custom featuring wooden masks, cowbells, and elaborate costumes.

Don’t worry, today’s events are family-friendly and well-supervised — more spectacle than scare!

🕒 Krampuslauf in Munich — 2025 Dates, Times & Route

Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025

Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Marienplatz and Munich Old Town

Route (planned): Sendlinger Straße → Rosental → Viktualienmarkt → Altes Rathaus

The Krampuslauf is free to watch and a highlight of the season — expect laughter, cowbells, and lots of photos! Arrive early, as paths can get very crowded during the parade.

🚇 Getting Around & Practical Tips

• Transport (MVV): U3/U6 to Marienplatz, U4/U5 to Theresienwiese; all S-Bahn lines stop at Marienplatz.
• Best times: Weekday afternoons and early evenings are quieter.
• Mug deposit (Pfand): Expect €2–€5. Return your mug or keep it as a festive souvenir.

🎉 See It All on a Private Christmas City Tour

Make the most of your visit with a private Christmas city tour from InMunich Tours. You’ll stroll through illuminated streets, learn about Munich’s Christmas traditions, and enjoy stops for Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, and Plätzchen at your own pace.

👉 Book your Private Christmas Tour with InMunich Tours

All photos © Adam.

Always check official websites before visiting for any updates to dates or times.